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HF 2707

Sexually exploited youth safe harbor shelter and housing funding provided, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Esther Agbaje and 34 co-sponsors

Provides dedicated funding for safe harbor shelters and housing with trauma‑informed services to stabilize and protect sexually exploited youth.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Human Services Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 2707

Bill Summary: HF 2707 (2025-2026) – Sexually Exploited Youth Safe Harbor Shelter and Housing Funding

Overview

HF 2707 is a Minnesota bill introduced in the 2025-2026 session that seeks to provide funding for safe harbor shelter and housing for sexually exploited youth. The measure establishes the intent to enhance supports, shelter access, and housing stability for youth who have been sexually exploited, aiming to improve safety, services, and long-term outcomes.

Primary Purpose and Intent

  • Increase availability of safe harbor services for sexually exploited youth.
  • Fund shelters and housing options that are trauma-informed, youth-centered, and accessible.
  • Improve coordination among state systems (e.g., child welfare, criminal justice, health, and housing) to meet the needs of sexually exploited youth.
  • Promote preventive and responsive measures to reduce re-victimization and support recovery and stability.

Key Provisions and Changes (Substantive Provisions)

Note: The bill text itself is not provided here, so the following reflects typical elements such a bill would include based on its title and sponsor context. If you have access to the full text, please share for precise details.

  • Funding authorization: Establishes a dedicated funding stream (likely through appropriations) dedicated to safe harbor shelters and housing for sexually exploited youth.
  • Service scope: Authorizes or directs funding for:
    • Shelter beds and temporary housing options specifically for sexually exploited youth.
    • Long-term and transitional housing to support stabilization and independence.
    • Trauma-informed services (counseling, case management, health services, housing navigation).
    • Coordinated case planning and navigators to connect youth to resources (education, employment, mental health, substance use treatment).
  • Eligibility and targeting:
    • Defines eligible populations (e.g., individuals under a certain age who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation or trafficking).
    • Prioritizes youth at risk of removal from homes or those who have aged out of other systems.
  • Compliance and oversight:
    • Establishes reporting requirements to the legislature or a state department (e.g., human services) on program outcomes, expenditures, and youth safety metrics.
    • May require adherence to licensing, accreditation, or enhanced standards for shelters (trauma-informed care, safety protocols, staff training).
  • System collaboration:
    • Encourages or mandates collaboration across state agencies and child protection systems.
    • Supports data sharing within privacy constraints to track service access and outcomes.
  • Funding mechanisms:
    • Details on grant processes, duration of funding (annual vs multi-year), and maximum grant amounts.
    • Potentially includes a matching requirement or local government/tribal involvement.

Who Is Affected

  • Sexually exploited youth and their families who access shelter and housing services.
  • Shelter providers, service organizations, and housing partners that deliver trauma-informed care and housing solutions.
  • State agencies and departments responsible for children’s services, housing, health, and criminal justice.
  • Local governments, Tribes, and community-based organizations involved in youth services.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and first reading: March 24, 2025.
  • Referred to: Human Services Finance and Policy.
  • Next steps likely include committee hearings, potential amendments, and a floor vote. If passed, the bill would move to the next legislative stage for consideration of appropriations and program design details.

Practical Implications

  • If funded, communities could expand access to safe, stable housing and wraparound services for youth who have experienced exploitation.
  • Enhanced coordination among public systems could streamline access to education, health care, and safety supports.
  • Ongoing reporting and oversight would aim to ensure accountability and measurable outcomes for youth served.

Additional Notes

  • The bill lists a broad slate of sponsors, indicating broad legislative support and bipartisan or cross-ideological backing typical for child welfare and youth safety measures.
  • Precise dollars, grant structure, eligibility criteria, and reporting metrics would be defined in the full bill text and accompanying fiscal notes.

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

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