This bill introduces several new programs and funding mechanisms to enhance emergency medical services (EMS) in Minnesota. It establishes an ambulance service cost of readiness grant program to support licensed ambulance services with their capital and operational expenses, as well as an emergency medical services improvement, modernization, and sustainability grant program. Additionally, a rural emergency medical services uncompensated care pool payment program is created for eligible ambulance services outside metropolitan areas. To financially support these initiatives, the bill implements a monthly emergency medical services telecommunications fee for wireless voice service subscribers.

The bill also amends existing statutes to define "medical response unit" and "specialized medical response unit," while repealing a subdivision related to EMS. It details the criteria for grant awards, the application process, and the use of grant funds. Furthermore, it specifies the remittance process for the new telecommunications fee and integrates it with existing prepaid wireless fees. A one-time transfer of $80 million from the general fund to a newly established emergency medical services special revenue account is mandated, along with ongoing annual transfers until the total reaches $80 million. The bill allocates significant funding for various EMS programs, including $16 million for the ambulance service cost of readiness grant program, $60 million for EMS improvement and modernization, and $4 million for the rural EMS uncompensated care pool payment program for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144E.275, 144E.001, 403.161, 403.162