HF94

This bill proposes changes to the current laws in Minnesota related to education cost reimbursements for volunteer ambulance attendants. Specifically, it amends Section 144E.35 of the Minnesota Statutes to provide financial aid to licensed ambulance services for costs incurred in the initial and continuing education of their volunteer EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) and EMRs (Emergency Medical Responders).

Key Points of the Bill: 1. Licensed ambulance services will be reimbursed for expenses such as tuition, transportation, food, lodging, and hourly payments associated with the education of volunteer ambulance attendants, upon their successful completion of approved training courses. 2. The maximum amounts for reimbursement are: - $1,200 for an initial EMT course, - $400 for an EMT continuing education course, - $600 for an initial EMR course,
- $200 for an EMR continuing education course. 3. To qualify for reimbursement, an ambulance service must have responded to 5,000 or fewer calls in the previous year. 4. Reimbursements are contingent on the state’s financial ability to support the program. If state funds are insufficient, reimbursements will be suspended until more funds are available. 5. The bill allocates $100,000 each for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to support this reimbursement program.

In summary, this bill aims to financially assist ambulance services in Minnesota with the education and training costs of their volunteer staff to better serve their communities.