Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF1166

Introduced
2/19/25  

Caption

Grant established to expand disability services technology and advocacy, reports required, and money appropriated.

Impact

The bill appropriates $500,000 in both fiscal years 2026 and 2027, emphasizing a commitment from the state to bolster the infrastructure surrounding disability services. With these funds, the commissioner of human services will ensure resources are tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. This includes maintaining and disseminating accessible materials and conducting outreach initiatives, particularly towards underserved and rural populations. Furthermore, a strong emphasis is placed on research and innovation in assistive technologies, ensuring that the approaches remain relevant to the evolving needs of individuals with disabilities.

Summary

House File 1166 establishes a grant program to enhance disability services technology and advocacy in the state of Minnesota. The Act aims to expand the availability and effectiveness of assistive technology and remote support services for individuals with disabilities. Funds allocated through this grant will be utilized to develop comprehensive training programs that will support lead agencies, service providers, educational institutions, and families of individuals with disabilities. These programs bear significance in addressing specific challenges related to accessibility, independence, and health monitoring, thus advocating for better quality of life and increased self-determination among this demographic.

Contention

While the bill is oriented towards beneficial advancements for individuals with disabilities, discussions around its implementation may yield points of contention. Considerations regarding the adequacy of the proposed funding in relation to the vast needs of disability communities could arise. Stakeholders may debate whether the training programs and resources provided are comprehensive enough to cover the diverse spectrum of disabilities and needs. Additionally, the actual effectiveness of the proposed advocacy linkages and training in improving life outcomes for those affected might attract scrutiny, particularly in measuring the bill's success against its aspirations.

Companion Bills

MN SF1177

Similar To Disability services technology and advocacy expansion grant establishment and appropriation

Previously Filed As

MN HF1436

Programs to address health and human services workforce shortage expanded and established, reports required, and money appropriated.

MN HF1494

Human services provider workplace safety grants established, report required, and money appropriated.

MN HF2666

Minnesota basic income grant program established, report required, and money appropriated.

MN HF5280

Disability services, aging services, substance use disorder services, and priority admissions and civil commitment provisions modified; Direct Care and Treatment executive board, human services response contingency account, Homelessness and Housing Support Office, workgroups, and councils established; studies and reports required; rulemaking provided; and money appropriated.

MN HF1466

Grant funding provided to maintain and promote self-advocacy services and supports for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and money appropriated.

MN HF1698

Family, friend, and neighbor child care grant program established; reports required; and money appropriated.

MN HF1043

Task Force on Disability Services Accessibility and pilot project established, report required, and money appropriated.

MN HF2910

Various child care, health, human services, and housing governing provisions modified; forecast adjustments made; technical and conforming changes made; funds allocated; grants established; reports required; and money transferred and appropriated.

MN HF4392

Human services; provisions modified relating to disability services, aging services, and substance use disorder services; Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services Act modified; subminimum wages phased out; blood-borne pathogen provisions expanded to all state-operated treatment programs; and expired reports removed.

MN HF2665

Diaper distribution grant program established, reports required, and money appropriated.

Similar Bills

CA AB555

Special education: assistive technology devices.

HI HB1419

Relating To Electronic Information Technology Accessibility.

HI SB2381

Relating To Technology Access For Individuals With Disabilities.

CA AB517

Medi-Cal: complex rehabilitation technology: wheelchairs.

CA ACR115

Disabled individuals: technology and information access.

MI SB0450

Human services: medical services; definition of complex rehabilitation technology; provide for. Amends 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.1 - 400.119b) by adding sec. 108a. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0449'23

NJ S890

Establishes "Task Force on Supportive Technology for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities."

NJ S53

Establishes "Task Force on Supportive Technology for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities."