HF492

Purpose

The bill would provide funding from the state general fund to support mental health services and outdoor activities for people who are currently serving in the military and for veterans. The goal is to improve mental health, encourage connections with mental health professionals, and boost overall well-being through outdoor programs.

Main Provisions

• Authorization of funding: $250,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 in fiscal year 2027 from Minnesota’s general fund.
• Agency and recipient: The money would go to the commissioner of veterans affairs to grant funds to Hometown Hero Outdoors, a nonprofit organization based in Stillwater, Minnesota.
• Program purpose: To fund outdoor recreational activities and mental health services for currently serving military personnel and veterans.
• Health and well-being goals: The grant aims to promote positive mental health, encourage interactions with mental health service professionals, and improve longevity and quality of life through outdoor activities and mental health services.
• Public education: The program includes a public education component related to mental health.
• Continuity of support: The funding is intended to help Hometown Hero Outdoors continue supporting people who are currently serving or have served in the military.

Significance and Administration

• The bill creates a state-funded grant program to support a nonprofit organization serving service members and veterans.
• It adds a dedicated funding stream specifically for outdoor-based activities and mental health services within the veterans benefits framework.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Establishes a new appropriation from the general fund to support a veteran-focused nonprofit grant program, expanding state support for veterans’ mental health and outdoor recreation initiatives.

Relevant Terms - General fund - Commissioner of veterans affairs - Grant - Hometown Hero Outdoors - Stillwater, Minnesota - 501(c)(3) nonprofit - outdoor recreational activities - mental health services - currently serving military personnel - veterans - public education - positive mental health - mental health professionals - longevity - quality of life