This bill modifies the county cost-share requirements for economically distressed counties in Minnesota, specifically addressing the financial responsibilities related to care for certain individuals and substance use disorder services. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 246.54, subdivision 2, to exempt counties classified as economically distressed from the costs of care for clients committed as sexual psychopathic personalities and sexually dangerous persons. The criteria for classifying a county as economically distressed include having more than 15 percent of its population living in poverty and more than 70 percent of its total acreage exempt from property taxation.

Additionally, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 254B.03, subdivision 4, to state that economically distressed counties are not responsible for the county share of the cost of substance use disorder services. This provision ensures that these counties, which may already be facing significant financial challenges, are not further burdened by the costs associated with these services. The criteria for classification as economically distressed remain consistent with those outlined in the previous section.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 246.54
1st Engrossment: 246.54