SF3232

SF3232 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Minnesota financial opportunity grant pilot program establishment

Related bill: HF3001

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish a pilot program in Minnesota that provides direct financial support to help promote economic stability among residents. This support will encourage workforce participation, community investment, and help meet the basic needs of participants.

Main Provisions

Pilot Program Establishment: The program will distribute cash assistance grants on a regular and predictable basis to eligible residents.
Eligible Grantees: Local government entities, tribal governments, or nonprofit organizations with experience in community development can apply to provide monthly payments to recipients.
Payment Structure: Recipients will receive at least $500 monthly for at least 18 months.
Recipient Eligibility: Individuals or families who receive public benefits or earn less than 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. Priority may be given to certain groups, such as those at risk of homelessness.
Community Involvement: Programs are to be designed with community input and must engage impacted members of the community.

Significant Changes

Income Consideration: Cash stipends from this program will not count as income or assets for determining eligibility for existing public assistance programs like child care, food support, and housing support.
No Recertification Requirement: Once enrolled, recipients will not need to recertify their eligibility, simplifying continued access to support.

Program Evaluation and Reporting

Community of Practice: A network will be established to provide training and technical support to grantees.
Data Collection and Reporting: Grantees must collect and report on economic, employment, health, and housing security statuses among recipients, and submit these reports annually.
Final Evaluation Report: The commissioner will cooperate with grantees to produce a final report evaluating the program’s effectiveness by January 15, 2028, ensuring participant anonymity.

Funding

The program is set to be funded through a one-time appropriation from the general fund for fiscal year 2026, available until June 2028. A portion of this funding is designated for outreach and technical assistance.

Relevant Terms

Financial assistance
Economic stability
Public benefits
Federal poverty guidelines
Community development
Homelessness prevention
Income exclusion

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
April 01, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
April 01, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
April 01, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Health and Human Services

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Specification that cash stipends won't affect eligibility assessment for medical assistance."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill specifies that cash stipends under the new program will not be considered income for medical assistance eligibility under section 256B.056, subdivision 1a.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "256B.056",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1a"
  }
]