SF 5256

04/27/26  REVISOR  VH/MG  26-08386  as introduced
  SENATE
  STATE OF MINNESOTA
  NINETY-FOURTH SESSION  S.F. No. 5256
  (SENATE AUTHORS: HOFFMAN, Maye Quade and Oumou Verbeten)
  DATE       D-PG  OFFICIAL STATUS
  05/04/2026      9704 Introduction and first reading
  Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
  05/14/2026    10600 Author added Oumou Verbeten
1.1A bill for an act
1.2relating to corrections; authorizing partnerships for dental services provided in
1.3correctional facilities; requiring the commissioner of corrections to improve
1.4correctional facilities' dental services; requiring a report; appropriating money.
1.5    BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.6Section 1. THIRD-PARTY PARTNERSHIPS IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES;
1.7    DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER; REPORT.
1.8(a) The commissioner of corrections must identify and evaluate options to improve
1.9    dental services provided in correctional facilities through partnerships with nonstate entities.
1.10   The commissioner must evaluate the following options for partnership:
1.11(1) accredited schools of dentistry and schools of dental hygiene, including the University
1.12   of Minnesota School of Dentistry;
1.13(2) dental programs for the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene for students and clinical
1.14   trainees acting under the supervision of a Minnesota-licensed dentist or hygienist; and
1.15(3) mobile dental clinics.
1.16(b) By January 15, 2027, the commissioner of corrections must report to the legislative
1.17   committees with jurisdiction over public safety and corrections policy and finance on the
1.18   options the commissioner evaluated under paragraph (a). The report must make
1.19   recommendations relating to:
1.20(1) dental partnerships that would improve dental services provided in correctional
1.21   facilities;
1.22(2) financing a dental partnership in correctional facilities; and
Section 1.  1
 04/27/26  REVISOR  VH/MG  26-08386  as introduced
2.1      (3) other legislative actions needed to improve dental services in correctional facilities.
2.2      (c) The commissioner of corrections must improve dental services in correctional facilities
2.3  by increasing inmate preventative care, restorative and periodontal treatments, and access
2.4  to urgent and emergency care.
2.5    Sec. 2. APPROPRIATIONS.
2.6      (a) $....... in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
2.7  of corrections to improve dental services in correctional facilities by increasing inmate
2.8  preventative care, restorative and periodontal treatments, and access to urgent and emergency
2.9  care.
2.10     (b) $....... in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
2.11 of corrections for the evaluation of and report on partnerships with nonstate entities to
2.12 improve dental services provided in correctional facilities. This is a onetime appropriation.
 Sec. 2.  2