House approves clarifying changes to Hometown Heroes Assistance Program

The Minnesota House on Wednesday passed House File 1163, a measure clarifying the scope of the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program that supports firefighters across the state.

Representative Joaquin, the bill author, said the bill “will make a few clarifications to the Hometown Heroes grama that is administered by Minnesota Firefighter Initiative,” and emphasized that “no new funding is requested.” The changes add explicit peer‑to‑peer support language and clarify that training provided by MnFIRE may be declined by some departments.

The bill matters to firefighters statewide because the program funds training around cardiac care, provides access to free mental‑health supports and offers monetary support for firefighters diagnosed with cancer or heart disease. Joaquin told the House the bill “just contains 2 clarifying, language for the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program” and that the changes are intended to make the program’s existing practices explicit in statute.

Representative Hewitt, speaking in support, called the measure “more of a technical bill” and later cited program participation figures: “1,193 firefighters focused on mental health providers available across the state,” and said the program has trained a large share of departments. Representative Johnson Peete and Representative Rapinski also urged support, describing the program’s role in addressing cancer and mental‑health needs among career and volunteer firefighters and urging colleagues to vote in favor.

The clerk closed the roll after debate. The clerk recorded “132 yays and 0 nays,” and the House passed the bill; the title was agreed to.

Votes at a glance: House File 1163 — Passed 132‑0.

The bill does not appropriate new funds; sponsors said the statutory changes are technical clarifications to reflect services MnFIRE already provides.