1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to human services; appropriating money for the Project ECHO program.
1.3 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.4 	Section 1. APPROPRIATION; PROJECT ECHO.
 1.5 	$1,500,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $1,500,000 in fiscal year 2025 are appropriated from 
1.6 	the general fund to the commissioner of human services for a grant to Hennepin Healthcare 
1.7 	to expand the Project ECHO program. The grant must be used to establish at least four 
1.8 	substance use disorder-focused Project ECHO programs at Hennepin Healthcare, expanding 
1.9 	the grantee's capacity to improve health and substance use disorder outcomes for diverse 
1.10 	populations of individuals enrolled in medical assistance, including but not limited to 
1.11 	immigrants, individuals who are homeless, individuals seeking maternal and perinatal care, 
1.12 	and other underserved populations. The Project ECHO programs funded under this section 
1.13 	must be culturally responsive, and the grantee must contract with culturally and linguistically 
1.14 	appropriate substance use disorder service providers who have expertise in focus areas, 
1.15 	based on the populations served. Grant funds may be used for program administration, 
1.16 	equipment, provider reimbursement, and staffing hours.