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, ensuring they are funded within available resources.

Key revisions in the bill include a shift from focusing solely on inmates to encompassing all incarcerated individuals, and the introduction of new objectives for the cultural programming. These objectives now emphasize improved understanding of American Indian culture for Department of Corrections staff, partnerships with Tribal Nations to address the unique needs of American Indian incarcerated persons, and the inclusion of spiritual practices in the programming. The bill also aims to facilitate the reentry of these individuals into the community, reflecting a broader commitment to rehabilitation and cultural sensitivity.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 241.80