Bill > SF1650

This bill establishes the "Supporting Women Act," which creates a grant program administered by the Minnesota Commissioner of Health to provide funding for women's pregnancy centers and maternity homes. The program will provide grants to nonprofit organizations that support pregnant women and recent mothers, focusing on helping them carry pregnancies to term and care for their children. Eligible organizations must offer free or low-cost services such as housing, medical care, mental health support, substance use treatment, education and employment assistance, and parenting resources. Importantly, these organizations are prohibited from using grant funds to encourage, perform, or refer for abortions. The bill specifies strict privacy protections for women receiving services, ensuring their personal information remains confidential. Financially, the bill reduces $4 million from sexual and reproductive health services grants in both fiscal years 2026 and 2027 and redirects those funds to this new grant program, with $3 million allocated for pregnancy centers and $1 million for maternity homes in each fiscal year. The commissioner will be responsible for monitoring grant recipients to ensure compliance with the program's requirements.

Health and Social Services

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1650&ssn=0&y=2025