appropriation; homeless shelter services fund

SB 1596 creates the "Homeless Shelter and Services Fund" to provide dedicated state funding for homelessness programs. It appropriates $50 million from the state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027, which the Department of Economic Security will use to award grants to counties, cities, towns, tribes, and nonprofits. These grants will support programs offering shelter and services to unsheltered people experiencing homelessness. The fund's money is exempt from standard appropriation lapse rules, ensuring the funds remain available for their intended purpose.