The bill amends existing legislation to appropriate funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research and caregiver support programs. It allocates $20 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2023 to the commissioner of the Office of Higher Education for competitive grants aimed at ALS research. The commissioner is authorized to collaborate with the Minnesota Department of Health to manage the grant program, which includes identifying research opportunities and selecting grant recipients. The bill also extends the reporting requirement for the commissioner to provide annual updates to the legislature on grant recipients and their outcomes until January 15, 2030. Additionally, the unencumbered balances from this appropriation will not cancel until June 30, 2029.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new appropriation for fiscal year 2025, which will provide additional funding for ALS research grants and caregiver support programs. The commissioner of human services will receive funds specifically for the Minnesota Board on Aging to enhance caregiver support programs, ensuring that they include ALS-specific respite services. This funding is also a one-time appropriation, with unencumbered balances not canceling until June 30, 2029.