Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this Minnesota legislative bill is to allocate funds for a statewide family mediation pilot program. The initiative is aimed at supporting grandparents and families through mediation services, helping resolve disputes and providing necessary assistance.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill includes a one-time appropriation of $3,000,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026. This money is granted to Community Mediation Minnesota to run the mediation program.
• Service Delivery: The program will offer family dispute resolution services, including family reconnection coaching and mediation.
• Awareness and Access: Efforts will be made to increase public awareness and access to these family dispute resolution services throughout the state.
• Cultural Partnerships: The program will collaborate with culturally specific dispute resolution programs to enhance virtual and in-person mediation services.
• Training and Competency: There will be an emphasis on expanding the roster of family mediators and improving their skills.
• Service Integration: Mediation services will be combined with navigation, resource connection services, legal assistance, and court services programs to offer comprehensive support.
• Program Evaluation: Tools to evaluate and refine the effectiveness of the program will be developed.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill does not amend existing laws. Instead, it introduces a new funding initiative for family mediation to support dispute resolution in Minnesota with novel strategies and broad service integration.

Relevant Terms

• Family mediation
• Dispute resolution
• Mediation services
• Grant funding
• Family reconnection coaching
• Cultural mediation programs
• Legal assistance