Minnesota Senate Bill SF5064

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/9/26
• Refer: 4/9/26

Caption

Office of Justice Programs appropriation to support trafficking victims

Summary

SF5064 makes a one-time $250,000 general fund appropriation in fiscal year 2027 to the commissioner of public safety for the Office of Justice Programs. The grant would go to the International Institute of Minnesota to provide support and management services for up to 25 trafficking victims, with the stated goal of helping survivors become stable, economically self-sufficient, and safe in their communities. The bill directs the grantee to work with local law enforcement, shelters, health care providers, faith communities, and schools to identify victims of sex and labor trafficking in the seven-county metropolitan area. It also specifies that services may include housing, medical care, food, education, and employment assistance, and requires the organization to collect data and outcomes to measure impact and accountability.

Impact

The bill does not create a new regulatory program or amend existing criminal statutes; instead, it appropriates state funds to the Office of Justice Programs for a targeted victim-services grant. Its practical effect would be to expand direct support for trafficking survivors in the Twin Cities metro area through a nonprofit provider, while reinforcing coordination among public safety, social service, health, and community partners. Because the appropriation is one-time, the bill would have a limited fiscal effect beyond fiscal year 2027 unless renewed in future legislation.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and available legislative context, the measure appears to be framed as a public safety and victim-support initiative with no recorded opposition or committee debate in the materials provided. The overall tone is supportive and service-oriented, emphasizing survivor stabilization, safety, and accountability through outcome tracking. No votes or hearing transcripts are available to indicate divided views.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the available materials. Potential areas of legislative interest, if discussed, could include the narrow geographic focus on the seven-county metropolitan area, the use of a nonprofit grantee rather than direct state administration, and the requirement to serve a limited number of victims. However, the provided record does not show any expressed objections, amendments, or competing viewpoints.