SF 5256

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 05/05/2026 09:10 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to corrections; authorizing partnerships for dental services provided in
correctional facilities; requiring the commissioner of corrections to improve
correctional facilities' dental services; requiring a report; appropriating money.

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

Section 1. new text begin THIRD-PARTY PARTNERSHIPS IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES;
DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER; REPORT.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of corrections must identify and evaluate options to improve
dental services provided in correctional facilities through partnerships with nonstate entities.
The commissioner must evaluate the following options for partnership:
new text end

new text begin (1) accredited schools of dentistry and schools of dental hygiene, including the University
of Minnesota School of Dentistry;
new text end

new text begin (2) dental programs for the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene for students and clinical
trainees acting under the supervision of a Minnesota-licensed dentist or hygienist; and
new text end

new text begin (3) mobile dental clinics.
new text end

new text begin (b) By January 15, 2027, the commissioner of corrections must report to the legislative
committees with jurisdiction over public safety and corrections policy and finance on the
options the commissioner evaluated under paragraph (a). The report must make
recommendations relating to:
new text end

new text begin (1) dental partnerships that would improve dental services provided in correctional
facilities;
new text end

new text begin (2) financing a dental partnership in correctional facilities; and
new text end

new text begin (3) other legislative actions needed to improve dental services in correctional facilities.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner of corrections must improve dental services in correctional facilities
by increasing inmate preventative care, restorative and periodontal treatments, and access
to urgent and emergency care.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS.
new text end

new text begin (a) $....... in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of corrections to improve dental services in correctional facilities by increasing inmate
preventative care, restorative and periodontal treatments, and access to urgent and emergency
care.
new text end

new text begin (b) $....... in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of corrections for the evaluation of and report on partnerships with nonstate entities to
improve dental services provided in correctional facilities. This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end