This bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes to establish that individuals convicted of a crime of violence, as defined in section 624.712, subdivision 5, are ineligible for several forms of public assistance, including the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), medical assistance, economic assistance, food support, and MinnesotaCare. Specifically, new subdivisions are added to sections 142G.18, 256B.055, 256D.024, and 256L.04 to explicitly state that such individuals cannot receive these benefits. Additionally, the bill repeals subdivision 1 of section 142G.18, which previously addressed eligibility criteria related to drug offenses.

The bill's provisions aim to tighten eligibility requirements for public assistance programs by disqualifying those with violent crime convictions, thereby potentially impacting a significant number of individuals seeking support. The repeal of the previous subdivision related to drug offenses indicates a shift in focus from drug-related eligibility issues to those concerning violent crimes, reflecting a legislative intent to prioritize public safety in the distribution of state assistance programs.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 142G.18, 256B.055, 256D.024, 256L.04