Bill > HF25

This bill establishes a grant program for women's pregnancy centers and maternity homes in Minnesota, known as the "Supporting Women Act." The bill defines a women's pregnancy center as a nonprofit organization that provides information, referrals, and support to pregnant women, encouraging them to carry their pregnancies to term and care for their children after birth. Maternity homes are defined as community-based housing settings that provide housing, information, referrals, and support to pregnant women in crisis or at risk of homelessness. To be eligible for grants, organizations must offer services free of charge, cannot encourage or provide abortions, and must focus on supporting women through pregnancy and early childcare. Grant funds can be used for various services including medical care, nutrition, mental health support, housing assistance, education, employment help, and parenting education. The bill includes strict privacy protections for women receiving services and requires the commissioner of health to monitor grant recipients. The legislation appropriates $4 million annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with $3 million allocated to pregnancy centers and $1 million to maternity homes, to support these critical support services for pregnant women and new mothers.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0025&ssn=0&y=2025