SF4844

Purpose

• This bill proposes forecast adjustments to funding for the Department of Human Services (DHS) for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It uses amounts that would either be added to or subtracted from previously authorized DHS appropriations from the general fund or the Health Care Access Fund, with the changes tied to specific programs listed in the bill. The adjusted funding relates to appropriations that come from the Health Care Access Fund and are intended for targeted DHS programs.

Main Provisions

• Adjustments to prior-year appropriations: The sums shown in the Appropriations columns are to be added to or subtracted from the DHS appropriations in Laws from the 2025 First Special Session (specific chapters and articles) and are available for the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years. The amounts designated for 2026 are for the year ending June 30, 2026, and for 2027 for the year ending June 30, 2027.
• Funding sources: The adjustments apply to the commissioner of human services from the general fund or other named funds, and the forecasted program allocations listed are described as being from the Health Care Access Fund.
• Forecasted programs: The bill lists six programs affected by the forecast adjustments:
  • General Assistance
  • Minnesota Supplemental Aid
  • Housing Support
  • MinnesotaCare
  • Medical Assistance
  • Behavioral Health Fund
• Specific dollar amounts by year and fund (from the excerpt provided):
  • General Fund: 652,953,000 (2026) and 615,407,000 (2027)
  • Health Care Access Fund: 86,681,000 (2026) and 159,628,000 (2027)
  • Forecasted program amounts (from the Health Care Access Fund as noted):
  • General Assistance: 7,909,000 (2026) and 9,653,000 (2027)
  • Minnesota Supplemental Aid: 2,976,000 (2026) and 3,233,000 (2027)
  • Housing Support: 29,593,000 (2026) and 44,727,000 (2027)
  • MinnesotaCare: 86,681,000 (2026) and 159,628,000 (2027)
  • Medical Assistance: 589,777,000 (2026) and 525,140,000 (2027)
  • Behavioral Health Fund: 22,698,000 (2026) and 32,654,000 (2027)

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill alters the forecasted funding levels for DHS programs by modifying the approved appropriations from the prior session. It does not create new programs but adjusts the amounts allocated to existing programs for the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years. Funding is drawn from the general fund or the Health Care Access Fund, with the forecasted program amounts specifically noted as being from the Health Care Access Fund.

Notes

• The text provided focuses on the Department of Human Services and the forecast adjustments; the reference to the Department of Children Youth and Families appears in the title but is not elaborated in the excerpt given.

Relevant Terms

• General Fund
• Health Care Access Fund
• Department of Human Services
• Commissioner of Human Services
• Laws 2025 First Special Session
• Appropriations
• Forecasted Programs
• General Assistance
• Minnesota Supplemental Aid
• Housing Support
• MinnesotaCare
• Medical Assistance
• Behavioral Health Fund
• Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2026
• Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2027
• Forecast adjustments