1.1 A bill for an act
1.2 relating to public safety; clarifying the scope of the hometown heroes assistance
1.3 program; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299A.477, subdivision 2.
1.4BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.5 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299A.477, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
1.6 Subd. 2.Program established.The commissioner of public safety shall award a grant
1.7to the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative to administer a hometown heroes assistance program
1.8for Minnesota firefighters. The Minnesota Firefighter Initiative shall use the grant funds:
1.9 (1) to establish and fund critical illness coverage that provides monetary support payments
1.10to each firefighter who is diagnosed with a critical illness on or after August 1, 2021, and
1.11who applies for the payment. Monetary support shall be provided according to the
1.12requirements in subdivision 3;
1.13 (2) to develop a psychotherapy program customized to address emotional trauma
1.14experienced by firefighters, which includes providing peer-to-peer support, and to offer all
1.15firefighters in the state up to five psychotherapy sessions per year under the customized
1.16program, provided by mental health professionals;
1.17 (3) to coordinate additional psychotherapy sessions to firefighters who need them;
1.18 (4) to develop, annually update, and annually provide make available to all firefighters
1.19in the state at least two hours of training on critical illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease,
1.20and emotional trauma as causes of illness and death for firefighters; steps and best practices
1.21for firefighters to limit the occupational risks of cancer, heart disease, and emotional trauma;
1.22provide evidence-based suicide prevention strategies; and ways for firefighters to address
1Section 1.
REVISOR KRB/VJ 25-0294701/29/25
State of Minnesota
This Document can be made available
in alternative formats upon request
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H. F. No. 1163
NINETY-FOURTH SESSION 2.1occupation-related emotional trauma and promote emotional wellness. The training shall
2.2be presented by firefighters who attend an additional course to prepare them to serve as
2.3trainers; and
2.4 (5) for administrative and overhead costs of the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative associated
2.5with conducting the activities in clauses (1) to (4).
2.6 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
2Section 1.
REVISOR KRB/VJ 25-0294701/29/25