This bill proposes the establishment of several grant programs and funding mechanisms to support ambulance services and emergency medical response in Minnesota. The key elements of the bill include:

1. Ambulance Service Grant Programs:

   • The Ambulance Service Cost of Readiness Grant Program, which will provide grants to licensed ambulance services to cover both operational and capital expenses.
   • The Emergency Medical Services Improvement, Modernization, and Sustainability Grant Program, which will provide funding to political subdivisions (counties, cities, and townships) to improve and sustain emergency medical services.

2. Rural Emergency Medical Services Uncompensated Care Pool Payment Program:

   • This program would compensate eligible rural ambulance services for uncompensated emergency medical responses when no payment is received for service.

3. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Telecommunications Fees:

   • A new monthly telecommunications fee on wireless voice service subscribers will be established to provide additional funding for emergency medical services.
   • A separate prepaid wireless emergency medical services fee will also be imposed and collected at the point of sale.

4. Funding and Appropriations:

   • The bill allocates $80 million from the general fund to support these EMS initiatives.
   • Specific appropriations include:
     • $16 million annually (FY 2026 & 2027) for the Ambulance Service Cost of Readiness Grant Program.
     • $60 million annually (FY 2026 & 2027) for the Emergency Medical Services Improvement Grant Program.
     • $4 million annually (FY 2026 & 2027) for the Rural EMS Uncompensated Care Pool Payment Program.

5. Repeal of Existing EMS Legislation:

   • The bill repeals Minnesota Statutes 144E.275, subdivision 1, which previously defined Medical Response Units.

In summary, this bill aims to enhance Minnesota’s emergency medical services by introducing new funding streams, providing direct financial assistance to ambulance services, and supporting improvements to EMS infrastructure, especially in rural areas.