SF 4643

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 03/24/2026 10:23 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to human services; establishing a social services and mental health grant
program for victims of Operation Metro Surge; appropriating money.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin SOCIAL SERVICES AND MENTAL HEALTH GRANT PROGRAM
FOR VICTIMS OF OPERATION METRO SURGE.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Grant program established. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of human services shall
establish a social services and mental health grant program for organizations that:
new text end

new text begin (1) serve and support victims of the federal Department of Homeland Security Operation
Metro Surge in seeking or maintaining legal or citizenship status to legally obtain or retain
employment in any field or industry; or
new text end

new text begin (2) provide specialized services and supports, including mental health services, to victims
of Operation Metro Surge.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Eligible grantees. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall select grantees as provided in
this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin (b) Eligible applicants for a grant under this section must demonstrate the qualifications,
legal or other expertise, cultural competency, and experience in working with individuals
who have experienced trauma necessary to perform the activities required under subdivision
4 statewide or in a geographic region of the state.
new text end

new text begin (c) Eligible applicants seeking to provide services include governmental units, federally
recognized Tribal Nations, nonprofit organizations as defined under section 501(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code, for-profit organizations, and legal services organizations
specializing in obtaining employment visas.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner shall prioritize organizations that serve populations in areas of
the state most impacted by the federal Department of Homeland Security Operation Metro
Surge or for whom existing legal services, social services, and mental health services during
the legal process or while seeking qualified legal assistance are unavailable or insufficient.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Allowable uses of grant money. new text end

new text begin Organizations receiving grant money under
this section must provide one or more of the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) social services designed to help eligible populations meet their immediate basic needs
during the process of seeking or maintaining legal status and legal authorization for
employment, including but not limited to accessing housing, food, employment or
employment training, education, course fees, community orientation, transportation, child
care, and medical care. Social services may also include navigation services to address
ongoing needs once immediate basic needs have been met; or
new text end

new text begin (2) mental health services.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Reporting. new text end

new text begin Grant recipients under this section must collect and report to the
commissioner information on program participation and program outcomes. The
commissioner shall determine the form and timing of reports.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION; SOCIAL SERVICES AND MENTAL HEALTH GRANT
PROGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF OPERATION METRO SURGE.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
human services for the social services and mental health grant program for victims of the
federal Department of Homeland Security Operation Metro Surge. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until June 30, 2029.
new text end