Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to provide funding for educational and skills training programs for jail inmates in Hennepin County, Minnesota. The goal is to help inmates work towards educational qualifications and personal development, facilitating their reintegration into society.

Main Provisions

• Appropriation of Funds:

  • The bill allocates $92,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $92,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund for a grant to the Hennepin County sheriff.

• Use of Funds:

  • Educational Instruction: $89,000 of the grant each year is designated to hire a qualified individual to assist inmates in obtaining a high school diploma or GED.
  • Course Licensing: $3,000 annually is allocated for the licensing fees of educational materials used in courses on anger management, cognitive awareness, empowerment, personal responsibility, and parenting. These courses may be conducted in person, in hybrid formats, or as self-directed learning.

• Reporting Requirement:

  • The Hennepin County sheriff is required to submit an annual report to the commissioner by June 30 each year detailing the use of grant funds. The report should include accomplishments, lessons learned, and recommendations for best practices in providing educational and skills training to inmates.

Significant Changes

• This bill introduces a new initiative by appropriating funds specifically targeted at inmate education and skills enhancement, which is not currently covered under existing Minnesota laws.

Relevant Terms

• Appropriation
• Hennepin County Sheriff
• Inmates
• Educational Instruction
• High School Diploma
• GED
• Anger Management
• Cognitive Awareness
• Personal Responsibility
• Parenting
• Reintegration