New law clarifies intent of Hometown Heroes Assistance Program

Legislative intent is clarified regarding the types of care eligible for reimbursement under the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program created in 2021 to assist firefighters experiencing critical illnesses and mental health issues.

The law specifies that expenses related to peer-to-peer counseling are reimbursable under the program. It also provides that each firefighter is eligible for two hours of training in understanding and mitigating the risk of job-related critical illnesses and emotional trauma.

Sponsored by Rep. Cheryl Youakim (DFL-Hopkins) and Sen. Jeff Howe (R-Rockville), the law took effect May 7, 2025.

HF1163*/SF1427/CH17

HF1163* / SF1427 / CH17