House OK's amended COVID-19 Minnesota Fund deadline extension

When the first cases of the coronavirus hit Minnesota, lawmakers acted swiftly to pass legislation that would aid in response efforts.

Part of that response included the creation of the COVID-19 Minnesota Fund, along with a $200 million appropriation.

To ensure all of that money continues to go to pandemic recovery efforts, the House passed HF1883, as amended by the Senate, 131-0 on Tuesday. It awaits action by Gov. Tim Walz. 

The temporary fund enacted March 28 can be used to help state agencies respond to the outbreak and purchase urgently needed medical supplies and equipment. The bill specified that any unspent funds would revert back to the state’s General Fund by May 11, 2020.

Currently, $37 million of the appropriation remains unspent, “That’s why it’s important that we pass this piece of legislation with the two date changes,” said Rep. Lyndon Carlson, Sr. (DFL-Crystal), who sponsors the bill with Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake).  

The proposal would revert that money to the COVID-19 Fund by extending the sunset date to Dec. 31, 2020. It would also provide a retroactive effective date of May 8, 2020, to ensure there is no lapse between when the fund expired and when the bill is enacted.