Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to address the impacts of climate change on mental health in Minnesota by establishing an advisory task force. It seeks to study and provide recommendations on how to best mitigate these impacts through a structured program under the state's Department of Health.

Main Provisions

• Climate Resiliency Program: The bill modifies existing statutes to implement a climate resiliency program. This program aims to increase awareness about climate change, track its public health impacts, and offer support to various public and governmental bodies.

• Climate and Mental Health Advisory Task Force: The establishment of a 16-member task force is mandated to specifically assess the mental health effects of climate change. This group will be composed of legislative appointees and experts from communities particularly affected by climate change.

• Duties of the Task Force: The task force is tasked with:

  1. Identifying mental health effects linked to climate change and extreme weather events.
  2. Analyzing the severity of these effects on different demographics.
  3. Recognizing communities most adversely impacted.
  4. Developing strategies to mitigate these effects.
  5. Gathering public input and reporting findings to the commissioner of health.
  6. Making targeted recommendations with an implementation schedule.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill amends the Minnesota Statutes by specifying the creation and roles of the Climate and Mental Health Advisory Task Force, which was not previously part of the state's health protocols regarding climate change.

Funding

An appropriation is made from the general fund to support the task force. This funding is designated for fiscal year 2026 and will remain available until June 30, 2031.

Relevant Terms

• Climate Change
• Mental Health
• Task Force
• Extreme Weather Events
• Climate Resiliency
• Public Health
• Minnesota Health Department
• Community Impact
• Environmental Health