HF 3133

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 03/21/2018 02:06pm

A bill for an act
relating to human services; establishing a grant program to provide stable housing
and support services for youth; requiring a report; appropriating money; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 256K.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [256K.46] STABLE HOUSING AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR
VULNERABLE YOUTH.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin For purposes of this section, the following terms have the
meanings given them:
new text end

new text begin (a) "Eligible applicant" means a program licensed by the commissioner of human services
to provide transitional housing and support services to youth. An eligible applicant must
have staff on site 24 hours per day and must have established confidentiality protocols as
required by state and federal law.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Living essentials" means clothing, toiletries, transportation, interpreters, other
supplies, and services necessary for daily living.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Support services" has the meaning given in section 256E.33, subdivision 1, paragraph
(b), and includes crisis intervention, conflict mediation, family reunification services,
educational services, and employment resources.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Transitional housing" means secure shelter and housing that:
new text end

new text begin (1) is provided at low or no cost;
new text end

new text begin (2) is designed to assist people transitioning from homelessness, family or relationship
violence, or sexual exploitation, to living independently in the community; and
new text end

new text begin (3) provides residents with regular staff interaction, supervision plans, and living skills
training and assistance.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Vulnerable youth" means youth 13 years of age through 17 years of age who have
reported histories of sexual exploitation or family or relationship violence. Vulnerable youth
includes youth who are homeless and youth who are parents and their children.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Grants authorized. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of human services shall award grants
to eligible applicants to plan, establish, or operate programs to provide transitional housing
and support services to vulnerable youth. An applicant may apply for and the commissioner
may award grants for two-year periods, and the commissioner shall determine the number
of grants awarded. The commissioner may reallocate underspending among grantees within
the same grant period.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Commissioner required to grant variance. new text end

new text begin For purposes of this grant program,
the commissioner shall grant a variance allowing a program licensed to provide transitional
housing and support services to youth 16 years of age through 17 years of age to serve youth
13 years of age through 17 years of age.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Allocation of grants. new text end

new text begin (a) An application must be on a form and contain
information as specified by the commissioner but at a minimum must contain:
new text end

new text begin (1) a description of the purpose or project for which grant funds will be used;
new text end

new text begin (2) a description of the specific problem the grant funds are intended to address;
new text end

new text begin (3) a description of achievable objectives, a work plan, and a timeline for implementation
and completion of processes or projects enabled by the grant;
new text end

new text begin (4) a description of the eligible applicant’s existing frameworks and experience providing
transitional housing and support services to vulnerable youth; and
new text end

new text begin (5) a proposed process for documenting and evaluating results of the grant.
new text end

new text begin (b) Grant funds allocated under this section may be used for purposes that include, but
are not limited to, the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) transitional housing, meals, and living essentials for vulnerable youth and their
children;
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new text begin (2) support services;
new text end

new text begin (3) mental health and substance use disorder counseling;
new text end

new text begin (4) staff training;
new text end

new text begin (5) case management and referral services; and
new text end

new text begin (6) aftercare and follow-up services, including ongoing adult and peer support.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner shall review each application to determine whether the application
is complete and whether the applicant and the project are eligible for a grant. In evaluating
applications, the commissioner shall establish criteria including, but not limited to:
new text end

new text begin (1) the eligibility of the applicant or project;
new text end

new text begin (2) the applicant's thoroughness and clarity in describing the problem grant funds are
intended to address;
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new text begin (3) a description of the population demographics and service area of the proposed project;
and
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new text begin (4) the proposed project's longevity and demonstrated financial sustainability after the
initial grant period.
new text end

new text begin In evaluating applications, the commissioner may request additional information regarding
a proposed project, including information on project cost. An applicant's failure to provide
the information requested disqualifies an applicant.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Awarding of grants. new text end

new text begin The commissioner must notify grantees of awards by
December 1, 2018, and grant funds must be disbursed by January 1, 2019, and each January
1 thereafter.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin REPORT TO LEGISLATURE.
new text end

new text begin By December 1, 2020, the commissioner of human services shall deliver a report to the
chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
vulnerable youth on the outcomes of the projects funded under Minnesota Statutes, section
256K.46. The report shall, at a minimum, include the amount of funding awarded for each
project, a description of the programs and services funded, plans for the long-term
sustainability of the projects, and data on outcomes for the programs and services funded.
Grantees must provide information and data requested by the commissioner to support the
development of this report.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2019 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
human services to administer the grant program described in Minnesota Statutes, section
256K.46.
new text end