This legislation authorizes Hennepin County to impose a new local sales tax of up to one percent on purchases made after September 30, 2026. The revenue generated must be used to fund youth and amateur sports programs, extend library operating hours, and support a designated local teaching hospital with a level 1 trauma center. The county may issue bonds without a public election to finance these projects and is required to report annually to state legislative committees on how the funds are utilized. This measure directly affects residents and businesses within Hennepin County through the additional tax and the allocation of collected funds.
HF 2955 establishes the CARMA program (County-administered Rural Medical Assistance), allowing Minnesota counties to manage local medical assistance for low-income residents instead of the state. The bill requires the state commissioner of human services to involve county boards in developing contracts with health plans, including incorporating county-suggested local health goals into contracts if agreed upon. It sets a deadline of January 1, 2027, for counties with existing prepaid medical assistance programs to transition to county administration if they submit a proposal. The bill also creates a mediation process to resolve disputes between counties and the state over contract terms or local health goals.
