MN SF1438

Establishes new law section 145.87 authorizing the commissioner of health to award grants to community health boards, nonprofit organizations, and tribal nations to start or expand home visiting programs for pregnant women and families with young children.

Grant funds must support evidence-based home visiting programs or culturally/ethnically targeted programs serving high-risk families, parents with histories of mental illness, domestic abuse or substance abuse, first-time mothers, and families eligible for medical assistance or the federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

Requires programs serving first-time mothers to provide services prenatally until the child reaches three years of age to receive grant funding.

Mandates at least 75 percent of grant funds be allocated to evidence-based home visiting programs and up to 25 percent to culturally or ethnically targeted programs, with priority given to rural regional partnerships.

Appropriates $23,000,000 for fiscal year 2020 and $41,600,000 for fiscal year 2021, with $56,500,000 added to the base annually for fiscal years 2022 and beyond, with up to 7 percent available for administrative costs, training, and program evaluation.