Bill > HF1702

This bill appropriates $200,000 total ($100,000 in each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027) from the state's general fund to the commissioner of agriculture for two primary purposes: mental health outreach and support for agricultural workers, and farm safety grant and outreach programs. The mental health component specifically aims to support farmers, ranchers, and others in the agricultural community through initiatives like establishing a 24-hour hotline, reducing stigma around mental health, and providing education. An important technical provision in the bill allows any unspent funds to remain available until June 30, 2027, which is an exception to the typical state fiscal rules that would normally require unspent funds to be returned at the end of a fiscal year. The bill builds upon existing state statutes, specifically referencing Minnesota Statutes, section 17.1195, which likely provides the foundational framework for agricultural mental health and safety support programs.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1702&ssn=0&y=2025