SF1691

Purpose

• The bill provides a $1,000,000 appropriation from Minnesota’s general fund in fiscal year 2026 to the commissioner of health.
• The funds are for a grant to the Birth Justice Collaborative to strengthen and implement the current African American-focused Homeplace model in Hennepin County.
• The goal is to improve access to culturally centered healing and care during pregnancy and the postpartum period, with the aim of improving maternal and child health outcomes.

Main Provisions

• Funding source and recipient:
  • General Fund amount: $1,000,000 in FY 2026.
  • Recipient: Birth Justice Collaborative, via a grant from the commissioner of health.
• Model and scope:
  • Focus on the African American-focused Homeplace model in Hennepin County.
  • Purpose is to strengthen and implement this model to provide culturally centered healing and care for pregnant individuals and during the postpartum period.
• Reporting requirement:
  • By December 15, 2026, or 12 months after the grant distribution (whichever is later), the Birth Justice Collaborative must report to the commissioner of health.
  • The report should detail implementation progress, outcomes achieved, and recommendations for future funding and potential program expansion.
• Duration and availability:
  • The appropriation remains available until June 30, 2028.

Local Scope and Purpose

• Geographic focus: Hennepin County, Minnesota.
• Target: Improve access to care that respects culture and community needs during pregnancy and after birth, aiming to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Creates a new (or updated) appropriation and reporting requirement tied to the African American-focused Homeplace model.
• Establishes a funded program pathway through the Birth Justice Collaborative and the Health Department to support the Homeplace model in a specific county.
• Adds a formal reporting deadline and requirements for program evaluation and funding recommendations.

Expected Outcomes

• Increased access to culturally centered healing and care for pregnant and postpartum individuals in the African American community.
• Improved maternal health outcomes and child health outcomes in the target population.
• A documented assessment of progress and recommendations to guide future funding and potential expansion of the Homeplace model.

Compliance and Conditions

• Reporting obligations must be met within the specified timeframe.
• Availability of funds is limited to June 30, 2028, unless further appropriations or extensions are provided by the legislature.

Relevant Terms - African American-focused Homeplace - Homeplace model - Birth Justice Collaborative - Commissioner of Health - General Fund - Minnesota - Hennepin County - pregnancy - postpartum - culturally centered healing and care - maternal health outcomes - child health outcomes - grant - fiscal year 2026 - reporting deadline (December 15, 2026) - 12 months after grant distribution - program expansion - funding recommendations - availability until June 30, 2028