The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299A.477, subdivision 2, to clarify the scope of the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program administered by the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative. It establishes that the program will provide monetary support to firefighters diagnosed with critical illnesses after August 1, 2021, and includes the development of a customized psychotherapy program to address emotional trauma experienced by firefighters. This program will offer up to five psychotherapy sessions per year, coordinated by mental health professionals, and will also provide additional sessions as needed.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the training requirements for firefighters by making available at least two hours of training on critical illnesses and emotional trauma, which will be presented by specially trained firefighters. The language regarding the annual provision of this training has been deleted and replaced with a requirement for it to be made available. The bill also includes provisions for administrative costs associated with the program and states that it will take effect the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 299A.477