MN HF1782

Creates the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program administered by the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (a nonprofit collaborative of major fire service organizations) with funding from the Commissioner of Public Safety.

Provides one-time critical illness monetary support payments of up to $30,000 to firefighters diagnosed with cancer or heart disease, with amounts scaled based on diagnosis severity and requiring health care provider certification.

Establishes a counseling program offering all Minnesota firefighters up to five counseling sessions per year customized for emotional trauma, with additional sessions available for firefighters with additional needs.

Requires annual development and provision of at least two hours of training to all state firefighters on cancer and heart disease risks, prevention best practices, and emotional wellness, delivered by trained firefighter instructors.

Appropriates unspecified amounts from the general fund for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 to the Commissioner of Public Safety for program grants, and allows the commissioner to accept nonstate contributions to supplement appropriations.