This bill modifies existing laws related to human services in Minnesota, specifically addressing the cost-share requirements for economically distressed counties and the appropriation of funds for the opiate epidemic response. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 246.54, subdivision 2, to exempt economically distressed counties from the costs of care for certain individuals, including those committed as sexual psychopathic personalities or sexually dangerous persons. The criteria for classifying a county as economically distressed include having more than 15 percent of the population living in poverty and over 70 percent of the county's 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. The bill also modifies the appropriation amounts for various programs aimed at addressing the opiate epidemic, including a reduction in funding for safe recovery sites from $3 million to $2 million. The bill includes provisions for the distribution of funds to county social service agencies and Tribal social service agency initiative projects, ensuring that these funds are used for prevention and child protection services related to addiction without supplanting existing funding. The effective date of these changes is the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 246.54