HF1472

Purpose

Provide funding to improve compliance with federal rules and to support aging services in Minnesota. The bill aims to strengthen the Minnesota Board on Aging's ability to work with area aging programs, support aging service providers, and boost capacity for the Senior LinkAge Line and its contact centers.

Key Provisions

• Appropriates general fund dollars for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to the Minnesota Board on Aging through the Department of Human Services, under Minnesota Statutes section 256.975.
• Adds staff to improve compliance and technical assistance:
  • 1 full-time equivalent (FTE) to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to help with updates and technical assistance to the seven area agencies on aging and service providers.
  • 1 FTE to support compliance and policy development for services under the Older Americans Act.
• Increases capacity to handle growing demand:
  • 2 FTE to better support increased service demands and operational needs of the Senior LinkAge Line.
  • 18 additional staff positions for the area agencies on aging contact centers to support Senior LinkAge Line operations.
• The appropriation is added to the base, meaning it becomes ongoing funding.

Funding and Fiscal Details

• FY2026: 1,995,000 general fund.
• FY2027: 2,071,000 general fund.
• All funding supports the Minnesota Board on Aging and related aging services.

Agencies and Programs Affected

• Minnesota Board on Aging (board administering aging policies and programs).
• Department of Human Services (administers the appropriation).
• Seven area agencies on aging (AAAs) and aging service providers.
• Senior LinkAge Line (the aging help and information line).

Significance and Changes to Law

• Expands staffing and resources to improve federal compliance and policy development for Older Americans Act services.
• Increases personnel at aging service contact centers to enhance customer support and information services.
• Strengthens the capacity of the aging network to serve older Minnesotans and to comply with federal requirements.

Relevant Terms - Minnesota Board on Aging - Area agencies on aging (AAAs) - Senior LinkAge Line - Older Americans Act - Federal regulations / compliance - General fund - Appropriation - Department of Human Services - Minnesota Statutes section 256.975 - Full-time equivalent (FTE) - Service providers - Contact centers - Base funding - Fiscal year 2026 - Fiscal year 2027