This bill appropriates funds for the Minnesota Helmets to Hardhats program, which helps National Guard, reserve, active duty military members, and veterans transition into careers in the building and construction industries through registered apprenticeship programs.

Specifically, the bill allocates $238,000 from the workforce development fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to the commissioner of labor and industry, who will grant the funds to Building Strong Communities for program implementation. The program’s recruitment, selection, employment, and training must be non-discriminatory, ensuring equal access regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, public assistance status, or age.