The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299A.477, subdivision 2, to clarify the scope of the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, which is administered by the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative. The program is designed to provide support to Minnesota firefighters through various means, including critical illness coverage for those diagnosed with a critical illness after August 1, 2021, and a customized psychotherapy program that addresses emotional trauma experienced by firefighters. The bill specifies that the program will include peer-to-peer support and up to five psychotherapy sessions per year for firefighters, coordinated by mental health professionals.

Additionally, the bill modifies the training requirements for firefighters by making available at least two hours of training on critical illnesses and emotional trauma, while removing the annual provision for this training. The training will cover best practices to mitigate occupational risks and provide evidence-based suicide prevention strategies. The bill also allows for administrative costs associated with these activities. The new provisions will take effect the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 299A.477