Helping Paws grant funding provided to breed, train, and place service dogs; and money appropriated.

Minnesota House Bill 3939 proposes a one-time allocation of $200,000 from the state's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to the Department of Health. These funds are intended for a grant to Helping Paws, Inc., a Minnesota nonprofit organization with over 38 years of experience in breeding, training, and placing assistance dogs. The grant aims to support the placement of service or facility dogs with individuals who have physical disabilities, veterans and first responders living with service-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and professionals in courthouse, educational, and mental health settings. This appropriation is designated as a one-time honorarium in memory of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. Additionally, the bill allows the Department of Health to accept private donations to supplement the state funds, with all private contributions deposited into a dedicated account in the special revenue fund, which will expire on July 1, 2028. ([revisor.mn.gov](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/HF/3939/versions/0/pdf/?utm_source=openai))

The bill has garnered support from various stakeholders, including veterans and first responders who have benefited from service dogs provided by Helping Paws. These individuals have reported improvements in managing PTSD symptoms and enhanced quality of life. The bipartisan sponsorship of the bill, with both Democratic and Republican representatives, indicates a collaborative effort to support mental health and disability services. ([legiscan.com](https://legiscan.com/MN/sponsors/HF3939/2025?utm_source=openai))

As of now, there have been no significant media reports or public criticisms regarding the bill.