The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 241.80, to enhance American Indian cultural programming services within the corrections system. It mandates the commissioner of corrections to develop a policy that provides these services to American Indian incarcerated individuals in community-based correctional programs. The commissioner is authorized to contract with appropriate American Indian private, nonprofit organizations to deliver these services, contingent on available funding.

Key revisions in the bill include a shift in focus from teaching work habits to providing education and training for post-incarceration self-sufficiency, as well as strengthening cultural identity among American Indian individuals. The bill introduces new objectives such as improving understanding of American Indian culture for Department of Corrections staff, fostering partnerships with Tribal Nations to address the unique needs of American Indian incarcerated persons, and ensuring that services facilitate their reentry into the community. Additionally, the language has been updated to replace "inmates" with "incarcerated individuals" throughout the text, reflecting a more respectful terminology.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 241.80