SF901

Senate File No. 901 is a proposed bill focused on economic development and mental health support for first responders in Minnesota. It aims to allocate funding for a specific type of therapy called equine-experiential mental health therapy, which will assist first responders who are dealing with job-related trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The bill proposes to provide a total of $500,000 in funding over two fiscal years (2026 and 2027) to a program managed by "Abijah’s on the Backside." This allocation will fund the therapy sessions for a range of first responders including peace officers, full-time and volunteer firefighters, ambulance service personnel, 911 telecommunicators, and correctional officers.

The organization responsible for providing the therapy must report on its budget, expenditures, and the effectiveness of the program, including how many first responders were helped. These reports are due to the state’s economic development authorities and relevant legislative committees on set dates in 2026 and 2028 to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.