The bill proposes an appropriation of funds for forensic navigator services within the judicial system of Minnesota. Specifically, it allocates a total of $....... for fiscal year 2026 and $....... for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the supreme court, which will distribute these funds across the ten judicial districts. The distribution will be based on the population of each district as per the latest United States census data, while also taking into account the unique needs of each district, such as resource disparities, travel costs for rural forensic navigators, and the availability of video technology for remote hearings.
This initiative aims to enhance the support and resources available for forensic navigators, who play a crucial role in the judicial process. By addressing the specific needs of each district, the bill seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of forensic services across Minnesota's judicial system.