MN HF4611

Establishes a COVID-19 emergency community relief grants program administered through community action agencies to provide grants to individuals experiencing financial hardship from the COVID-19 outbreak.

Allocates grant funds approximately equally between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas, with priority given to agencies serving culturally specific populations.

Eligible individuals include those ineligible for unemployment benefits (including H1B visa holders and self-employed), those receiving inadequate unemployment benefits (including tipped employees), those with difficulty accessing COVID-19 federal or state assistance, and those unable to receive any such assistance.

Maximum grant award is $1,500 per individual, with funds usable for food, emergency household items, rent support, utility bills, and similar expenses; rent and utility assistance must be paid directly to property owners or utility companies.

Appropriates $50,000,000 in fiscal year 2020 from the general fund, with up to 10 percent available for administrative costs, and funds available until June 30, 2021; community action agencies must submit quarterly reports on fund usage to the commissioner of human services.