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HF 491

Law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel provided funding for mental health services and outdoor activities, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Clardy and 13 co-sponsors

The bill funds mental health services for Minnesota public safety personnel (law enforcement, fire, EMS) and supports outdoor activity participation.

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Bill Summary · HF 491

Summary of HF 491 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Purpose and Intent

HF 491 proposes funding and program support dedicated to the mental health needs of public safety personnel, specifically law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. The bill also includes funding and opportunities for outdoor activity participation. The overarching aim appears to be improving mental health resources and well-being for first responders, potentially through direct services, programmatic support, and targeted outdoor or recreational activities.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Mental Health Services Funding for Public Safety Personnel

    • The bill designates funding to support mental health services for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel. While specifics are not listed in the provided overview, typical provisions might include access to counseling, crisis intervention, peer support programs, and mental health screenings or treatment subsidies.

  • Outdoor Activities Funding

    • An allocation or program support is included to provide opportunities for outdoor activities. This could involve subsidized participation, equipment or facility access, or partner programs intended to promote physical health, stress relief, and peer camaraderie through outdoor recreation.

  • Appropriations and Allocation

    • The bill explicitly references funding and appropriations, indicating that the initiatives would be supported by state dollars. Details on funding levels, duration, and eligible expenditures are not provided in the summary but are central to the bill’s implementation.

Who is Affected

  • Primary Beneficiaries
    • Law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel employed by Minnesota or affiliated public safety entities who would access funded mental health services.
  • Secondary Stakeholders
    • Public safety agencies (police, fire departments, EMS providers) that administer or administer for these services.
    • Potentially families of public safety personnel, if programs include family counseling or supportive services.
    • Organizations or providers delivering mental health services or outdoor recreation programs under contract with the state.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and First Reading
    • Introduced and referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy on February 13, 2025.
  • Author and Sponsor Activity
    • Initial author additions occurred through February 2025, with multiple co-authors/sponsors joining in the weeks that followed (extensive list of cosponsors including Brad Tabke and others).
  • Next Steps (typical legislative process)
    • The bill would move through committee deliberations within Public Safety Finance and Policy, potentially then to another policy committee, and ultimately to floor action in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
    • If advanced, it would require passage by both chambers and signature by the governor or a veto override.

Notes

  • Details such as the exact funding amount(s), eligible programs, implementation timeline, ongoing maintenance costs, reporting requirements, and any matching funds or sunset provisions are not specified in the provided overview. For a complete understanding, it would be essential to review the bill’s full text, fiscal note, and committee testimony.
  • The bill’s emphasis on mental health and outdoor activities aligns with broader state interests in supporting frontline responders and promoting well-being and resilience among public safety personnel.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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