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Bill

HF 324

State financial assistance prohibited to noncitizens.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pam Altendorf and 1 co-sponsor

Prohibits state-financed aid from being provided to noncitizens, requiring eligibility verification and enabling enforcement by denial or recoupment of funds.

Author added Altendorf
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 324

Summary of HF 324 (2025-2026) — State financial assistance prohibited to noncitizens

Purpose and intent

HF 324 seeks to prohibit state financial assistance to individuals who are not citizens of the United States. The bill outlines eligibility requirements for programs or payments funded or administered by the state and sets limitations intended to restrict access to certain public funds for noncitizens.

Key provisions and changes

  • Eligibility restriction: The bill would bar noncitizens from receiving state financial assistance programs or payments that are funded or administered by Minnesota state government.
  • Scope of programs covered: The text indicates a broad aim to apply to “state financial assistance,” which could encompass various forms of public aid, grants, subsidies, or other monetary support administered at the state level. The exact list of programs would be defined in the bill’s operative language and any later amendments.
  • Verification requirements: The bill may require eligibility verification demonstrating citizenship or lawful presence as a condition to receive state financial assistance. Specific methods for determining citizenship or lawful presence (e.g., documentation, residency status) would typically be described in the bill.
  • Penalties and enforcement: Provisions likely outline enforcement mechanisms for noncompliance, potentially including denial of benefits, recoupment of funds, or other penalties. Details would be specified in the full text.
  • Conflict with federal law or constitutional considerations: As with similar proposals, the bill could raise questions about preemption under federal law or potential constitutional challenges regarding equal protection or due process. These issues would be addressed in the bill’s analysis or subsequent legal reviews.

Who and what would be affected

  • Beneficiaries: Noncitizens seeking state financial assistance would be directly affected, being ineligible to receive state-funded aid under the bill.
  • State programs and agencies: State departments and agencies that administer financial assistance programs would implement the eligibility determinations and enforce the new rules.
  • Taxpayers and state fiduciaries: By restricting eligibility, the bill could affect public budget allocations and the distribution of state resources, with broader fiscal implications.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading: HF 324 was introduced and referred to the State Government Finance and Policy committee on February 13, 2025.
  • Author and sponsors: The bill lists Pam Altendorf and Elliott Engen as co-sponsors; Altendorf was added as an author on February 20, 2025.
  • Next steps (typical legislative process): If the bill advances, it would be considered by the referenced committee, possibly undergo amendments, be brought to the floor for debate, and if passed, move to the other legislative chamber and then to the governor for signature or veto. Specific scheduling would depend on committee activity and floor action.

Notes

  • The provided information covers the bill’s title, stated purpose, and initial procedural history. The exact statutory language, definitions (e.g., “state financial assistance”), and enforcement details would be found in the bill’s text as filed and any subsequent amendments.

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

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