ARTICLE 1

CHILD CARE

new text begin [119B.27] CHILD CARE RETENTION PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin [119B.28] SHARED SERVICES GRANTS.
new text end

new text begin [119B.29] CHILD CARE PROVIDER ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY
GRANTS.
new text end

ARTICLE 2

CHILD SAFETY AND PERMANENCY

new text begin [256.4791] INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS FOR FOSTER YOUTH
GRANTS.
new text end

new text begin [256.4792] SUPPORT BEYOND 21 GRANT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin [256K.47] MINOR CONNECT GRANT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin [260.014] FAMILY FIRST PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION
ALLOCATION PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin [260.786] CHILD WELFARE STAFF ALLOCATION FOR TRIBES.
new text end

260C.704 REQUIREMENTS FOR THE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL'S
ASSESSMENT OF THE CHILD FOR PLACEMENT IN A QUALIFIED
RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAM.

260E.01 POLICY.

260E.18 NOTICE TO CHILD'S TRIBE.

new text begin COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTERS.
new text end

ARTICLE 3

CHILD SUPPORT

518A.31 SOCIAL SECURITY OR VETERANS' BENEFIT PAYMENTS
RECEIVED ON BEHALF OF THE CHILD.

518A.34 COMPUTATION OF CHILD SUPPORT OBLIGATIONS.

518A.41 MEDICAL SUPPORT.

518A.65 DRIVER'S LICENSE SUSPENSION.

518A.77 GUIDELINES REVIEW.

ARTICLE 4

ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

new text begin [256D.65] SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE OUTREACH
PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin [256E.341] AMERICAN INDIAN FOOD SOVEREIGNTY FUNDING
PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin [256P.09] PROSPECTIVE BUDGETING OF BENEFITS.
new text end

new text begin [256P.10] SIX-MONTH REPORTING.
new text end

ARTICLE 5

APPROPRIATIONS

119B.03 BASIC SLIDING FEE PROGRAM.

245C.11 BACKGROUND STUDY; COUNTY AGENCIES.

256.8799 SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE OUTREACH PROGRAM.

256.9864 REPORTS BY RECIPIENT.

256J.08 DEFINITIONS.

256J.30 APPLICANT AND PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

256J.33 PROSPECTIVE AND RETROSPECTIVE MFIP ELIGIBILITY.

256J.34 CALCULATING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS.

256J.37 TREATMENT OF INCOME AND LUMP SUMS.

HF 2910

ARTICLE 1

CHILD CARE

new text begin [119B.27] CHILD CARE RETENTION PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin [119B.28] SHARED SERVICES GRANTS.
new text end

new text begin [119B.29] CHILD CARE PROVIDER ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY
GRANTS.
new text end

new text begin [256.4791] INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS FOR FOSTER YOUTH
GRANTS.
new text end

new text begin [256.4792] SUPPORT BEYOND 21 GRANT PROGRAM.
new text end

Section 1.

Subd. 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 2.

Subd. 5.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 3.

Subd. 13.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 4.

Subd. 19a.

Sec. 5.

Subd. 4a.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 6.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 7.

Subd. 1a.

Sec. 8.

Subd. 1b.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 9.

Subd. 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 10.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 11.

Subd. 4.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 12.

Subd. 6.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 13.

Subd. 7.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 14.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 15.

Subd. 6.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 16.

Subd. 1c.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 17.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 18.

Subd. 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 19.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 20.

Subd. 7.

Sec. 21.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

Sec. 22.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 23.

Sec. 24.

Subdivision 1.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 25.

Subd. 4.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 26.

Subd. 6.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 27.

Subd. 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 28.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 29.

Subd. 5.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 30. new text begin DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER; TRANSITION CHILD CARE
STABILIZATION GRANTS.
new text end

Sec. 31. new text begin DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER; INCREASE FOR MAXIMUM CHILD
CARE ASSISTANCE RATES.
new text end

Sec. 32. new text begin DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER; ALLOCATING BASIC SLIDING
FEE FUNDS.
new text end

Sec. 33. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Section 1.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

Sec. 4.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

Sec. 5.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 6.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

Sec. 7.

Subd. 14.

Sec. 8.

new text begin Subd. 8a. new text end

Sec. 9.

new text begin Subd. 8b. new text end

Sec. 10.

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

Sec. 11.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 12.

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

Sec. 13.

Sec. 14.

Sec. 15.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 16.

new text begin Subd. 15a. new text end

Sec. 17.

new text begin Subd. 15b. new text end

Sec. 18.

Subd. 22.

Sec. 19.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 20.

Subd. 5.

Sec. 21.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 22.

Sec. 23.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 24.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 25.

Subd. 7.

Sec. 26.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 27.

Subd. 6.

Sec. 28.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

Sec. 29. new text begin DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER OF HUMAN SERVICES; FOSTER
CARE FEDERAL CASH ASSISTANCE BENEFITS PRESERVATION.
new text end

Section 1.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 2.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 3.

Subd. 4.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 4.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 5.

Subdivision 1.

Subd. 2.

Subd. 3.

Subd. 4.

Subd. 5.

Subd. 6.

Subd. 7.

Subd. 8.

Subd. 9.

Subd. 10.

Subd. 11.

Subd. 12.

Subd. 13.

Subd. 14.

Subd. 15.

Subd. 16.

new text begin Subd. 16a. new text end

Subd. 17.

Subd. 18.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 6.

Subdivision 1.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 7.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 8.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 9.

Section 1.

Subd. 4.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin Subd. 2b. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 3.

Subd. 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 4.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

Sec. 5.

Subd. 4.

Sec. 6.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

Sec. 7.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 8.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 9.

Subd. 3.

Sec. 10.

Subd. 4a.

Sec. 11.

Subd. 6.

Sec. 12.

Subd. 7.

Sec. 13.

Subd. 13.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 14.

Subd. 6.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 15.

new text begin Subd. 6a. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 16.

Subd. 8.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 17.

Subd. 71.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 18.

Subd. 79.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 19.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 20.

Subd. 4.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 21.

Subdivision 1.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 22.

Subd. 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 23.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 24.

Subd. 3a.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 25.

Subd. 19.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 26.

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 27.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 28.

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

Sec. 29.

Subd. 4.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 30.

Subd. 8.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 31.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 32.

Subdivision 1.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 33.

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 34.

Subd. 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 35.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 36.

Subd. 4.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 37.

Subd. 6.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 38.

Subd. 7.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 39.

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 40.

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 41.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 42.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 43. new text begin APPROPRIATION; EMERGENCY FOOD DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES.
new text end

Sec. 44. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Section 1. new text begin HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES APPROPRIATIONS.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin COMMISSIONER OF HUMAN
SERVICES
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end

new text begin Subd. 15. new text end

Sec. 3.

Subd. 32.

APPENDIX

Subd. 4.

Subd. 3.

Subdivision 1.

Subd. 2.

Subd. 3.

Subd. 4.

Subd. 10.

Subd. 53.

Subd. 61.

Subd. 62.

Subd. 81.

Subd. 83.

Subd. 5.

Subd. 7.

Subd. 8.

Subd. 3.

Subd. 4.

Subd. 5.

Subdivision 1.

Subd. 2.

Subd. 3.

Subd. 4.

Subd. 10.

Bill Text Versions

Current Version - as introduced

Section 1.

Subd. 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 2.

Subd. 5.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 3.

Subd. 13.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 4.

Subd. 19a.

Sec. 5.

Subd. 4a.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 6.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 7.

Subd. 1a.

Sec. 8.

Subd. 1b.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 9.

Subd. 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 10.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 11.

Subd. 4.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 12.

Subd. 6.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 13.

Subd. 7.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 14.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 15.

Subd. 6.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 16.

Subd. 1c.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 17.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 18.

Subd. 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 19.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 20.

Subd. 7.

Sec. 30. new text begin DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER; TRANSITION CHILD CARE
STABILIZATION GRANTS.
new text end

Sec. 31. new text begin DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER; INCREASE FOR MAXIMUM CHILD
CARE ASSISTANCE RATES.
new text end

Sec. 32. new text begin DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER; ALLOCATING BASIC SLIDING
FEE FUNDS.
new text end

Sec. 33. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

Applicant.

Child care.

Family.

Registration.

deleted text begin Temporary reprioritizationdeleted text end new text begin Funding prioritiesnew text end .

Authorization.

Background study required.

Training required.

Persons who cannot be authorized.

Authorization exception.

Unsafe care.

Record-keeping requirement.

Failure to comply with attendance record requirements.

Subsidy restrictions.

Provider payments.

Notice to providers.

Fair hearing stayed.

Notice.

Duration.

Child care resource and referral programs.

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin Eligible programs. new text end

new text begin Requirements. new text end

new text begin Providing payments. new text end

new text begin Eligible uses of money. new text end

new text begin Legal nonlicensed child care provider payments. new text end

new text begin Carryforward authority. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

Licensed programs; other child care programs.

Electronic transmission.

Notice to county agency.

Commissioner's notice of disqualification that is not set aside.

Administrative disqualification of child care providers caring for children
receiving child care assistance.

Child care providers; financial misconduct.

new text begin Program established. new text end

new text begin Grant awards. new text end

new text begin Program reporting. new text end

new text begin Undistributed funds. new text end

new text begin Establishment and authority. new text end

new text begin Distribution of funds by the grantee. new text end

new text begin Reporting. new text end

new text begin Grant program established. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin Grant eligibility and uses. new text end

new text begin Reporting. new text end

new text begin Authorization. new text end

new text begin Uses. new text end

new text begin Payments. new text end

new text begin Prohibition on supplanting existing funds. new text end

Agency and court notice to tribes.

new text begin Allocations. new text end

new text begin Purposes. new text end

new text begin Reporting. new text end

new text begin Redistribution of funds. new text end

Egregious harm.

new text begin Transition planing. new text end

new text begin Support beyond 21 program. new text end

new text begin Independent living skills grant program. new text end

Requirements.

new text begin Quality assurance of recruitment efforts. new text end

Establishment of team.

new text begin Noncaregiver sex trafficker. new text end

new text begin Noncaregiver sex trafficking assessment. new text end

Substantial child endangerment.

Sexual abuse.

Law enforcement.

Local welfare agency.

Face-to-face contact.

Determination after family assessmentnew text begin or a noncaregiver sex trafficking
assessmentnew text end .

Notification at conclusion of family assessmentnew text begin or a noncaregiver sex
trafficking assessmentnew text end .

Followingnew text begin anew text end family assessmentnew text begin or a noncaregiver sex trafficking
assessmentnew text end .

Data retention.

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin Community resource centers established. new text end

new text begin Commissioner's duties; related infrastructure. new text end

new text begin Grantee duties. new text end

new text begin Eligibility. new text end

new text begin Community Resource Center Advisory Council; establishment and
duties. new text end

new text begin Grantee reporting. new text end

new text begin Evaluation. new text end

Parent not considered voluntarily unemployed, underemployed, or employed
on a less than full-time basis.

TANF new text begin or MFIP new text end recipient.

Definitions.

Order.

Determining appropriate health care coverage.

Ordering health care coverage.

Medical support costs; unreimbursed and uninsured deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-relatednew text end
expenses.

Notice or court order sent to party's employer, union, or health carrier.

Employer or union requirements.

Health plan requirements.

Employer or union liability.

Contesting enrollment.

Disenrollment; continuation of coverage; coverage options.

Spousal or former spousal coverage.

Disclosure of information.

Child support enforcement services.

Enforcement.

Offset.

new text begin Suspension or reinstatement of medical support contribution. new text end

Collecting unreimbursed or uninsured deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-relatednew text end expenses.

Enforcing unreimbursed or uninsured deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-relatednew text end expenses
as arrears.

Ability to pay.

Exception.

Changes in eligibility.

new text begin Budgeting and reporting. new text end

SNAP reporting requirements.

new text begin SNAP outreach program. new text end

new text begin Duties of commissioner. new text end

new text begin Program funding. new text end

Use of money.

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin Distribution of funding. new text end

new text begin Allowable uses of funds. new text end

new text begin Reporting. new text end

Establishment.

Definitions.

Grants awarded.

Financial coaching.

Withdrawal; matching; permissible uses.

Program reporting.

Prospective budgeting.

Reports.

new text begin When to terminate assistance. new text end

Amount of housing support payment.

Prospective budgeting.

Recurring income.

Initial income test.

deleted text begin Monthlydeleted text end Income test and determination of assistance payment.

Determination of eligibility.

Prospective eligibility.

Earned income of wage, salary, and contractual employees.

Rental subsidies; unearned income.

DWP overpayments and underpayments.

new text begin Prospective budgeting. new text end

Personal property limitations.

new text begin Account exception. new text end

Factors to be verified.

Recertification.

Income inclusions.

Exempted programs.

new text begin Child care assistance programs. new text end

Reporting requirements.

Changes that must be reported.

MFIP-specific reporting.

Child care assistance programs-specific reporting.

Minnesota supplemental aid-specific reporting.

new text begin Housing support-specific reporting. new text end

new text begin General assistance-specific reporting. new text end

new text begin Exempted programs. new text end

new text begin Prospective budgeting of benefits. new text end

new text begin Initial income. new text end

new text begin Income determination. new text end

new text begin Income changes. new text end

new text begin Exempted programs. new text end

new text begin Reporting. new text end

new text begin When to terminate assistance. new text end

new text begin Total Appropriation
new text end

new text begin TANF Maintenance of Effort
new text end

new text begin Central Office; Children and Families
new text end

new text begin Forecasted Programs; MFIP/DWP
new text end

new text begin Forecasted Programs; MFIP Child Care
Assistance
new text end

new text begin Forecasted Programs; General
Assistance
new text end

new text begin Forecasted Programs; Northstar Care
for Children
new text end

new text begin Grant Programs; BSF Child Care
Grants
new text end

new text begin Grant Programs; Child Care
Development Grants
new text end

new text begin Grant Programs; Child Support
Enforcement Grants
new text end

new text begin Grant Programs; Children's Services
Grants
new text end

new text begin Grant Programs; Children and
Community Service Grants
new text end

new text begin Grant Programs; Children and
Economic Support Grants
new text end

new text begin Grant Programs; Child Mental Health
Grants
new text end

new text begin Technical Activities
new text end

Grant Programs; Child Mental Health
Grants

Funding priority.

Criminal history data.

Establishment.

Administration of the program.

Plan content.

Coordinated development.

Budget month.

Lump sum.

Monthly income test.

Nonrecurring income.

Retrospective budgeting.

Significant change.

Monthly MFIP household reports.

Due date of MFIP household report form.

Late MFIP household report forms.

Retrospective eligibility.

Monthly income test.

When to terminate assistance.

Prospective budgeting.

Retrospective budgeting.

Additional uses of retrospective budgeting.

Significant change in gross income.

Treatment of lump sums.

Applicant.

Child care.

Family.

Registration.

deleted text begin Temporary reprioritizationdeleted text end new text begin Funding prioritiesnew text end .

Authorization.

Background study required.

Training required.

Persons who cannot be authorized.

Authorization exception.

Unsafe care.

Record-keeping requirement.

Failure to comply with attendance record requirements.

Subsidy restrictions.

Provider payments.

Notice to providers.

Fair hearing stayed.

Notice.

Duration.

Child care resource and referral programs.

Administrative disqualification of child care providers caring for children
receiving child care assistance.

Engrossments
Introduction		Posted on 03/14/2023

A bill for an act
relating to families; modifying provisions governing child care, child safety and
permanency, child support, economic assistance, deep poverty, housing and
homelessness, behavioral health, the medical education and research cost account,
MinnesotaCare, the Tribal Elder Office, background studies, and licensing; making
forecast adjustments; making technical and conforming changes; allocating funds
for a specific purpose; establishing certain grants; requiring reports; transferring
money; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections
119B.011, subdivisions 2, 5, 13, 19a; 119B.025, subdivision 4; 119B.03,
subdivision 4a; 119B.125, subdivisions 1, 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7; 119B.13, subdivisions
1, 6; 119B.16, subdivisions 1c, 3; 119B.161, subdivisions 2, 3; 119B.19, subdivision
7; 245C.04, subdivision 1; 245C.05, subdivision 4; 245C.17, subdivision 6;
245C.23, subdivision 2; 256.046, subdivision 3; 256.983, subdivision 5; 256D.03,
by adding a subdivision; 256D.63, subdivision 2; 256E.34, subdivision 4; 256E.35,
subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4a, 6, 7; 256I.03, subdivision 13; 256I.06, subdivisions 6, 8,
by adding a subdivision; 256J.08, subdivisions 71, 79; 256J.21, subdivisions 3, 4;
256J.33, subdivisions 1, 2; 256J.37, subdivisions 3, 3a; 256J.95, subdivision 19;
256P.01, by adding a subdivision; 256P.02, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision;
256P.04, subdivisions 4, 8; 256P.06, subdivision 3; 256P.07, subdivisions 1, 2, 3,
4, 6, 7, by adding subdivisions; 260.761, subdivision 2; 260C.007, subdivision 14;
260C.451, by adding subdivisions; 260C.452, by adding a subdivision; 260C.605,
subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 260C.704; 260E.01; 260E.02, subdivision
1; 260E.03, subdivision 22, by adding subdivisions; 260E.14, subdivisions 2, 5;
260E.17, subdivision 1; 260E.18; 260E.20, subdivision 2; 260E.24, subdivisions
2, 7; 260E.33, subdivision 1; 260E.35, subdivision 6; 518A.31; 518A.32,
subdivisions 3, 4; 518A.34; 518A.41; 518A.42, subdivisions 1, 3; 518A.65;
518A.77; Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter 7, article 16, section 2,
subdivision 32, as amended; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapters 119B; 256; 256D; 256E; 256K; 256P; 260; repealing Minnesota Statutes
2022, sections 119B.03, subdivision 4; 245C.11, subdivision 3; 256.8799; 256.9864;
256J.08, subdivisions 10, 53, 61, 62, 81, 83; 256J.30, subdivisions 5, 7, 8; 256J.33,
subdivisions 3, 4, 5; 256J.34, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4; 256J.37, subdivision 10.

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

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.011, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

"Child care fund applicants" means all parentsdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end stepparentsdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end legal
guardiansdeleted text begin , ordeleted text end new text begin ;new text end eligible relative caregivers deleted text begin who aredeleted text end new text begin ; relative custodians who accepted a transfer
of permanent legal and physical custody of a child under section 260C.515, subdivision 4,
or similar permanency disposition in Tribal code; successor custodians or guardians as
established by section 256N.22, subdivision 10; or foster parents providing care to a child
placed in a family foster home under section 260C.007, subdivision 16b. Applicants must
benew text end members of the family and reside in the household that applies for child care assistance
under the child care fund.

new text begin This section is effective August 25, 2024.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.011, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

"Child care" means the care of a child by someone other than a
parentdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end stepparentdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end legal guardiandeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end eligible relative caregiverdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ; relative custodian who
accepted a transfer of permanent legal and physical custody of a child under section
260C.515, subdivision 4, or similar permanency disposition in Tribal code; successor
custodian or guardian as established according to section 256N.22, subdivision 10; foster
parent providing care to a child placed in a family foster home under section 260C.007,
subdivision 16b;new text end or deleted text begin the spousesdeleted text end new text begin spousenew text end of any of the foregoing in or outside the child's own
home for gain or otherwise, on a regular basis, for any part of a 24-hour day.

new text begin This section is effective August 25, 2024.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.011, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

"Family" means parentsdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end stepparentsdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end guardians and their spousesdeleted text begin ,
ordeleted text end new text begin ;new text end other eligible relative caregivers and their spousesdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ; relative custodians who accepted a
transfer of permanent legal and physical custody of a child under section 260C.515,
subdivision 4, or similar permanency disposition in Tribal code, and their spouses; successor
custodians or guardians as established by section 256N.22, subdivision 10, and their spouses;
foster parents providing care to a child placed in a family foster home under section
260C.007, subdivision 16b, and their spouses;new text end and deleted text begin their blood relateddeleted text end new text begin the blood-relatednew text end
dependent children and adoptive siblings under the age of 18 years living in the same home
deleted text begin includingdeleted text end new text begin as any of the above. Family includesnew text end children temporarily absent from the
household in settings such as schools, foster care, and residential treatment facilities deleted text begin or
parents, stepparents, guardians and their spouses, or other relative caregivers and their
spousesdeleted text end new text begin and adultsnew text end temporarily absent from the household in settings such as schools, military
service, or rehabilitation programs. An adult family member who is not in an authorized
activity under this chapter may be temporarily absent for up to 60 days. When a minor
parent or parents and his, her, or their child or children are living with other relatives, and
the minor parent or parents apply for a child care subsidy, "family" means only the minor
parent or parents and their child or children. An adult age 18 or older who meets this
definition of family and is a full-time high school or postsecondary student may be considered
a dependent member of the family unit if 50 percent or more of the adult's support is provided
by the parentsdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end stepparentsdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end guardiansnew text begin and their spouses; relative custodians who accepted
a transfer of permanent legal and physical custody of a child under section 260C.515,
subdivision 4, or similar permanency disposition in Tribal code, and their spouses; successor
custodians or guardians as established by section 256N.22, subdivision 10, and their spouses;
foster parents providing care to a child placed in a family foster home under section
260C.007, subdivision 16bnew text end , and their spousesnew text begin ;new text end or eligible relative caregivers and their spouses
residing in the same household.

new text begin This section is effective August 25, 2024.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.011, subdivision 19a, is amended to read:

"Registration" means the process used by deleted text begin a countydeleted text end new text begin the
commissionernew text end to determine whether the provider selected by a family applying for or
receiving child care assistance to care for that family's children meets the requirements
necessary for payment of child care assistance for care provided by that provider.new text begin The
commissioner shall create a process for statewide registration by April 28, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.03, subdivision 4a, is amended to read:

(a) deleted text begin Notwithstanding
subdivision 4deleted text end new text begin In the event that inadequate funding necessitates the use of waiting listsnew text end ,
priority for child care assistance under the basic sliding fee assistance program shall be
determined according to this subdivision deleted text begin beginning July 1, 2021, through May 31, 2024deleted text end .

(b) First priority must be given to eligible non-MFIP families who do not have a high
school diploma or commissioner of education-selected high school equivalency certification
or who need remedial and basic skill courses in order to pursue employment or to pursue
education leading to employment and who need child care assistance to participate in the
education program. This includes student parents as defined under section 119B.011,
subdivision 19b. Within this priority, the following subpriorities must be used:

(1) child care needs of minor parents;

(2) child care needs of parents under 21 years of age; and

(3) child care needs of other parents within the priority group described in this paragraph.

(c) Second priority must be given to families in which at least one parent is a veteran,
as defined under section 197.447.

(d) Third priority must be given to eligible families who do not meet the specifications
of paragraph (b), (c), (e), or (f).

(e) Fourth priority must be given to families who are eligible for portable basic sliding
fee assistance through the portability pool under subdivision 9.

(f) Fifth priority must be given to eligible families receiving services under section
119B.011, subdivision 20a, if the parents have completed their MFIP or DWP transition
year, or if the parents are no longer receiving or eligible for DWP supports.

(g) Families under paragraph (f) must be added to the basic sliding fee waiting list on
the date they complete their transition year under section 119B.011, subdivision 20.

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2023.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.125, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

deleted text begin A county ordeleted text end The commissioner must authorize the provider
chosen by an applicant or a participant before the county can authorize payment for care
provided by that provider. The commissioner must establish the requirements necessary for
authorization of providers. A provider must be reauthorized every two years. deleted text begin A legal,
nonlicensed family child care provider also must be reauthorized when another person over
the age of 13 joins the household, a current household member turns 13, or there is reason
to believe that a household member has a factor that prevents authorization. The provider
is required to report all family changes that would require reauthorization. When a provider
has been authorized for payment for providing care for families in more than one county,
the county responsible for reauthorization of that provider is the county of the family with
a current authorization for that provider and who has used the provider for the longest length
of time.
deleted text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.125, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

new text begin (a) new text end This subdivision only applies to legal,
nonlicensed family child care providers.

new text begin (b) new text end Prior to authorization, deleted text begin and as part of each reauthorization required in subdivision 1,
the countydeleted text end new text begin the commissionernew text end shall perform a background study on deleted text begin every member of the
provider's household who is age 13 and older. The county shall also perform a background
study on an individual who has reached age ten but is not yet age 13 and is living in the
household where the nonlicensed child care will be provided when the county has reasonable
cause as defined under section 245C.02, subdivision 15deleted text end new text begin individuals identified under section
245C.02, subdivision 6anew text end .

new text begin (c) After authorization, a background study shall also be performed when an individual
identified under section 245C.02, subdivision 6a, joins the household. The provider must
report all family changes that would require a new background study.
new text end

new text begin (d) At each reauthorization, the commissioner shall ensure that a background study
through NETStudy 2.0 has been performed on all individuals in the provider's household
for whom a background study is required under paragraphs (b) and (c).
new text end

new text begin (e) Prior to a background study through NETStudy 2.0 expiring, another background
study shall be completed on all individuals for whom the background study is expiring.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.125, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

(a) deleted text begin Effective November 1, 2011,deleted text end Prior to initial
authorization as required in subdivision 1, a legal nonlicensed family child care provider
must complete first aid and CPR training and provide the verification of first aid and CPR
training to the deleted text begin countydeleted text end new text begin commissionernew text end . The training documentation must have valid effective
dates as of the date the registration request is submitted to the deleted text begin countydeleted text end new text begin commissionernew text end . The
training must have been provided by an individual approved to provide first aid and CPR
instruction and have included CPR techniques for infants and children.

deleted text begin (b) Legal nonlicensed family child care providers with an authorization effective before
November 1, 2011, must be notified of the requirements before October 1, 2011, or at
authorization, and must meet the requirements upon renewal of an authorization that occurs
on or after January 1, 2012.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (b)new text end Upon each reauthorization after the authorization period when the initial first aid
and CPR training requirements are met, a legal nonlicensed family child care provider must
provide verification of at least eight hours of additional training listed in the Minnesota
Center for Professional Development Registry.

deleted text begin (d)deleted text end new text begin (c)new text end This subdivision only applies to legal nonlicensed family child care providers.

new text begin This section is effective April 28, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.125, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

(a) The provider seeking authorization
under this section shall collect the information required under section 245C.05deleted text begin , subdivision
1,deleted text end and forward the information to the deleted text begin county agencydeleted text end new text begin commissionernew text end . The background study
must include a review of the information required under section 245C.08, deleted text begin subdivisions 2,deleted text end new text begin
subdivisionnew text end 3deleted text begin , and 4, paragraph (b)deleted text end .

new text begin (b)new text end A new text begin legal new text end nonlicensed family child care provider is not authorized under this section
ifnew text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) the commissioner determines thatnew text end any household member who is the subject of a
background study is deleted text begin determined to have a disqualifying characteristic under paragraphs (b)
to (e) or under section 245C.14 or 245C.15. If a county has determined that a provider is
able to be authorized in that county, and a family in another county later selects that provider,
the provider is able to be authorized in the second county without undergoing a new
background investigation unless one of the following conditions exists:deleted text end new text begin disqualified from
direct contact with, or from access to, persons served by the program and that disqualification
has not been set aside or a variance has not been granted under chapter 245C;
new text end

deleted text begin (1) two years have passed since the first authorization;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) another person age 13 or older has joined the provider's household since the last
authorization;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) a current household member has turned 13 since the last authorization; or
deleted text end

deleted text begin (4) there is reason to believe that a household member has a factor that prevents
authorization.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (b)deleted text end new text begin (2)new text end the person has refused to give written consent for disclosure of criminal history
recordsdeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (3)new text end the person has been denied a family child care license deleted text begin or has received a fine or
a sanction as a licensed child care provider that has not been reversed on appeal.deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

deleted text begin (d)deleted text end new text begin (4)new text end the person has a family child care licensing disqualification that has not been set
asidedeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ; or
new text end

deleted text begin (e)deleted text end new text begin (5)new text end the person has admitted or a county has found that there is a preponderance of
evidence that fraudulent information was given to the county for child care assistance
application purposes or was used in submitting child care assistance bills for payment.

new text begin This section is effective April 28, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.125, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

When deleted text begin a countydeleted text end new text begin the commissionernew text end denies a person
authorization as a legal nonlicensed family child care provider under subdivision 2, the
deleted text begin countydeleted text end new text begin commissionernew text end later may authorize that person as a provider if the following conditions
are met:

(1) after receiving notice of the denial of the authorization, the person applies for and
obtains a valid child care license issued under chapter 245A, issued by a tribe, or issued by
another state;

(2) the person maintains the valid child care license; and

(3) the person is providing child care in the state of licensure or in the area under the
jurisdiction of the licensing tribe.

new text begin This section is effective April 28, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.125, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

deleted text begin A countydeleted text end new text begin The commissionernew text end may deny authorization as a child
care provider to any applicant or rescind authorization of any provider when deleted text begin thedeleted text end new text begin anew text end county
new text begin or commissioner new text end knows or has reason to believe that the provider is unsafe or that the
circumstances of the chosen child care arrangement are unsafe. The deleted text begin county must include
the conditions under which a provider or care arrangement will be determined to be unsafe
in the county's child care fund plan under section 119B.08, subdivision 3deleted text end new text begin commissioner
shall introduce statewide criteria for unsafe care by April 28, 2025new text end .

new text begin This section is effective April 28, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.125, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

(a) As a condition of payment, all providers
receiving child care assistance payments must:

(1) keep accurate and legible daily attendance records at the site where services are
delivered for children receiving child care assistance; and

(2) make those records available immediately to the county or the commissioner upon
request. Any records not provided to a county or the commissioner at the date and time of
the request are deemed inadmissible if offered as evidence by the provider in any proceeding
to contest an overpayment or disqualification of the provider.

(b) As a condition of payment, attendance records must be completed daily and include
the date, the first and last name of each child in attendance, and the times when each child
is dropped off and picked up. To the extent possible, the times that the child was dropped
off to and picked up from the child care provider must be entered by the person dropping
off or picking up the child. The daily attendance records must be retained at the site where
services are delivered for six years after the date of service.

(c) deleted text begin A county or the commissioner may deny or revoke a provider's authorization to
receive child care assistance payments under section 119B.13, subdivision 6, paragraph (d),
pursue a fraud disqualification under section 256.98, take an action against the provider
under chapter deleted text end deleted text begin 245Edeleted text end deleted text begin , or establish an attendance record overpayment under paragraph (d)
against a current or former provider,deleted text end When the county or the commissioner knows or has
reason to believe that deleted text begin thedeleted text end new text begin a current or formernew text end provider has not complied with the
record-keeping requirement in this subdivisiondeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) the commissioner may:
new text end

new text begin (i) deny or revoke a provider's authorization to receive child care assistance payments
under section 119B.13, subdivision 6, paragraph (d);
new text end

new text begin (ii) pursue an administrative disqualification under sections 256.046, subdivision 3, and
256.98; or
new text end

new text begin (iii) take an action against the provider under chapter 245E; or
new text end

new text begin (2) a county or the commissioner may establish an attendance record overpayment under
paragraph (d).
new text end

(d) To calculate an attendance record overpayment under this subdivision, the
commissioner or county agency shall subtract the maximum daily rate from the total amount
paid to a provider for each day that a child's attendance record is missing, unavailable,
incomplete, inaccurate, or otherwise inadequate.

(e) The commissioner shall develop criteria for a county to determine an attendance
record overpayment under this subdivision.

new text begin This section is effective April 28, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.125, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

(a) In establishing
an overpayment claim for failure to provide attendance records in compliance with
subdivision 6, the county or commissioner is limited to the six years prior to the date the
county or the commissioner requested the attendance records.

(b) The commissioner new text begin or county new text end may periodically audit child care providers to determine
compliance with subdivision 6.

(c) When the commissioner or county establishes an overpayment claim against a current
or former provider, the commissioner or county must provide notice of the claim to the
provider. A notice of overpayment claim must specify the reason for the overpayment, the
authority for making the overpayment claim, the time period in which the overpayment
occurred, the amount of the overpayment, and the provider's right to appeal.

(d) The commissioner or county shall seek to recoup or recover overpayments paid to
a current or former provider.

(e) When a provider has been disqualified or convicted of fraud under section 256.98,
theft under section 609.52, or a federal crime relating to theft of state funds or fraudulent
billing for a program administered by the commissioner or a county, recoupment or recovery
must be sought regardless of the amount of overpayment.

new text begin This section is effective April 28, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

(a) Beginning deleted text begin November 15, 2021deleted text end new text begin October 30,
2023new text end , the maximum rate paid for child care assistance in any county or county price cluster
under the child care fund shall bedeleted text begin :
deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) for all infants and toddlers,deleted text end the greater of the deleted text begin 40thdeleted text end new text begin 75thnew text end percentile of the 2021 child
care provider rate survey or the rates in effect at the time of the updatedeleted text begin ; anddeleted text end new text begin .
new text end

deleted text begin (2) for all preschool and school-age children, the greater of the 30th percentile of the
2021 child care provider rate survey or the rates in effect at the time of the update.
deleted text end

(b) Beginning the first full service period on or after January 1, 2025, new text begin and every three
years thereafter, new text end the maximum rate paid for child care assistance in a county or county price
cluster under the child care fund shall bedeleted text begin :
deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) for all infants and toddlers,deleted text end the greater of the deleted text begin 40thdeleted text end new text begin 75thnew text end percentile of the deleted text begin 2024deleted text end new text begin most
recentnew text end child care provider rate survey or the rates in effect at the time of the updatedeleted text begin ; anddeleted text end new text begin .
new text end

deleted text begin (2) for all preschool and school-age children, the greater of the 30th percentile of the
2024 child care provider rate survey or the rates in effect at the time of the update.
deleted text end

The rates under paragraph (a) continue until the rates under this paragraph go into effect.

(c) For a child care provider located within the boundaries of a city located in two or
more of the counties of Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns, the maximum rate paid for child
care assistance shall be equal to the maximum rate paid in the county with the highest
maximum reimbursement rates or the provider's charge, whichever is less. The commissioner
may: (1) assign a county with no reported provider prices to a similar price cluster; and (2)
consider county level access when determining final price clusters.

(d) A rate which includes a special needs rate paid under subdivision 3 may be in excess
of the maximum rate allowed under this subdivision.

(e) The department shall monitor the effect of this paragraph on provider rates. The
county shall pay the provider's full charges for every child in care up to the maximum
established. The commissioner shall determine the maximum rate for each type of care on
an hourly, full-day, and weekly basis, including special needs and disability care.

(f) If a child uses one provider, the maximum payment for one day of care must not
exceed the daily rate. The maximum payment for one week of care must not exceed the
weekly rate.

(g) If a child uses two providers under section 119B.097, the maximum payment must
not exceed:

(1) the daily rate for one day of care;

(2) the weekly rate for one week of care by the child's primary provider; and

(3) two daily rates during two weeks of care by a child's secondary provider.

(h) Child care providers receiving reimbursement under this chapter must not be paid
activity fees or an additional amount above the maximum rates for care provided during
nonstandard hours for families receiving assistance.

(i) If the provider charge is greater than the maximum provider rate allowed, the parent
is responsible for payment of the difference in the rates in addition to any family co-payment
fee.

(j) new text begin Beginning October 30, 2023, new text end the maximum registration fee paid for child care
assistance in any county or county price cluster under the child care fund shall be deleted text begin set as
follows: (1) beginning November 15, 2021,deleted text end the greater of the deleted text begin 40thdeleted text end new text begin 75thnew text end percentile of the
deleted text begin 2021deleted text end new text begin most recentnew text end child care provider rate survey or the registration fee in effect at the time
of the updatedeleted text begin ; and (2) beginning the first full service period on or after January 1, 2025, the
maximum registration fee shall be the greater of the 40th percentile of the 2024 child care
provider rate survey or the registration fee in effect at the time of the update. The registration
fees under clause (1) continue until the registration fees under clause (2) go into effectdeleted text end .

(k) Maximum registration fees must be set for licensed family child care and for child
care centers. For a child care provider located in the boundaries of a city located in two or
more of the counties of Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns, the maximum registration fee paid
for child care assistance shall be equal to the maximum registration fee paid in the county
with the highest maximum registration fee or the provider's charge, whichever is less.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.13, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

(a) A provider shall bill only for services documented
according to section 119B.125, subdivision 6. The provider shall bill for services provided
within ten days of the end of the service period. Payments under the child care fund shall
be made within 21 days of receiving a complete bill from the provider. Counties or the state
may establish policies that make payments on a more frequent basis.

(b) If a provider has received an authorization of care and been issued a billing form for
an eligible family, the bill must be submitted within 60 days of the last date of service on
the bill. A bill submitted more than 60 days after the last date of service must be paid if the
county determines that the provider has shown good cause why the bill was not submitted
within 60 days. Good cause must be defined in the county's child care fund plan under
section 119B.08, subdivision 3, and the definition of good cause must include county error.
Any bill submitted more than a year after the last date of service on the bill must not be
paid.

(c) If a provider provided care for a time period without receiving an authorization of
care and a billing form for an eligible family, payment of child care assistance may only be
made retroactively for a maximum of three months from the date the provider is issued an
authorization of care and a billing form. For a family at application, if a provider provided
child care during a time period without receiving an authorization of care and a billing form,
a county may only make child care assistance payments to the provider retroactively from
the date that child care began, or from the date that the family's eligibility began under
section 119B.09, subdivision 7, or from the date that the family meets authorization
requirements, not to exceed six months from the date that the provider is issued an
authorization of care and a billing form, whichever is later.

(d) deleted text begin A county ordeleted text end The commissioner may refuse to issue a child care authorization to a
certified, licensed, or legal nonlicensed provider, revoke an existing child care authorization
to a certified, licensed, or legal nonlicensed provider, stop payment issued to a certified,
licensed, or legal nonlicensed provider, or refuse to pay a bill submitted by a certified,
licensed, or legal nonlicensed provider if:

(1) the provider admits to intentionally giving the county materially false information
on the provider's billing forms;

(2) deleted text begin a county ordeleted text end the commissioner finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the
provider intentionally gave the county materially false information on the provider's billing
forms, or provided false attendance records to a county or the commissioner;

(3) the provider is in violation of child care assistance program rules, until the agency
determines those violations have been corrected;

(4) the provider is operating after:

(i) an order of suspension of the provider's license issued by the commissioner;

(ii) an order of revocation of the provider's license issued by the commissioner; or

(iii) an order of decertification issued to the provider;

(5) the provider submits false attendance reports or refuses to provide documentation
of the child's attendance upon request;

(6) the provider gives false child care price information; or

(7) the provider fails to report decreases in a child's attendance as required under section
119B.125, subdivision 9.

(e) For purposes of paragraph (d), clauses (3), (5), (6), and (7), deleted text begin the county ordeleted text end the
commissioner may withhold the provider's authorization or payment for a period of time
not to exceed three months beyond the time the condition has been corrected.

(f) A county's payment policies must be included in the county's child care plan under
section 119B.08, subdivision 3. If payments are made by the state, in addition to being in
compliance with this subdivision, the payments must be made in compliance with section
16A.124.

(g) If the commissioner deleted text begin or responsible county agencydeleted text end suspends or refuses payment to a
provider under paragraph (d), clause (1) or (2), or chapter 245E and the provider has:

(1) a disqualification for wrongfully obtaining assistance under section 256.98,
subdivision 8, paragraph (c);

(2) an administrative disqualification under section 256.046, subdivision 3; or

(3) a termination under section 245E.02, subdivision 4, paragraph (c), clause (4), or
245E.06;

then the provider forfeits the payment to the commissioner or the responsible county agency,
regardless of the amount assessed in an overpayment, charged in a criminal complaint, or
ordered as criminal restitution.

new text begin This section is effective April 28, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.16, subdivision 1c, is amended to read:

(a) Before taking an action appealable under subdivision
1a, paragraph (b), a county agency or the commissioner must mail written notice to the
provider against whom the action is being taken. Unless otherwise specified under this
chapter, chapter 245E, or Minnesota Rules, chapter 3400, a county agency or the
commissioner must mail the written notice at least 15 calendar days before the adverse
action's effective date.

(b) The notice shall state (1) the factual basis for the new text begin county agency or new text end department's
determination, (2) the action the new text begin county agency or new text end department intends to take, (3) the dollar
amount of the monetary recovery or recoupment, if known, and (4) the provider's right to
appeal the department's proposed action.

new text begin This section is effective April 28, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.16, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

(a) If deleted text begin a county agency ordeleted text end the commissioner denies or
revokes a provider's authorization based on a licensing action under section 245A.07, and
the provider appeals, the provider's fair hearing must be stayed until the commissioner issues
an order as required under section 245A.08, subdivision 5.

(b) If the commissioner denies or revokes a provider's authorization based on
decertification under section 245H.07, and the provider appeals, the provider's fair hearing
must be stayed until the commissioner issues a final order as required under section 245H.07.

new text begin This section is effective April 28, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.161, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

(a) deleted text begin A county agency ordeleted text end The commissioner must mail written notice to
a provider within five days of suspending payment or denying or revoking the provider's
authorization under subdivision 1.

(b) The notice must:

(1) state the provision under which deleted text begin a county agency ordeleted text end the commissioner is denying,
revoking, or suspending the provider's authorization or suspending payment to the provider;

(2) set forth the general allegations leading to the denial, revocation, or suspension of
the provider's authorization. The notice need not disclose any specific information concerning
an ongoing investigation;

(3) state that the denial, revocation, or suspension of the provider's authorization is for
a temporary period and explain the circumstances under which the action expires; and

(4) inform the provider of the right to submit written evidence and argument for
consideration by the commissioner.

(c) Notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, part 3400.0185, if deleted text begin a county agency ordeleted text end the
commissioner suspends payment to a provider under chapter 245E or denies or revokes a
provider's authorization under section 119B.13, subdivision 6, paragraph (d), clause (1) or
(2), a county agency or the commissioner must send notice of service authorization closure
to each affected family. The notice sent to an affected family is effective on the date the
notice is created.

new text begin This section is effective April 28, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.161, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

If a provider's payment is suspended under chapter 245E or a
provider's authorization is denied or revoked under section 119B.13, subdivision 6, paragraph
(d), clause (1) or (2), the provider's denial, revocation, temporary suspension, or payment
suspension remains in effect until:

(1) the commissioner or a law enforcement authority determines that there is insufficient
evidence warranting the action and deleted text begin a county agency ordeleted text end the commissioner does not pursue
an additional administrative remedy under chapter 245E or section 256.98; or

(2) all criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings related to the provider's alleged
misconduct conclude and any appeal rights are exhausted.

new text begin This section is effective April 28, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.19, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Within each region, a child care
resource and referral program must:

(1) maintain one database of all existing child care resources and services and one
database of family referrals;

(2) provide a child care referral service for families;

(3) develop resources to meet the child care service needs of families;

(4) increase the capacity to provide culturally responsive child care services;

(5) coordinate professional development opportunities for child care and school-age
care providers;

(6) administer and award child care services grants;

(7) cooperate with the Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network and its
member programs to develop effective child care services and child care resources; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(8) assist in fostering coordination, collaboration, and planning among child care programs
and community programs such as school readiness, Head Start, early childhood family
education, local interagency early intervention committees, early childhood screening,
special education services, and other early childhood care and education services and
programs that provide flexible, family-focused services to families with young children to
the extent possibledeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (9) administer the child care one-stop regional assistance network to assist child care
providers and individuals interested in becoming child care providers with establishing and
sustaining a licensed family child care or group family child care program or a child care
center; and
new text end

new text begin (10) provide supports that enable economically challenged individuals to obtain the jobs
skills training, career counseling, and job placement assistance necessary to begin a career
path in child care.
new text end

new text begin A child care retention program is established to provide
eligible child care programs with payments to improve access to child care in Minnesota
and to strengthen the ability of child care programs to recruit and retain qualified early
educators to work in child care programs. The child care retention program shall be
administered by the commissioner of human services.
new text end

new text begin (a) The following programs are eligible to receive child
care retention payments under this section:
new text end

new text begin (1) family and group family child care homes licensed under Minnesota Rules, chapter
9502;
new text end

new text begin (2) child care centers licensed under Minnesota Rules, chapter 9503;
new text end

new text begin (3) certified license-exempt child care centers under chapter 245H;
new text end

new text begin (4) Tribally licensed child care programs; and
new text end

new text begin (5) other programs as determined by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (b) To be eligible, programs must not be:
new text end

new text begin (1) the subject of a finding of fraud for which the program or individual is currently
serving a penalty or exclusion;
new text end

new text begin (2) the subject of suspended, denied, or terminated payments to a provider under section
256.98, subdivision 1; 119B.13, subdivision 6, paragraph (d), clauses (1) and (2); or 245E.02,
subdivision 4, paragraph (c), clause (4), regardless of whether the action is under appeal;
new text end

new text begin (3) prohibited from receiving public funds under section 245.095, regardless of whether
the action is under appeal; or
new text end

new text begin (4) under license revocation, suspension, temporary immediate suspension, or
decertification, regardless of whether the action is under appeal.
new text end

new text begin (a) As a condition of payment, all providers receiving retention
payments under this section must:
new text end

new text begin (1) complete an application developed by the commissioner for each payment period
for which the eligible program applies for funding;
new text end

new text begin (2) attest and agree in writing that the program intends to remain operating and serving
a minimum number of children, as determined by the commissioner, for the duration of the
payment period, with the exceptions of:
new text end

new text begin (i) service disruptions that are necessary to protect the safety and health of children and
child care programs based on public health guidance issued by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, the commissioner of health, the commissioner of human services,
or a local public health agency; and
new text end

new text begin (ii) planned temporary closures for provider vacation and holidays during each payment
period. The maximum allowed duration of vacations and holidays must be established by
the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (b) Funds received under this section must be expended by a provider no later than six
months after the date the payment was received.
new text end

new text begin (c) Recipients must comply with all requirements listed in the application under this
section. Methods for demonstrating that requirements have been met shall be determined
by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (d) Recipients must keep accurate and legible records of the following at the site where
services are delivered:
new text end

new text begin (1) use of money;
new text end

new text begin (2) attendance records. Daily attendance records must be completed every day and
include the date, the first and last name of each child in attendance, and the times when
each child is dropped off and picked up. To the extent possible, the times that the child was
dropped off and picked up from the child care provider must be entered by the person
dropping off or picking up the child; and
new text end

new text begin (3) staff employment, compensation, and benefits records. Employment, compensation,
and benefits records must include time sheets or other records of daily hours worked and
documentation of compensation and benefits.
new text end

new text begin (e) The requirement to document compensation and benefits only applies to family child
care providers if retention payment funds are used for compensation and benefits.
new text end

new text begin (f) All records must be retained at the site where services are delivered for six years after
the date of receipt of payment and be made immediately available to the commissioner upon
request. Any records not provided to the commissioner at the date and time of the request
are deemed inadmissible if offered as evidence by a provider in any proceeding to contest
an overpayment or disqualification of the provider.
new text end

new text begin (g) Recipients that fail to meet the requirements under this section are subject to
discontinuation of future installment payments, recovery of overpayments, and actions under
chapter 245E. Except when based on a finding of fraud, actions to establish an overpayment
must be made within six years of receipt of the payments. Once an overpayment is
established, collection may continue until funds have been repaid in full. The appeal process
under section 119B.16 applies to actions taken for failure to meet the requirements of this
section.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall provide retention payments
under this section to all eligible programs on a noncompetitive basis.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall award retention payments to all eligible programs. The
payment amounts shall be based on the number of full-time equivalent staff who regularly
care for children in the program, including any employees, sole proprietors, or independent
contractors.
new text end

new text begin (c) One full-time equivalent is defined as an individual caring for children 32 hours per
week. An individual can count as more or less than one full-time equivalent staff, but as no
more than two full-time equivalent staff.
new text end

new text begin (d) The amount awarded per full-time equivalent individual caring for children for each
payment type must be established by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (e) Payments must be increased by 25 percent for providers receiving payments through
the child care assistance programs under section 119B.03 or 119B.05 or early learning
scholarships under section 124D.165 or whose program is located in a child care access
equity area. Child care access equity areas are areas with low access to child care, high
poverty rates, high unemployment rates, low home ownership rates, and low median
household incomes. The commissioner must develop a method for establishing child care
access equity areas.
new text end

new text begin (f) The commissioner shall make payments to eligible programs under this section in
the form, frequency, and manner established by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (a) Recipients that are child care centers licensed under
Minnesota Rules, chapter 9503; certified license-exempt child care centers under chapter
245H; or Tribally licensed child care centers must use money provided under this section
to pay for increases in compensation, benefits, premium pay, or additional federal taxes
assessed on the compensation of employees as a result of paying increased compensation
or premium pay to all paid employees or independent contractors regularly caring for
children. The increases in this paragraph must occur no less frequently than once per year.
new text end

new text begin (b) Recipients that are family and group family child care homes licensed under
Minnesota Rules, chapter 9502, or are Tribally licensed family child care homes shall use
money provided under this section for one or more of the following uses:
new text end

new text begin (1) paying personnel costs, such as payroll, salaries, or similar compensation; employee
benefits; premium pay; or employee recruitment and retention for an employee, including
a sole proprietor or an independent contractor;
new text end

new text begin (2) paying rent, including rent under a lease agreement, or making payments on any
mortgage obligation, utilities, facility maintenance or improvements, or insurance;
new text end

new text begin (3) purchasing or updating equipment, supplies, goods, or services;
new text end

new text begin (4) providing mental health supports for children; or
new text end

new text begin (5) purchasing training or other professional development.
new text end

new text begin (a) Legal nonlicensed child
care providers, as defined in section 119B.011, subdivision 16, may be eligible to apply for
a payment of up to $500 for costs incurred before the first month when payments from the
child care assistance program are issued.
new text end

new text begin (b) Payments must be used on one or more of the following eligible activities to meet
child care assistance program requirements under sections 119B.03 and 119B.05:
new text end

new text begin (1) purchasing or updating equipment, supplies, goods, or services; or
new text end

new text begin (2) purchasing training or other professional development.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner shall determine the form and manner of the application for a
payment under this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin Funds appropriated under this section are available
until expended.
new text end

new text begin By January 1 each year, the commissioner must report to the chairs
and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over child
care the number of payments provided to recipients and outcomes of the retention payment
program since the last report. This subdivision expires January 31, 2033.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of human services shall establish a grant program to distribute
funds for the planning, establishment, expansion, improvement, or operation of shared
services alliances to allow family child care providers to achieve economies of scale. The
commissioner must develop a process to fund organizations to operate shared services
alliances that includes application forms, timelines, and standards for renewal. For purposes
of this section, "shared services alliances" means networks of licensed family child care
providers that share services to reduce costs and achieve efficiencies.
new text end

new text begin (b) Programs eligible to be a part of the shared services alliances supported through this
grant program include:
new text end

new text begin (1) family child care or group family child care homes licensed under Minnesota Rules,
chapter 9502;
new text end

new text begin (2) Tribally licensed family child care or group family child care; and
new text end

new text begin (3) individuals in the process of starting a family child care or group family child care
home.
new text end

new text begin (c) Eligible applicants include public entities and private for-profit and nonprofit
organizations.
new text end

new text begin (d) Grantees shall use the grant funds to deliver one or more of the following services:
new text end

new text begin (1) pooling the management of payroll and benefits, banking, janitorial services, food
services, and other operations;
new text end

new text begin (2) shared administrative staff for tasks such as record keeping and reporting for programs
such as the child care assistance program, Head Start, the child and adult care food program,
and early learning scholarships;
new text end

new text begin (3) coordination of bulk purchasing;
new text end

new text begin (4) management of a substitute pool;
new text end

new text begin (5) support for implementing shared curriculum and assessments;
new text end

new text begin (6) mentoring child care provider participants to improve business practices;
new text end

new text begin (7) provision of and training in child care management software to simplify processes
such as enrollment, billing, and tracking expenditures;
new text end

new text begin (8) support for a group of providers sharing one or more physical spaces within a larger
building; or
new text end

new text begin (9) other services as determined by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (e) The commissioner must develop a process by which grantees will report to the
Department of Human Services on activities funded by the grant.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2023.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of human services shall distribute money provided by this section
through grants to one or more organizations to offer grants or other supports to child care
providers for technology intended to improve the providers' business practices. The
commissioner must develop a process to fund organizations to provide technology supports
that includes application forms, timelines, reporting requirements, and standards for renewal.
new text end

new text begin (b) Programs eligible to be supported through this grant program include:
new text end

new text begin (1) child care centers licensed under Minnesota Rules, chapter 9503;
new text end

new text begin (2) family or group family child care homes licensed under Minnesota Rules, chapter
9502; and
new text end

new text begin (3) Tribally licensed centers, family child care, and group family child care.
new text end

new text begin (c) Eligible applicants include public entities and private for-profit and nonprofit
organizations with the ability to develop technology products for child care business
management or offer training, technical assistance, coaching, or other supports for child
care providers to use technology products for child care business management.
new text end

new text begin (d) Grantees shall use the grant funds, either directly or through grants to providers, for
one or more of the following purposes:
new text end

new text begin (1) the purchase of computers or mobile devices for use in business management;
new text end

new text begin (2) access to the Internet through the provision of necessary hardware such as routers
or modems or by covering the costs of monthly fees for Internet access;
new text end

new text begin (3) covering the costs of subscription to child care management software;
new text end

new text begin (4) covering the costs of training in the use of technology for business management
purposes; and
new text end

new text begin (5) other services as determined by the commissioner.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 245C.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

(a) The commissioner
shall conduct a background study of an individual required to be studied under section
245C.03, subdivision 1, at least upon application for initial license for all license types.

(b) The commissioner shall conduct a background study of an individual required to be
studied under section 245C.03, subdivision 1, including a child care background study
subject as defined in section 245C.02, subdivision 6a, in a family child care program, licensed
child care center, certified license-exempt child care center, or legal nonlicensed child care
provider, on a schedule determined by the commissioner. Except as provided in section
245C.05, subdivision 5a, a child care background study must include submission of
fingerprints for a national criminal history record check and a review of the information
under section 245C.08. A background study for a child care program must be repeated
within five years from the most recent study conducted under this paragraph.

new text begin (c) At reauthorization or when a new background study is needed under section 119B.125,
subdivision 1a, for a legal nonlicensed child care provider authorized under chapter 119B:
new text end

new text begin (1) for a background study affiliated with a legal nonlicensed child care provider, the
individual shall provide information required under section 245C.05, subdivision 1,
paragraphs (a), (b), and (d), to the commissioner and be fingerprinted and photographed
under section 245C.05, subdivision 5; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the commissioner shall verify the information received under clause (1) and submit
the request in NETStudy 2.0 to complete the background study.
new text end

deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (d)new text end At reapplication for a family child care license:

(1) for a background study affiliated with a licensed family child care center deleted text begin or legal
nonlicensed child care providerdeleted text end , the individual shall provide information required under
section 245C.05, subdivision 1, paragraphs (a), (b), and (d), to the county agency, and be
fingerprinted and photographed under section 245C.05, subdivision 5;

(2) the county agency shall verify the information received under clause (1) and forward
the information to the commissioner new text begin and submit the request in NETStudy 2.0 new text end to complete
the background study; and

(3) the background study conducted by the commissioner under this paragraph must
include a review of the information required under section 245C.08.

deleted text begin (d)deleted text end new text begin (e)new text end The commissioner is not required to conduct a study of an individual at the time
of reapplication for a license if the individual's background study was completed by the
commissioner of human services and the following conditions are met:

(1) a study of the individual was conducted either at the time of initial licensure or when
the individual became affiliated with the license holder;

(2) the individual has been continuously affiliated with the license holder since the last
study was conducted; and

(3) the last study of the individual was conducted on or after October 1, 1995.

deleted text begin (e)deleted text end new text begin (f)new text end The commissioner of human services shall conduct a background study of an
individual specified under section 245C.03, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clauses (2) to (6),
who is newly affiliated with a child foster family setting license holder:

(1) the county or private agency shall collect and forward to the commissioner the
information required under section 245C.05, subdivisions 1 and 5, when the child foster
family setting applicant or license holder resides in the home where child foster care services
are provided; and

(2) the background study conducted by the commissioner of human services under this
paragraph must include a review of the information required under section 245C.08,
subdivisions 1, 3, and 4.

deleted text begin (f)deleted text end new text begin (g)new text end The commissioner shall conduct a background study of an individual specified
under section 245C.03, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clauses (2) to (6), who is newly affiliated
with an adult foster care or family adult day services and with a family child care license
holder or a legal nonlicensed child care provider authorized under chapter 119B and:

(1) except as provided in section 245C.05, subdivision 5a, the county shall collect and
forward to the commissioner the information required under section 245C.05, subdivision
1, paragraphs (a) and (b), and subdivision 5, paragraph (b), for background studies conducted
by the commissioner for all family adult day services, for adult foster care when the adult
foster care license holder resides in the adult foster care residence, and for family child care
and legal nonlicensed child care authorized under chapter 119B;

(2) the license holder shall collect and forward to the commissioner the information
required under section 245C.05, subdivisions 1, paragraphs (a) and (b); and 5, paragraphs
(a) and (b), for background studies conducted by the commissioner for adult foster care
when the license holder does not reside in the adult foster care residence; and

(3) the background study conducted by the commissioner under this paragraph must
include a review of the information required under section 245C.08, subdivision 1, paragraph
(a), and subdivisions 3 and 4.

deleted text begin (g)deleted text end new text begin (h)new text end Applicants for licensure, license holders, and other entities as provided in this
chapter must submit completed background study requests to the commissioner using the
electronic system known as NETStudy before individuals specified in section 245C.03,
subdivision 1, begin positions allowing direct contact in any licensed program.

deleted text begin (h)deleted text end new text begin (i)new text end For an individual who is not on the entity's active roster, the entity must initiate
a new background study through NETStudy when:

(1) an individual returns to a position requiring a background study following an absence
of 120 or more consecutive days; or

(2) a program that discontinued providing licensed direct contact services for 120 or
more consecutive days begins to provide direct contact licensed services again.

The license holder shall maintain a copy of the notification provided to the commissioner
under this paragraph in the program's files. If the individual's disqualification was previously
set aside for the license holder's program and the new background study results in no new
information that indicates the individual may pose a risk of harm to persons receiving
services from the license holder, the previous set-aside shall remain in effect.

deleted text begin (i)deleted text end new text begin (j)new text end For purposes of this section, a physician licensed under chapter 147, advanced
practice registered nurse licensed under chapter 148, or physician assistant licensed under
chapter 147A is considered to be continuously affiliated upon the license holder's receipt
from the commissioner of health or human services of the physician's, advanced practice
registered nurse's, or physician assistant's background study results.

deleted text begin (j)deleted text end new text begin (k)new text end For purposes of family child care, a substitute caregiver must receive repeat
background studies at the time of each license renewal.

deleted text begin (k)deleted text end new text begin (l)new text end A repeat background study at the time of license renewal is not required if the
family child care substitute caregiver's background study was completed by the commissioner
on or after October 1, 2017, and the substitute caregiver is on the license holder's active
roster in NETStudy 2.0.

deleted text begin (l)deleted text end new text begin (m)new text end Before and after school programs authorized under chapter 119B, are exempt
from the background study requirements under section 123B.03, for an employee for whom
a background study under this chapter has been completed.

new text begin This section is effective April 28, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 245C.05, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

(a) For background studies conducted by the
Department of Human Services, the commissioner shall implement a secure system for the
electronic transmission of:

(1) background study information to the commissioner;

(2) background study results to the license holder;

(3) background study information obtained under this section and section 245C.08 to
counties and private agencies for background studies conducted by the commissioner for
child foster care, including a summary of nondisqualifying results, except as prohibited by
law; and

(4) background study results to county agencies for background studies conducted by
the commissioner for adult foster care and family adult day services and, upon
implementation of NETStudy 2.0, family child care deleted text begin and legal nonlicensed child care
authorized under chapter deleted text end deleted text begin 119Bdeleted text end .

(b) Unless the commissioner has granted a hardship variance under paragraph (c), a
license holder or an applicant must use the electronic transmission system known as
NETStudy or NETStudy 2.0 to submit all requests for background studies to the
commissioner as required by this chapter.

(c) A license holder or applicant whose program is located in an area in which high-speed
Internet is inaccessible may request the commissioner to grant a variance to the electronic
transmission requirement.

(d) Section 245C.08, subdivision 3, paragraph (c), applies to results transmitted under
this subdivision.

new text begin This section is effective April 28, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 245C.17, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

For studies on individuals related to a license to
provide adult foster care when the applicant or license holder resides in the adult foster care
residence and family adult day services and, effective upon implementation of NETStudy
2.0, family child care deleted text begin and legal nonlicensed child care authorized under chapter 119Bdeleted text end , the
commissioner shall also provide a notice of the background study results to the county
agency that initiated the background study.

new text begin This section is effective April 28, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 245C.23, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

(a) The
commissioner shall notify the license holder of the disqualification and order the license
holder to immediately remove the individual from any position allowing direct contact with
persons receiving services from the license holder if:

(1) the individual studied does not submit a timely request for reconsideration under
section 245C.21;

(2) the individual submits a timely request for reconsideration, but the commissioner
does not set aside the disqualification for that license holder under section 245C.22, unless
the individual has a right to request a hearing under section 245C.27, 245C.28, or 256.045;

(3) an individual who has a right to request a hearing under sections 245C.27 and 256.045,
or 245C.28 and chapter 14 for a disqualification that has not been set aside, does not request
a hearing within the specified time; or

(4) an individual submitted a timely request for a hearing under sections 245C.27 and
256.045, or 245C.28 and chapter 14, but the commissioner does not set aside the
disqualification under section 245A.08, subdivision 5, or 256.045.

(b) If the commissioner does not set aside the disqualification under section 245C.22,
and the license holder was previously ordered under section 245C.17 to immediately remove
the disqualified individual from direct contact with persons receiving services or to ensure
that the individual is under continuous, direct supervision when providing direct contact
services, the order remains in effect pending the outcome of a hearing under sections 245C.27
and 256.045, or 245C.28 and chapter 14.

(c) If the commissioner does not set aside the disqualification under section 245C.22,
and the license holder was not previously ordered under section 245C.17 to immediately
remove the disqualified individual from direct contact with persons receiving services or
to ensure that the individual is under continuous direct supervision when providing direct
contact services, the commissioner shall order the individual to remain under continuous
direct supervision pending the outcome of a hearing under sections 245C.27 and 256.045,
or 245C.28 and chapter 14.

(d) For background studies related to child foster care when the applicant or license
holder resides in the home where services are provided, the commissioner shall also notify
the county or private agency that initiated the study of the results of the reconsideration.

(e) For background studies related to family child care, deleted text begin legal nonlicensed child care,deleted text end
adult foster care programs when the applicant or license holder resides in the home where
services are provided, and family adult day services, the commissioner shall also notify the
county that initiated the study of the results of the reconsideration.

new text begin This section is effective April 28, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256.046, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

(a) The department deleted text begin or local agencydeleted text end shall pursue an
administrative disqualification, if the child care provider is accused of committing an
intentional program violation, in lieu of a criminal action when it has not been pursued.
Intentional program violations include intentionally making false or misleading statements;
intentionally misrepresenting, concealing, or withholding facts; and repeatedly and
intentionally violating program regulations under chapters 119B and 245E. Intent may be
proven by demonstrating a pattern of conduct that violates program rules under chapters
119B and 245E.

(b) To initiate an administrative disqualification, deleted text begin a local agency ordeleted text end the commissioner
must mail written notice by certified mail to the provider against whom the action is being
taken. Unless otherwise specified under chapter 119B or 245E or Minnesota Rules, chapter
3400, deleted text begin a local agency ordeleted text end the commissioner must mail the written notice at least 15 calendar
days before the adverse action's effective date. The notice shall state (1) the factual basis
for the agency's determination, (2) the action the agency intends to take, (3) the dollar amount
of the monetary recovery or recoupment, if known, and (4) the provider's right to appeal
the agency's proposed action.

(c) The provider may appeal an administrative disqualification by submitting a written
request to the Department of Human Services, Appeals Division. A provider's request must
be received by the Appeals Division no later than 30 days after the date deleted text begin a local agency ordeleted text end
the commissioner mails the notice.

(d) The provider's appeal request must contain the following:

(1) each disputed item, the reason for the dispute, and, if applicable, an estimate of the
dollar amount involved for each disputed item;

(2) the computation the provider believes to be correct, if applicable;

(3) the statute or rule relied on for each disputed item; and

(4) the name, address, and telephone number of the person at the provider's place of
business with whom contact may be made regarding the appeal.

(e) On appeal, the issuing agency bears the burden of proof to demonstrate by a
preponderance of the evidence that the provider committed an intentional program violation.

(f) The hearing is subject to the requirements of sections 256.045 and 256.0451. The
human services judge may combine a fair hearing and administrative disqualification hearing
into a single hearing if the factual issues arise out of the same or related circumstances and
the provider receives prior notice that the hearings will be combined.

(g) A provider found to have committed an intentional program violation and is
administratively disqualified shall be disqualified, for a period of three years for the first
offense and permanently for any subsequent offense, from receiving any payments from
any child care program under chapter 119B.

(h) Unless a timely and proper appeal made under this section is received by the
department, the administrative determination of the department is final and binding.

new text begin This section is effective April 28, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256.983, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

(a) A county or tribal agency
may conduct investigations of financial misconduct by child care providers as described in
chapter 245E. Prior to opening an investigation, a county or tribal agency must contact the
commissioner to determine whether an investigation under this chapter may compromise
an ongoing investigation.

(b) If, upon investigation, a preponderance of evidence shows a provider committed an
intentional program violation, intentionally gave the county or tribe materially false
information on the provider's billing forms, provided false attendance records to a county,
tribe, or the commissioner, or committed financial misconduct as described in section
245E.01, subdivision 8, the county or tribal agency may new text begin recommend that the commissioner
new text end suspend a provider's payment pursuant to chapter 245E, or deny or revoke a provider's
authorization pursuant to section 119B.13, subdivision 6, paragraph (d), clause (2), prior to
pursuing other available remedies. deleted text begin The county or tribe must send notice in accordance with
the requirements of section 119B.161, subdivision 2. If a provider's payment is suspended
under this section, the payment suspension shall remain in effect until: (1) the commissioner,
county, tribe, or a law enforcement authority determines that there is insufficient evidence
warranting the action and a county, tribe, or the commissioner does not pursue an additional
administrative remedy under chapter deleted text end deleted text begin 119Bdeleted text end deleted text begin or deleted text end deleted text begin 245Edeleted text end deleted text begin , or section 256.046 or 256.98; or (2)
all criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings related to the provider's alleged misconduct
conclude and any appeal rights are exhausted.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) For the purposes of this section, an intentional program violation includes intentionally
making false or misleading statements; intentionally misrepresenting, concealing, or
withholding facts; and repeatedly and intentionally violating program regulations under
chapters deleted text end deleted text begin 119B deleted text end deleted text begin and deleted text end deleted text begin 245E deleted text end deleted text begin .
deleted text end

deleted text begin (d) A provider has the right to administrative review under section 119B.161 if: (1)
payment is suspended under chapter deleted text end deleted text begin 245E deleted text end deleted text begin ; or (2) the provider's authorization was denied
or revoked under section 119B.13, subdivision 6, paragraph (d), clause (2).
deleted text end

new text begin This section is effective April 28, 2025.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of human services must continue providing child care stabilization
grants under Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter 7, article 14, section 21, from July
1, 2023, through September 30, 2023.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall award transition child care stabilization grant amounts to
all eligible programs. The transition month grant amounts must be based on the number of
full-time equivalent staff who regularly care for children in the program, including employees,
sole proprietors, or independent contractors. One full-time equivalent staff is defined as an
individual caring for children 32 hours per week. An individual can count as more, or less,
than one full-time equivalent staff, but as no more than two full-time equivalent staff.
new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 119B.03, subdivisions 6, 6a, and 6b, the
commissioner must allocate the additional basic sliding fee child care funds for calendar
year 2024 to counties for updated maximum rates based on relative need to cover maximum
rate increases. In distributing the additional funds, the commissioner shall consider the
following factors by county:
new text end

new text begin (1) the number of children;
new text end

new text begin (2) the provider type;
new text end

new text begin (3) the age of children served; and
new text end

new text begin (4) the amount of the increase in maximum rates.
new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 119B.03, subdivisions 6, 6a, and 6b, the
commissioner of human services must allocate additional basic sliding fee child care money
for calendar year 2025 to counties and Tribes to account for the change in the definition of
family in Minnesota Statutes, section 119B.011, in this article. In allocating the additional
money, the commissioner shall consider:
new text end

new text begin (1) the number of children in the county or Tribe who receive care from a relative
custodian who accepted a transfer of permanent legal and physical custody of a child under
section 260C.515, subdivision 4, or similar permanency disposition in Tribal code; successor
custodian or guardian as established according to section 256N.22, subdivision 10; or foster
parents in a family foster home under section 260C.007, subdivision 16b; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the average basic sliding fee cost of care in the county or Tribe.
new text end

new text begin (a) new text end new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.03, subdivision 4, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

new text begin (b) new text end new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 245C.11, subdivision 3, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

new text begin Paragraph (a) is effective July 1, 2023. Paragraph (b) is effective
April 28, 2025.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall establish direct grants to
local social service agencies, Tribes, and other organizations to provide independent living
services to eligible foster youth as described under section 260C.452.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall request proposals and make grants to
eligible applicants. The commissioner shall determine the timing and form of the application
and the criteria for making grant awards to eligible applicants.
new text end

new text begin Grant recipients shall provide the commissioner with a
report that describes all of the activities and outcomes of services funded by the grant
program in a format and at a time determined by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin Undistributed funds must be reallocated by the
commissioner for the goals of the grant process. Undistributed funds are available until
expended.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall establish grants
to one or more community-based organizations to provide services and financial support
to youth eligible for the support beyond 21 program under section 260C.451, subdivision
8b.
new text end

new text begin (a) The grantee shall distribute support
beyond 21 grant program funds to eligible youth to be used for basic well-being needs and
housing as determined solely by the youth.
new text end

new text begin (b) The grantee shall distribute support beyond 21 grant funds on a monthly basis for
12 months.
new text end

new text begin (c) Once a youth has completed the program, the youth must receive a stipend to complete
an exit survey on their experiences in the program.
new text end

new text begin (d) A grantee may not deny funding to a youth based on any criteria beyond a youth's
eligibility for the support beyond 21 program under section 260C.451, subdivision 8b.
new text end

new text begin The selected grantee must report quarterly to the commissioner of
human services in order to receive the quarterly payment. Information to be reported includes:
new text end

new text begin (1) a list of eligible youth who have been referred;
new text end

new text begin (2) the amount of funds that have been distributed to each youth per month;
new text end

new text begin (3) any surveys completed by youth leaving the support beyond 21 program; and
new text end

new text begin (4) other data as determined by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of human services shall
establish a grant program for the development, implementation, and evaluation of services
to increase housing stability for unaccompanied minors who are experiencing homelessness
or who are at risk of homelessness and not currently receiving child welfare services.
new text end

new text begin (a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section and
have the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Child welfare services" means services provided to children by a local social services
agency or a Tribal social services agency.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Community-based provider" means an organization that provides services to
unaccompanied minors who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of
homelessness.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Local social services agency" means a local agency under the authority of a county
welfare or human services board or county board of commissioners that is responsible for
human services.
new text end

new text begin (f) "Tribal social services agency" means the unit under the authority of the governing
body of a federally recognized Indian Tribe in Minnesota that is responsible for human
services.
new text end

new text begin (g) "Unaccompanied minor" means a person 17 years of age or younger who is alone
without the person's parent or guardian.
new text end

new text begin (a) Eligible applicants include local social services
agencies, Tribal social services agencies, and community-based providers.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner must award grants to eligible applicants for the development,
implementation, and evaluation of activities and services that increase housing stability for
unaccompanied minors who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of
homelessness and not currently receiving child welfare services. Eligible uses of grant
money include:
new text end

new text begin (1) identifying and addressing structural factors that contribute to unaccompanied minors
who are experiencing homelessness or who are being at risk of homelessness;
new text end

new text begin (2) identifying and implementing strategies to reduce racial disparities in service delivery
and outcomes for unaccompanied minors who are experiencing homelessness or who are
at risk of homelessness;
new text end

new text begin (3) providing culturally appropriate services that increase housing stability to an
unaccompanied minor. Culturally appropriate services must be based on the minor's cultural
values, beliefs, and practices and the cultural values, beliefs, and practices of the minor's
family, community, and Tribe;
new text end

new text begin (4) using placement and reunification strategies to maintain and support an
unaccompanied minor's relationships with the minor's parents, siblings, children, kin,
significant others, and Tribe; and
new text end

new text begin (5) supporting an unaccompanied minor and the minor's family in the minor's community
to safely avoid entering the child welfare system whenever possible.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner may give priority to grants that involve collaboration between
local social services agencies, Tribal social services agencies, and community-based
providers.
new text end

new text begin Local social services agencies, Tribal social services agencies and
community-based agencies must report quarterly to the commissioner:
new text end

new text begin (1) the number and identity of unaccompanied minors that the agencies serve who are
experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness;
new text end

new text begin (2) the actions that the agency has taken to increase housing stability for unaccompanied
minors who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness;
new text end

new text begin (3) any patterns identified by the agency that contribute to a lack of housing stability
for unaccompanied minors who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of
homelessness; and
new text end

new text begin (4) the changes needed in the community to prevent unaccompanied minors from
experiencing homelessness or being at risk of homelessness.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall establish a program that allocates
money to counties and federally recognized Tribes in Minnesota to provide prevention and
early intervention services under the Family First Prevention Services Act in Public Law
115-123.
new text end

new text begin (a) Money allocated to counties and Tribes may be used for the following
purposes:
new text end

new text begin (1) to implement or expand any service or program that is included in the state's
prevention plan;
new text end

new text begin (2) to implement or expand any proposed service or program;
new text end

new text begin (3) to implement or expand any existing service or programming; and
new text end

new text begin (4) any other use approved by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin A county or a Tribe must use at least ten percent of the allocation to provide services and
supports directly to families.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall allocate state funds appropriated under
this section to each county board or Tribe on a calendar-year basis using a formula established
by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding this subdivision, to the extent that money is available, no county
or Tribe shall be allocated less than:
new text end

new text begin (1) $25,000 in calendar year 2024;
new text end

new text begin (2) $50,000 in calendar year 2025; and
new text end

new text begin (3) $75,000 in calendar year 2026 and each year thereafter.
new text end

new text begin (c) A county agency or an initiative Tribe must submit a plan and report the use of money
as determined by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner may distribute money under this section for a two-year period.
new text end

new text begin Funds received under this section
must be used to address prevention and early intervention staffing, programming, and other
activities as determined by the commissioner. Funds must not be used to supplant current
county or Tribal expenditures for these purposes.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260.761, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

(a) When a local social services agency
has information that a family assessment deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end investigationnew text begin , or noncaregiver sex trafficking
assessmentnew text end being conducted may involve an Indian child, the local social services agency
shall notify the Indian child's tribe of the family assessment deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end investigationnew text begin , or noncaregiver
sex trafficking assessmentnew text end according to section 260E.18. new text begin The local social services agency
shall provide new text end initial notice deleted text begin shall be provideddeleted text end by telephone and by email or facsimile. The
local social services agency shall request that the tribe or a designated tribal representative
participate in evaluating the family circumstances, identifying family and tribal community
resources, and developing case plans.

(b) When a local social services agency has information that a child receiving services
may be an Indian child, the local social services agency shall notify the tribe by telephone
and by email or facsimile of the child's full name and date of birth, the full names and dates
of birth of the child's biological parents, and, if known, the full names and dates of birth of
the child's grandparents and of the child's Indian custodian. This notification must be provided
deleted text begin sodeleted text end new text begin fornew text end the tribe deleted text begin candeleted text end new text begin tonew text end determine if the child is enrolled in the tribe or eligible fornew text begin Tribalnew text end
membership, and deleted text begin must be provideddeleted text end new text begin the agency must provide this notification to the Tribenew text end
within seven daysnew text begin of receiving information that the child may be an Indian childnew text end . If
information regarding the child's grandparents or Indian custodian is not available within
the seven-day period, the local social services agency shall continue to request this
information and shall notify the tribe when it is received. Notice shall be provided to all
tribes to which the child may have any tribal lineage. If the identity or location of the child's
parent or Indian custodian and tribe cannot be determined, the local social services agency
shall provide the notice required in this paragraph to the United States secretary of the
interior.

(c) In accordance with sections 260C.151 and 260C.152, when a court has reason to
believe that a child placed in emergency protective care is an Indian child, the court
administrator or a designee shall, as soon as possible and before a hearing takes place, notify
the tribal social services agency by telephone and by email or facsimile of the date, time,
and location of the emergency protective case hearing. The court shall make efforts to allow
appearances by telephone for tribal representatives, parents, and Indian custodians.

(d) A local social services agency must provide the notices required under this subdivision
at the earliest possible time to facilitate involvement of the Indian child's tribe. Nothing in
this subdivision is intended to hinder the ability of the local social services agency and the
court to respond to an emergency situation. Lack of participation by a tribe shall not prevent
the tribe from intervening in services and proceedings at a later date. A tribe may participatenew text begin
in a casenew text end at any time. At any stage of the local social services agency's involvement with
an Indian child, the agency shall provide full cooperation to the tribal social services agency,
including disclosure of all data concerning the Indian child. Nothing in this subdivision
relieves the local social services agency of satisfying the notice requirements in the Indian
Child Welfare Act.

new text begin The commissioner shall allocate $80,000 annually to each
of Minnesota's federally recognized Tribes that, at the beginning of the fiscal year, have not
joined the American Indian Child welfare initiative under section 256.01, subdivision 14b.
Tribes not participating in the initiative are: Bois Fort Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac
Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Lower
Sioux Indian Community, Prairie Island Indian Community, and Upper Sioux Indian
Community.
new text end

new text begin Funds must be used to address staffing for child protection or child
welfare services. Funds must not be used to supplant current Tribal expenditures for these
purposes.
new text end

new text begin By June 1 each year, Tribes receiving these funds shall provide a
report to the commissioner. The report shall be written in a manner prescribed by the
commissioner and must include an accounting of funds spent, staff hired, job duties, and
other information as required by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin If a Tribe joins the American Indian child welfare
initiative, the payment for that Tribe shall be distributed equally among the remaining Tribes
receiving an allocation under this section.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260C.007, subdivision 14, is amended to read:

"Egregious harm" means the infliction of bodily harm to a
child or neglect of a child which demonstrates a grossly inadequate ability to provide
minimally adequate parental care. The egregious harm need not have occurred in the state
or in the county where a termination of parental rights action deleted text begin is otherwise properly venueddeleted text end new text begin
has proper venuenew text end . Egregious harm includes, but is not limited to:

(1) conduct deleted text begin towardsdeleted text end new text begin towardnew text end a child that constitutes a violation of sections 609.185 to
609.2114, 609.222, subdivision 2, 609.223, or any other similar law of any other state;

(2) the infliction of "substantial bodily harm" to a child, as defined in section 609.02,
subdivision 7a;

(3) conduct deleted text begin towardsdeleted text end new text begin towardnew text end a child that constitutes felony malicious punishment of a
child under section 609.377;

(4) conduct deleted text begin towardsdeleted text end new text begin towardnew text end a child that constitutes felony unreasonable restraint of a
child under section 609.255, subdivision 3;

(5) conduct deleted text begin towardsdeleted text end new text begin towardnew text end a child that constitutes felony neglect or endangerment of
a child under section 609.378;

(6) conduct deleted text begin towardsdeleted text end new text begin towardnew text end a child that constitutes assault under section 609.221, 609.222,
or 609.223;

(7) conduct deleted text begin towardsdeleted text end new text begin towardnew text end a child that constitutesnew text begin sex trafficking,new text end solicitation,
inducement, deleted text begin ordeleted text end promotion of, or receiving profit derived from prostitution under section
609.322;

(8) conduct deleted text begin towardsdeleted text end new text begin towardnew text end a child that constitutes murder or voluntary manslaughter
as defined by United States Code, title 18, section 1111(a) or 1112(a);

(9) conduct deleted text begin towardsdeleted text end new text begin towardnew text end a child that constitutes aiding or abetting, attempting,
conspiring, or soliciting to commit a murder or voluntary manslaughter that constitutes a
violation of United States Code, title 18, section 1111(a) or 1112(a); or

(10) conduct toward a child that constitutes criminal sexual conduct under sections
609.342 to 609.345 or sexual extortion under section 609.3458.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260C.451, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin (a) For a youth who will be discharged from foster care
at 21 years of age or older, the responsible social services agency must develop an individual
transition plan as directed by the youth during the 180-day period immediately prior to the
youth's expected date of discharge according to section 260C.452, subdivision 4. The youth's
individual transition plan may be shared with a contracted agency providing case management
services to the youth under section 260C.452.
new text end

new text begin (b) As part of transition planning, the responsible social services agency must inform a
youth preparing to leave extended foster care of the youth's eligibility for the support beyond
21 program under subdivision 8b and must include that program in the individual transition
plan for the eligible youth. Consistent with section 13.46, the local social services agency
or initiative Tribe must refer a youth to the support beyond 21 program by providing the
program with the youth's contact information
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260C.451, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall establish the support
beyond 21 program to provide financial assistance to a youth leaving foster care to help
ensure that the youth's basic needs are met as the youth transitions into adulthood.
new text end

new text begin (b) An individual who has left extended foster care and was discharged at the age of 21
under subdivision 3 is eligible for the support beyond 21 program.
new text end

new text begin (c) An eligible youth receiving benefits under the support beyond 21 program is also
eligible for the successful transition to adulthood program under section 260C.452.
new text end

new text begin (d) A youth who transitions to adult residential services under section 256B.092 or
256B.49 or a youth in a correctional facility licensed under section 241.021 is not eligible
for the support beyond 21 program.
new text end

new text begin (e) To the extent that funds are available under section 256.4791, an eligible youth who
participates in the support beyond 21 program must receive monthly financial assistance
for 12 months after the youth is discharged from extended foster care under subdivision 3.
The funds are available to assist the youth in meeting basic well-being and housing needs
as determined solely by the youth. Monthly payments must be reduced quarterly. Payments
must be made by a grantee according to the requirements of section 256.4791.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260C.452, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall establish
direct grants to local social service agencies, Tribes, and other community organizations to
provide independent living services to eligible youth under this section.
new text end

new text begin (b)The commissioner shall make allocations, request proposals, and specify the
information and criteria required for applications to the independent living skills grant
program.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260C.605, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

(a) Reasonable efforts to finalize the adoption of a child
under the guardianship of the commissioner shall be made by the responsible social services
agency responsible for permanency planning for the child.new text begin The responsible social services
agency's reasonable efforts to finalize the adoption of a child under the guardianship of the
commissioner of human services must be subject to supervision by the commissioner
pursuant to section 393.07.
new text end

(b) Reasonable efforts to make a placement in a home according to the placement
considerations under section 260C.212, subdivision 2, with a relative or foster parent who
will commit to being the permanent resource for the child in the event the child cannot be
reunified with a parent are required under section 260.012 and may be made concurrently
with reasonable, or if the child is an Indian child, active efforts to reunify the child with the
parent.

(c) Reasonable efforts under paragraph (b) must begin as soon as possible when the
child is in foster care under this chapter, but not later than the hearing required under section
260C.204.

(d) Reasonable efforts to finalize the adoption of the child include:

(1) considering the child's preference for an adoptive family;

(2) using age-appropriate engagement strategies to plan for adoption with the child;

(3) identifying an appropriate prospective adoptive parent for the child by updating the
child's identified needs using the factors in section 260C.212, subdivision 2;

(4) making an adoptive placement that meets the child's needs by:

(i) completing or updating the relative search required under section 260C.221 and giving
notice of the need for an adoptive home for the child to:

(A) relatives who have kept the agency or the court apprised of their whereabouts; or

(B) relatives of the child who are located in an updated search;

(ii) an updated search is required whenever:

(A) there is no identified prospective adoptive placement for the child notwithstanding
a finding by the court that the agency made diligent efforts under section 260C.221, in a
hearing required under section 260C.202;

(B) the child is removed from the home of an adopting parent; or

(iii) engaging the child's relatives or current or former foster parents to commit to being
the prospective adoptive parent of the child, and considering the child's relatives for adoptive
placement of the child in the order specified under section 260C.212, subdivision 2, paragraph
(a); or

(iv) when there is no identified prospective adoptive parent:

(A) registering the child on the state adoption exchange as required in section 259.75
unless the agency documents to the court an exception to placing the child on the state
adoption exchange reported to the commissioner;

(B) reviewing all families with approved adoption home studies associated with the
responsible social services agency;

(C) presenting the child to adoption agencies and adoption personnel who may assist
with finding an adoptive home for the child;

(D) using newspapers and other media to promote the particular child;

(E) using a private agency under grant contract with the commissioner to provide adoption
services for intensive child-specific recruitment efforts; and

(F) making any other efforts or using any other resources reasonably calculated to identify
a prospective adoption parent for the child;

(5) updating and completing the social and medical history required under sections
260C.212, subdivision 15, and 260C.609;

(6) making, and keeping updated, appropriate referrals required by section 260.851, the
Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children;

(7) giving notice regarding the responsibilities of an adoptive parent to any prospective
adoptive parent as required under section 259.35;

(8) offering the adopting parent the opportunity to apply for or decline adoption assistance
under chapter 256N;

(9) certifying the child for adoption assistance, assessing the amount of adoption
assistance, and ascertaining the status of the commissioner's decision on the level of payment
if the adopting parent has applied for adoption assistance;

(10) placing the child with siblings. If the child is not placed with siblings, the agency
must document reasonable efforts to place the siblings together, as well as the reason for
separation. The agency may not cease reasonable efforts to place siblings together for final
adoption until the court finds further reasonable efforts would be futile or that placement
together for purposes of adoption is not in the best interests of one of the siblings; and

(11) working with the adopting parent to file a petition to adopt the child and with the
court administrator to obtain a timely hearing to finalize the adoption.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260C.605, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin The commissioner of human services
shall establish an ongoing quality assurance process for recruitment efforts to monitor service
integrity, including practice standards and training, consumer surveys, and random reviews
of documentation.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260C.704, is amended to read:

(a) A qualified individual must complete an assessment of the child prior to the child's
placement in a qualified residential treatment program in a format approved by the
commissioner of human services unless, due to a crisis, the child must immediately be
placed in a qualified residential treatment program. When a child must immediately be
placed in a qualified residential treatment program without an assessment, the qualified
individual must complete the child's assessment within 30 days of the child's placement.
The qualified individual must:

(1) assess the child's needs and strengths, using an age-appropriate, evidence-based,
validated, functional assessment approved by the commissioner of human services;

(2) determine whether the child's needs can be met by the child's family members or
through placement in a family foster home; or, if not, determine which residential setting
would provide the child with the most effective and appropriate level of care to the child
in the least restrictive environment;

(3) develop a list of short- and long-term mental and behavioral health goals for the
child; and

(4) work with the child's family and permanency team using culturally competent
practices.

If a level of care determination was conducted under section 245.4885, that information
must be shared with the qualified individual and the juvenile treatment screening team.

(b) The child and the child's parents, when appropriate, may request that a specific
culturally competent qualified individual complete the child's assessment. The agency shall
make efforts to refer the child to the identified qualified individual to complete the
assessment. The assessment must not be delayed for a specific qualified individual to
complete the assessment.

(c) The qualified individual must provide the assessment, when complete, to the
responsible social services agency. If the assessment recommends placement of the child
in a qualified residential treatment facility, the agency must distribute the assessment to the
child's parent or legal guardian and file the assessment with the court report as required in
section 260C.71, subdivision 2. If the assessment does not recommend placement in a
qualified residential treatment facility, the agency must provide a copy of the assessment
to the parents or legal guardians and the guardian ad litem and file the assessment
determination with the court at the next required hearing as required in section 260C.71,
subdivision 5. If court rules and chapter 13 permit disclosure of the results of the child's
assessment, the agency may share the results of the child's assessment with the child's foster
care provider, other members of the child's family, and the family and permanency team.
The agency must not share the child's private medical data with the family and permanency
team unless: (1) chapter 13 permits the agency to disclose the child's private medical data
to the family and permanency team; or (2) the child's parent has authorized the agency to
disclose the child's private medical data to the family and permanency team.

(d) For an Indian child, the assessment of the child must follow the order of placement
preferences in the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, United States Code, title 25, section
1915.

(e) In the assessment determination, the qualified individual must specify in writing:

(1) the reasons why the child's needs cannot be met by the child's family or in a family
foster home. A shortage of family foster homes is not an acceptable reason for determining
that a family foster home cannot meet a child's needs;

(2) why the recommended placement in a qualified residential treatment program will
provide the child with the most effective and appropriate level of care to meet the child's
needs in the least restrictive environment possible and how placing the child at the treatment
program is consistent with the short-term and long-term goals of the child's permanency
plan; and

(3) if the qualified individual's placement recommendation is not the placement setting
that the parent, family and permanency team, child, or tribe prefer, the qualified individual
must identify the reasons why the qualified individual does not recommend the parent's,
family and permanency team's, child's, or tribe's placement preferences. The out-of-home
placement plan under section 260C.708 must also include reasons why the qualified
individual did not recommend the preferences of the parents, family and permanency team,
child, or tribe.

(f) If the qualified individual determines that the child's family or a family foster home
or other less restrictive placement may meet the child's needs, the agency must move the
child out of the qualified residential treatment program and transition the child to a less
restrictive setting within 30 days of the determination. If the responsible social services
agency has placement authority of the child, the agency must make a plan for the child's
placement according to section 260C.212, subdivision 2. The agency must file the child's
assessment determination with the court at the next required hearing.

(g) If the qualified individual recommends placing the child in a qualified residential
treatment program and if the responsible social services agency has placement authority of
the child, the agency shall make referrals to appropriate qualified residential treatment
programs and, upon acceptance by an appropriate program, place the child in an approved
or certified qualified residential treatment program.

new text begin (h) The commissioner shall establish a review process for a qualified individual's
completed assessment of a child. The review process must be developed with county and
Tribal agency representatives. The review process must ensure that the qualified individual's
assessment is an independent, objective assessment that recommends the least restrictive
setting to meet the child's needs.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260E.01, is amended to read:

(a) The legislature hereby declares that the public policy of this state is to protect children
whose health or welfare may be jeopardized through maltreatment. While it is recognized
that most parents want to keep their children safe, sometimes circumstances or conditions
interfere with their ability to do so. When this occurs, the health and safety of the children
must be of paramount concern. Intervention and prevention efforts must address immediate
concerns for child safety and the ongoing risk of maltreatment and should engage the
protective capacities of families. In furtherance of this public policy, it is the intent of the
legislature under this chapter to:

(1) protect children and promote child safety;

(2) strengthen the family;

(3) make the home, school, and community safe for children by promoting responsible
child care in all settings; and

(4) provide, when necessary, a safe temporary or permanent home environment for
maltreated children.

(b) In addition, it is the policy of this state to:

(1) require the reporting of maltreatment of children in the home, school, and community
settings;

(2) provide for deleted text begin thedeleted text end voluntary reporting of maltreatment of children;

(3) require an investigation when the report alleges sexual abuse or substantial child
endangermentnew text begin , except when the report alleges sex trafficking by a noncaregiver sex traffickernew text end ;

(4) provide a family assessment, if appropriate, when the report does not allege sexual
abuse or substantial child endangerment; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(5) new text begin provide a noncaregiver sex trafficking assessment when the report alleges sex
trafficking by a noncaregiver sex trafficker; and
new text end

new text begin (6) new text end provide protective, family support, and family preservation services when needed
in appropriate cases.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260E.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

A county shall establish a multidisciplinary
child protection team that may include, but new text begin is new text end not deleted text begin bedeleted text end limited to, the director of the local
welfare agency or designees, the county attorney or designees, the county sheriff or designees,
representatives of health and education, representatives of mental healthnew text begin , representatives of
agencies providing specialized services or responding to youth who experience or are at
risk of experiencing sex trafficking or sexual exploitation,new text end or other appropriate human
services or community-based agencies, and parent groups. As used in this section, a
"community-based agency" may include, but is not limited to, schools, social services
agencies, family service and mental health collaboratives, children's advocacy centers, early
childhood and family education programs, Head Start, or other agencies serving children
and families. A member of the team must be designated as the lead person of the team
responsible for the planning process to develop standards for the team's activities with
battered women's and domestic abuse programs and services.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260E.03, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin "Noncaregiver sex trafficker" means an
individual who is alleged to have engaged in the act of sex trafficking a child and who is
not a person responsible for the child's care, who does not have a significant relationship
with the child as defined in section 609.341, and who is not a person in a current or recent
position of authority as defined in section 609.341, subdivision 10.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260E.03, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin "Noncaregiver sex trafficking
assessment" is a comprehensive assessment of child safety, the risk of subsequent child
maltreatment, and strengths and needs of the child and family. The local welfare agency
shall only perform a noncaregiver sex trafficking assessment when a maltreatment report
alleges sex trafficking of a child by someone other than the child's caregiver. A noncaregiver
sex trafficking assessment does not include a determination of whether child maltreatment
occurred. A noncaregiver sex trafficking assessment includes a determination of a family's
need for services to address the safety of the child or children, the safety of family members,
and the risk of subsequent child maltreatment.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260E.03, subdivision 22, is amended to read:

"Substantial child endangerment" means
that a person responsible for a child's care, by act or omission, commits or attempts to
commit an act against a child deleted text begin under theirdeleted text end new text begin in the person'snew text end care that constitutes any of the
following:

(1) egregious harm under subdivision 5;

(2) abandonment under section 260C.301, subdivision 2;

(3) neglect under subdivision 15, paragraph (a), clause (2), that substantially endangers
the child's physical or mental health, including a growth delay, which may be referred to
as failure to thrive, that has been diagnosed by a physician and is due to parental neglect;

(4) murder in the first, second, or third degree under section 609.185, 609.19, or 609.195;

(5) manslaughter in the first or second degree under section 609.20 or 609.205;

(6) assault in the first, second, or third degree under section 609.221, 609.222, or 609.223;

(7)new text begin sex trafficking,new text end solicitation, inducement, deleted text begin anddeleted text end new text begin ornew text end promotion of prostitution under
section 609.322;

(8) criminal sexual conduct under sections 609.342 to 609.3451;

(9) sexual extortion under section 609.3458;

(10) solicitation of children to engage in sexual conduct under section 609.352;

(11) malicious punishment or neglect or endangerment of a child under section 609.377
or 609.378;

(12) use of a minor in sexual performance under section 617.246; or

(13) parental behavior, status, or condition deleted text begin that mandates thatdeleted text end new text begin requiringnew text end the county
attorneynew text begin tonew text end file a termination of parental rights petition under section 260C.503, subdivision
2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260E.14, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

(a) The local welfare agency is the agency responsible for
investigating an allegation of sexual abuse if the alleged offender is the parent, guardian,
sibling, or an individual functioning within the family unit as a person responsible for the
child's care, or a person with a significant relationship to the child if that person resides in
the child's household.

(b) The local welfare agency is also responsible for new text begin assessing or new text end investigating when a
child is identified as a victim of sex trafficking.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260E.14, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

(a) The local law enforcement agency is the agency
responsible for investigating a report of maltreatment if a violation of a criminal statute is
alleged.

(b) Law enforcement and the responsible agency must coordinate their investigations
or assessments as required under this chapter when deleted text begin thedeleted text end new text begin : (1) anew text end report alleges maltreatment
that is a violation of a criminal statute by a person who is a parent, guardian, sibling, person
responsible for the child's care deleted text begin functioningdeleted text end within the family unit, ornew text begin by anew text end person who lives
in the child's household and who has a significant relationship to the childdeleted text begin ,deleted text end in a setting other
than a facility as defined in section 260E.03new text begin ; or (2) a report alleges sex trafficking of a childnew text end .

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260E.17, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

(a) Upon receipt of a report, the local welfare
agency shall determine whether to conduct a family assessment deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end an investigationnew text begin , or a
noncaregiver sex trafficking assessment new text end as appropriate to prevent or provide a remedy for
maltreatment.

(b) The local welfare agency shall conduct an investigation when the report involves
sexual abusenew text begin , except as indicated in paragraph (f),new text end or substantial child endangerment.

(c) The local welfare agency shall begin an immediate investigation deleted text begin if,deleted text end at any time when
the local welfare agency is deleted text begin usingdeleted text end new text begin responding withnew text end a family assessment deleted text begin response,deleted text end new text begin andnew text end the
local welfare agency determines that there is reason to believe that sexual abuse deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end substantial
child endangermentnew text begin ,new text end or a serious threat to the child's safety exists.

(d) The local welfare agency may conduct a family assessment for reports that do not
allege sexual abusenew text begin , except as indicated in paragraph (f),new text end or substantial child endangerment.
In determining that a family assessment is appropriate, the local welfare agency may consider
issues of child safety, parental cooperation, and the need for an immediate response.

(e) The local welfare agency may conduct a family assessment deleted text begin ondeleted text end new text begin fornew text end a report that was
initially screened and assigned for an investigation. In determining that a complete
investigation is not required, the local welfare agency must document the reason for
terminating the investigation and notify the local law enforcement agency if the local law
enforcement agency is conducting a joint investigation.

new text begin (f) The local welfare agency shall conduct a noncaregiver sex trafficking assessment
when a maltreatment report alleges sex trafficking of a child and the alleged offender is a
noncaregiver sex trafficker as defined by section 260E.03, subdivision 15a.
new text end

new text begin (g) During a noncaregiver sex trafficking assessment, the local welfare agency shall
initiate an immediate investigation if there is reason to believe that a child's parent, caregiver,
or household member allegedly engaged in the act of sex trafficking a child or was alleged
to have engaged in any conduct requiring the agency to conduct an investigation.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260E.18, is amended to read:

The local welfare agency shall provide immediate notice, according to section 260.761,
subdivision 2, to an Indian child's tribe when the agency has reason to believe new text begin that new text end the family
assessment deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end investigationnew text begin , or noncaregiver sex trafficking assessmentnew text end may involve an
Indian child. For purposes of this section, "immediate notice" means notice provided within
24 hours.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260E.20, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

(a) Upon receipt of a screened in report, the local welfare
agency shall deleted text begin conduct adeleted text end new text begin havenew text end face-to-face contact with the child reported to be maltreated
and with the child's primary caregiver sufficient to complete a safety assessment and ensure
the immediate safety of the child. When it is possible and the report alleges substantial child
endangerment or sexual abuse, the local welfare agency is not required to provide notice
before conducting the initial face-to-face contact with the child and the child's primary
caregiver.

(b)new text begin Except in a noncaregiver sex trafficking assessment,new text end thenew text begin local welfare agency shall
havenew text end face-to-face contact with the child and primary caregiver deleted text begin shall occurdeleted text end immediatelynew text begin after
the agency screens in a reportnew text end if sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment is alleged
and within five calendar daysnew text begin of a screened in reportnew text end for all other reports. If the alleged
offender was not already interviewed as the primary caregiver, the local welfare agency
shall also conduct a face-to-face interview with the alleged offender in the early stages of
the assessment or investigationnew text begin , except in a noncaregiver sex trafficking assessmentnew text end .
Face-to-face contact with the child and primary caregiver in response to a report alleging
sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment may be postponed for no more than five
calendar days if the child is residing in a location that is confirmed to restrict contact with
the alleged offender as established in guidelines issued by the commissioner, or if the local
welfare agency is pursuing a court order for the child's caregiver to produce the child for
questioning under section 260E.22, subdivision 5.

(c) At the initial contact with the alleged offender, the local welfare agency or the agency
responsible for assessing or investigating the report must inform the alleged offender of the
complaints or allegations made against the individual in a manner consistent with laws
protecting the rights of the person who made the report. The interview with the alleged
offender may be postponed if it would jeopardize an active law enforcement investigation.new text begin
In a noncaregiver sex trafficking assessment, the local child welfare agency is not required
to inform or interview the alleged offender.
new text end

(d) The local welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating
the report must provide the alleged offender with an opportunity to make a statementnew text begin , except
in a noncaregiver sex trafficking assessmentnew text end . The alleged offender may submit supporting
documentation relevant to the assessment or investigation.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260E.24, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

After conducting a family assessmentnew text begin or a noncaregiver sex trafficking
assessmentnew text end , the local welfare agency shall determine whether child protective services are
needed to address the safety of the child and other family members and the risk of subsequent
maltreatment. The local welfare agency must document the information collected under
section 260E.20, subdivision 3, related to the completed family assessment in the child's or
family's case notes.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260E.24, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Within ten working days of the conclusion of a family assessmentnew text begin
or a noncaregiver sex trafficking assessmentnew text end , the local welfare agency shall notify the parent
or guardian of the child of the need for services to address child safety concerns or significant
risk of subsequent maltreatment. The local welfare agency and the family may also jointly
agree that family support and family preservation services are needed.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260E.33, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Administrative reconsideration is not applicable to a family assessment new text begin or
noncaregiver sex trafficking assessment new text end since no determination concerning maltreatment
is made.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 260E.35, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

(a) Notwithstanding sections 138.163 and 138.17, a record
maintained or a record derived from a report of maltreatment by a local welfare agency,
agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, court services agency, or school
under this chapter shall be destroyed as provided in paragraphs (b) to (e) by the responsible
authority.

(b) For a report alleging maltreatment that was not accepted for new text begin an new text end assessment or new text begin an
new text end investigation, a family assessment case, new text begin a noncaregiver sex trafficking assessment case, new text end and
a case where an investigation results in no determination of maltreatment or the need for
child protective services, the record must be maintained for a period of five years after the
datenew text begin thatnew text end the report was not accepted for assessment or investigation or the date of the final
entry in the case record. A record of a report that was not accepted must contain sufficient
information to identify the subjects of the report, the nature of the alleged maltreatment,
and the reasons deleted text begin as todeleted text end why the report was not accepted. Records under this paragraph may
not be used for employment, background checks, or purposes other than to assist in future
screening decisions and risk and safety assessments.

(c) All records relating to reports that, upon investigation, indicate deleted text begin eitherdeleted text end maltreatment
or a need for child protective services shall be maintained for ten years after the date of the
final entry in the case record.

(d) All records regarding a report of maltreatment, including a notification of intent to
interview that was received by a school under section 260E.22, subdivision 7, shall be
destroyed by the school when ordered to do so by the agency conducting the assessment or
investigation. The agency shall order the destruction of the notification when other records
relating to the report under investigation or assessment are destroyed under this subdivision.

(e) Private or confidential data released to a court services agency under subdivision 3,
paragraph (d), must be destroyed by the court services agency when ordered to do so by the
local welfare agency that released the data. The local welfare agency or agency responsible
for assessing or investigating the report shall order destruction of the data when other records
relating to the assessment or investigation are destroyed under this subdivision.

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions
apply:
new text end

new text begin (b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services or the commissioner's
designee.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Communities and families furthest from opportunity" means any community or
family that experiences inequities in accessing supports and services due to the community's
or family's circumstances, including but not limited to racism, income, disability, language,
gender, and geography.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Community resource center" means a community-based coordinated point of entry
that provides relationship-based, culturally responsive service navigation and other supportive
services for expecting and parenting families and youth.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Culturally responsive, relationship-based service navigation" means aiding families
in finding services and supports that are meaningful to them in ways that are built on trust
and that use cultural values, beliefs, and practices of families, communities, indigenous
families, and Tribal Nations for case planning, service design, and decision-making processes.
new text end

new text begin (f) "Expecting and parenting family" means any configuration of parents, grandparents,
guardians, foster parents, kinship caregivers, and youth who are pregnant or expecting or
have children and youth they care for and support.
new text end

new text begin (g) "Protective factors" means conditions or attributes of individuals, families,
communities, and the larger society that mitigate risk and promote the healthy development
and well-being of children, youth, and families, which are strengths that help to buffer and
support families.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner in consultation
with other state agencies, partners, and the Community Resource Center Advisory Council
may award grants to support planning, implementation, and evaluation of community
resource centers to provide relationship-based, culturally responsive service navigation,
parent, family, and caregiver supports to expecting and parenting families with a focus on
ensuring equitable access to programs and services that promote protective factors and
support children and families.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner in
consultation with the Community Resource Center Advisory Council shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) develop a request for proposals to support community resource centers;
new text end

new text begin (2) provide outreach and technical assistance to support applicants with data or other
matters pertaining to equity of access to funding;
new text end

new text begin (3) provide technical assistance to grantees including but not limited to skill building
and professional development, trainings, evaluation, communities of practice, networking,
and trauma informed mental health consultation;
new text end

new text begin (4) provide data collection and IT support; and
new text end

new text begin (5) provide grant coordination and management focused on promoting equity and
accountability.
new text end

new text begin At a minimum, grantees shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) provide culturally responsive, relationship-based service navigation and supports for
expecting and parenting families;
new text end

new text begin (2) improve community engagement and feedback loops to support continuous
improvement and program planning to better promote protective factors;
new text end

new text begin (3) demonstrate community-based planning with multiple partners;
new text end

new text begin (4) develop or use an existing parent and family advisory council consisting of community
members with lived expertise to advise the work of the grantee; and
new text end

new text begin (5) participate in program evaluation, data collection, and technical assistance activities.
new text end

new text begin (a) Organizations eligible to receive grant funding under this section
include:
new text end

new text begin (1) community-based organizations, Tribal Nations, urban Indian organizations, local
and county government agencies, schools, nonprofit agencies or any cooperative of these
organizations; and
new text end

new text begin (2) organizations or cooperatives supporting communities and families furthest from
opportunity.
new text end

new text begin (b) Funds must not be used to supplant any state or federal funds received by any grantee.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner in consultation with other relevant state agencies shall appoint
members to the Community Resource Center Advisory Council.
new text end

new text begin (b) Membership must be demographically and geographically diverse and include:
new text end

new text begin (1) parents and family members with lived experience and who are furthest from
opportunity;
new text end

new text begin (2) community-based organizations serving families furthest from opportunity;
new text end

new text begin (3) Tribal and urban American Indian representatives;
new text end

new text begin (4) county government representatives;
new text end

new text begin (5) school and school district representatives; and
new text end

new text begin (6) state partner representatives.
new text end

new text begin (b) Duties of the Community Resource Center Advisory Council shall include but are
not limited to:
new text end

new text begin (1) advising the commissioner on the development and funding of a network of
community resource centers;
new text end

new text begin (2) advising the commissioner on the development of a request for proposal and grant
award processes;
new text end

new text begin (3) advising the commissioner on the development of program outcomes and
accountability measures; and
new text end

new text begin (4) advising the commissioner on ongoing oversight and necessary support in the
implementation of the community resource centers.
new text end

new text begin Grantees must report program data and outcomes in a
manner determined by the commissioner and the Community Resource Center Advisory
Council.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner in partnership with the Community Resource
Center Advisory Council shall develop an outcome and evaluation plan. A biannual report
must be developed that reflects the duties of the Community Resource Center Advisory
Council in subdivision 6 and may describe outcomes and impacts related to equity,
community partnerships, program and service availability, child development, family
well-being, and child welfare system involvement.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of human services must develop a plan to preserve and make
available the income and resources attributable to a child in foster care to meet the best
interests of the child. The plan must include recommendations on:
new text end

new text begin (1) policies for youth and caregiver access to preserved federal cash assistance benefit
payments;
new text end

new text begin (2) representative payees for children in voluntary foster care for treatment pursuant to
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 260D; and
new text end

new text begin (3) family preservation and reunification.
new text end

new text begin (b) For purposes of this section, "income and resources attributed to a child" means all
benefits from programs administered by the Social Security Administration, including but
not limited to retirement, survivors benefits, disability insurance programs, Supplemental
Security Income, veterans benefits, and railroad retirement benefits.
new text end

new text begin (c) When developing the plan under this section, the commissioner shall consult or
engage with:
new text end

new text begin (1) individuals or entities with experience in managing trusts and investment;
new text end

new text begin (2) individuals or entities with expertise in providing tax advice;
new text end

new text begin (3) individuals or entities with expertise in preserving assets to avoid negative impact
on public assistance eligibility;
new text end

new text begin (4) other relevant state agencies;
new text end

new text begin (5) Tribal social services agencies;
new text end

new text begin (6) counties;
new text end

new text begin (7) the Children's Justice Initiative;
new text end

new text begin (8) organizations that serve and advocate for children and families in the child protection
system;
new text end

new text begin (9) parents, legal custodians, foster families, and kinship caregivers, to the extent possible;
new text end

new text begin (10) youth who have been or are currently in out-of-home placement; and
new text end

new text begin (11) other relevant stakeholders.
new text end

new text begin (d) By December 15, 2023, each county shall provide the following data for fiscal years
2019 and 2021 to the commissioner in a form prescribed by the commissioner:
new text end

new text begin (1) the nonduplicated number of children in foster care in the county who received
income and resources attributable to the child as defined in paragraph (b);
new text end

new text begin (2) the number of children for whom the county was the representative payee for income
and resources attributable to the child; and
new text end

new text begin (3) the amount of money that the county collected from income and resources attributable
to the child as the representative payee for children in the county.
new text end

new text begin (e) By January 15, 2025, the commissioner shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking
minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over human services and
child welfare outlining the plan developed under this section. The report must include a
projected timeline for implementing the plan, estimated implementation costs, and any
legislative actions that may be required to implement the plan. The report must also include
data provided by counties related to the requirements for the parent or custodian of a child
to reimburse a county for the cost of care, examination, or treatment in subdivision (f).
new text end

new text begin (f) By December 15, 2023, every county shall provide the commissioner of human
services with the following data from fiscal years 2019, 2020, and 2021 in a form prescribed
by the commissioner:
new text end

new text begin (1) the nonduplicated number of cases in which the county received payments from a
parent or custodian of a child to reimburse the cost of care, examination, or treatment; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the total amount in payments that the county collected from a parent or custodian of
a child to reimburse the cost of care, examination or treatment.
new text end

new text begin (g) The commissioner may contract with an individual or entity to collect and analyze
financial data reported by counties in paragraphs (d) and (f).
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 518A.31, is amended to read:

(a) The amount of the monthly Social Security benefits or apportioned veterans' benefits
provided for a joint child shall be included in the gross income of the parent on whose
eligibility the benefits are based.

(b) The amount of the monthly survivors' and dependents' educational assistance provided
for a joint child shall be included in the gross income of the parent on whose eligibility the
benefits are based.

(c) If Social Security or apportioned veterans' benefits are provided for a joint child
based on the eligibility of the obligor, and are received by the obligee as a representative
payee for the child or by the child attending school, then the amount of the benefits shall
also be subtracted from the obligor's net child support obligation as calculated pursuant to
section 518A.34.

(d) If the survivors' and dependents' educational assistance is provided for a joint child
based on the eligibility of the obligor, and is received by the obligee as a representative
payee for the child or by the child attending school, then the amount of the assistance shall
also be subtracted from the obligor's net child support obligation as calculated under section
518A.34.

new text begin (e) Upon a motion to modify child support, any regular or lump sum payment of Social
Security or apportioned veterans' benefit received by the obligee for the benefit of the joint
child based upon the obligor's disability prior to filing the motion to modify may be used
to satisfy arrears that remain due for the period of time for which the benefit was received.
This paragraph applies only if the derivative benefit was not considered in the guidelines
calculation of the previous child support order.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 518A.32, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

A parent is not considered voluntarily unemployed,
underemployed, or employed on a less than full-time basis upon a showing by the parent
that:

(1) the unemployment, underemployment, or employment on a less than full-time basis
is temporary and will ultimately lead to an increase in income;

(2) the unemployment, underemployment, or employment on a less than full-time basis
represents a bona fide career change that outweighs the adverse effect of that parent's
diminished income on the child; deleted text begin or
deleted text end

(3) the unemployment, underemployment, or employment on a less than full-time basis
is because a parent is physically or mentally incapacitated or due to incarcerationdeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ; or
new text end

new text begin (4) a governmental agency authorized to determine eligibility for general assistance or
supplemental Social Security income has determined that the individual is eligible to receive
general assistance or supplemental Social Security income. Actual income earned by the
parent may be considered for the purpose of calculating child support.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 518A.32, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

If the parent of a joint child is a recipient of a
temporary assistance to a needy family (TANF) deleted text begin cashdeleted text end grantdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin or comparable state-funded
Minnesota family investment program (MFIP) benefits,new text end no potential income is to be imputed
to that parent.

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 518A.34, is amended to read:

(a) To determine the presumptive child support obligation of a parent, the court shall
follow the procedure set forth in this section.

(b) To determine the obligor's basic support obligation, the court shall:

(1) determine the gross income of each parent under section 518A.29;

(2) calculate the parental income for determining child support (PICS) of each parent,
by subtracting from the gross income the credit, if any, for each parent's nonjoint children
under section 518A.33;

(3) determine the percentage contribution of each parent to the combined PICS by
dividing the combined PICS into each parent's PICS;

(4) determine the combined basic support obligation by application of the guidelines in
section 518A.35;

(5) determine each parent's share of the combined basic support obligation by multiplying
the percentage figure from clause (3) by the combined basic support obligation in clause
(4); and

(6) apply the parenting expense adjustment formula provided in section 518A.36 to
determine the obligor's basic support obligation.

(c) If the parents have split custody of joint children, child support must be calculated
for each joint child as follows:

(1) the court shall determine each parent's basic support obligation under paragraph (b)
and include the amount of each parent's obligation in the court order. If the basic support
calculation results in each parent owing support to the other, the court shall offset the higher
basic support obligation with the lower basic support obligation to determine the amount
to be paid by the parent with the higher obligation to the parent with the lower obligation.
For the purpose of the cost-of-living adjustment required under section 518A.75, the
adjustment must be based on each parent's basic support obligation prior to offset. For the
purposes of this paragraph, "split custody" means that there are two or more joint children
and each parent has at least one joint child more than 50 percent of the time;

(2) if each parent pays all child care expenses for at least one joint child, the court shall
calculate child care support for each joint child as provided in section 518A.40. The court
shall determine each parent's child care support obligation and include the amount of each
parent's obligation in the court order. If the child care support calculation results in each
parent owing support to the other, the court shall offset the higher child care support
obligation with the lower child care support obligation to determine the amount to be paid
by the parent with the higher obligation to the parent with the lower obligation; and

(3) if each parent pays all medical or dental insurance expenses for at least one joint
child, medical support shall be calculated for each joint child as provided in section 518A.41.
The court shall determine each parent's medical support obligation and include the amount
of each parent's obligation in the court order. If the medical support calculation results in
each parent owing support to the other, the court shall offset the higher medical support
obligation with the lower medical support obligation to determine the amount to be paid by
the parent with the higher obligation to the parent with the lower obligation. Unreimbursed
and uninsured medical expenses are not included in the presumptive amount of support
owed by a parent and are calculated and collected as provided in section 518A.41.

(d) The court shall determine the child care support obligation for the obligor as provided
in section 518A.40.

(e) The court shall determine the medical support obligation for each parent as provided
in section 518A.41. Unreimbursed and uninsured medical expenses are not included in the
presumptive amount of support owed by a parent and are calculated and collected as described
in section 518A.41.

(f) The court shall determine each parent's total child support obligation by adding
together each parent's basic support, child care support, and health care coverage obligations
as provided in this section.

(g) If Social Security benefits or veterans' benefits are received by one parent as a
representative payee for a joint child based on the other parent's eligibility, the court shall
subtract the amount of benefits from the other parent's net child support obligation, if any.new text begin
Any benefit received by the obligee for the benefit of the joint child based upon the obligor's
disability or past earnings in any given month in excess of the child support obligation must
not be treated as an arrearage payment or a future payment.
new text end

(h) The final child support order shall separately designate the amount owed for basic
support, child care support, and medical support. If applicable, the court shall use the
self-support adjustment and minimum support adjustment under section 518A.42 to determine
the obligor's child support obligation.

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 518A.41, is amended to read:

The definitions in this subdivision apply to this chapter and
chapter 518.

(a) "Health care coverage" means deleted text begin medical, dental, or other health care benefits that are
provided by one or more health plans. Health care coverage does not include any form of
public coveragedeleted text end new text begin private health care coverage, including fee for service, health maintenance
organization, preferred provider organization, and other types of private health care coverage.
Health care coverage also means public health care coverage under which medical or dental
services could be provided to a dependent childnew text end .

deleted text begin (b) "Health carrier" means a carrier as defined in sections 62A.011, subdivision 2, and
62L.02, subdivision 16.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) "Health plan"deleted text end new text begin (b) "Private health care coverage"new text end means a new text begin health new text end plandeleted text begin , other than any
form of public coverage,deleted text end that provides medical, dental, or other health care benefits and is:

(1) provided on an individual or group basis;

(2) provided by an employer or union;

(3) purchased in the private market; deleted text begin or
deleted text end

new text begin (4) provided through MinnesotaCare under chapter 256L; or
new text end

deleted text begin (4)deleted text end new text begin (5)new text end available to a person eligible to carry insurance for the joint child, including a
party's spouse or parent.

deleted text begin Health plandeleted text end new text begin Private health care coveragenew text end includes, but is not limited to, a new text begin health new text end plan meeting
the definition under section 62A.011, subdivision 3, except that the exclusion of coverage
designed solely to provide dental or vision care under section 62A.011, subdivision 3, clause
(6), does not apply to the definition of deleted text begin health plandeleted text end new text begin private health care coveragenew text end under this
section; a group health plan governed under the federal Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 (ERISA); a self-insured plan under sections 43A.23 to 43A.317 and
471.617; and a policy, contract, or certificate issued by a community-integrated service
network licensed under chapter 62N.

new text begin (c) "Public health care coverage" means health care benefits provided by any form of
medical assistance under chapter 256B. Public health care coverage does not include
MinnesotaCare or health plans subsidized by federal premium tax credits or federal
cost-sharing reductions.
new text end

(d) "Medical support" means providing health care coverage for a joint child deleted text begin by carrying
health care coverage for the joint child ordeleted text end by contributing to the cost of health care coverage,deleted text begin
public coverage,deleted text end unreimbursed deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-relatednew text end expenses, and uninsured deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin
health-relatednew text end expenses of the joint child.

(e) "National medical support notice" means an administrative notice issued by the public
authority to enforce health insurance provisions of a support order in accordance with Code
of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 303.32, in cases where the public authority provides
support enforcement services.

deleted text begin (f) "Public coverage" means health care benefits provided by any form of medical
assistance under chapter 256B. Public coverage does not include MinnesotaCare or health
plans subsidized by federal premium tax credits or federal cost-sharing reductions.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (g)deleted text end new text begin (f)new text end "Uninsured deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-relatednew text end expenses" means a joint child's reasonable and
necessary deleted text begin health-relateddeleted text end new text begin medical and dentalnew text end expenses if the joint child is not covered by deleted text begin a
health plan or public coveragedeleted text end new text begin private health insurance carenew text end when the expenses are incurred.

deleted text begin (h)deleted text end new text begin (g)new text end "Unreimbursed deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-relatednew text end expenses" means a joint child's reasonable
and necessary deleted text begin health-relateddeleted text end new text begin medical and dentalnew text end expenses if a joint child is covered by deleted text begin a
health plan or public coveragedeleted text end new text begin health care coveragenew text end and deleted text begin the plan ordeleted text end new text begin health carenew text end coverage
does not pay for the total cost of the expenses when the expenses are incurred. Unreimbursed
deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-relatednew text end expenses do not include the cost of premiums. Unreimbursed deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin
health-relatednew text end expenses include, but are not limited to, deductibles, co-payments, and
expenses for orthodontia, and prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses, but not
over-the-counter medications if deleted text begin coverage is under a health plandeleted text end new text begin provided through health
care coveragenew text end .

(a) A completed national medical support notice issued by the public
authority or a court order that complies with this section is a qualified medical child support
order under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), United
States Code, title 29, section 1169(a).

(b) Every order addressing child support must state:

(1) the names, last known addresses, and Social Security numbers of the parents and the
joint child that is a subject of the order unless the court prohibits the inclusion of an address
or Social Security number and orders the parents to provide the address and Social Security
number to the administrator of the health plan;

(2) deleted text begin if a joint child is not presently enrolled in health care coverage,deleted text end whether appropriate
health care coverage for the joint child is available and, if so, state:

(i) the parents' responsibilities for carrying health care coverage;

(ii) the cost of premiums and how the cost is allocated between the parents; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(iii) the circumstances, if any, under which an obligation to provide new text begin private new text end health care
coverage for the joint child will shift from one parent to the other;new text begin and
new text end

deleted text begin (3) if appropriate health care coverage is not available for the joint child,deleted text end new text begin (iv)new text end whether
a contribution for deleted text begin medical supportdeleted text end new text begin public health care coveragenew text end is required; and

deleted text begin (4)deleted text end new text begin (3)new text end how unreimbursed or uninsured deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-relatednew text end expenses will be allocated
between the parents.

new text begin Public health care coverage
is presumed appropriate.new text end In determining whether a parent has appropriate new text begin private new text end health
care coverage for the joint child, the court must consider the following factors:

(1) comprehensiveness of new text begin private new text end health care coverage providing medical benefits.
Dependent new text begin private new text end health care coverage providing medical benefits is presumed
comprehensive if it includes medical and hospital coverage and provides for preventive,
emergency, acute, and chronic care; or if it meets the minimum essential coverage definition
in United States Code, title 26, section 5000A(f). If both parents have new text begin private new text end health care
coverage providing medical benefits that is presumed comprehensive under this paragraph,
the court must determine which parent's new text begin private health care new text end coverage is more comprehensive
by considering what other benefits are included in the new text begin private health care new text end coverage;

(2) accessibility. Dependent new text begin private new text end health care coverage is accessible if the covered
joint child can obtain services from a health plan provider with reasonable effort by the
parent with whom the joint child resides. new text begin Private new text end health care coverage is presumed accessible
if:

(i) primary care is available within 30 minutes or 30 miles of the joint child's residence
and specialty care is available within 60 minutes or 60 miles of the joint child's residence;

(ii) the new text begin private new text end health care coverage is available through an employer and the employee
can be expected to remain employed for a reasonable amount of time; and

(iii) no preexisting conditions exist to unduly delay enrollment in new text begin private new text end health care
coverage;

(3) the joint child's special medical needs, if any; and

(4) affordability. Dependent new text begin private new text end health care coverage is new text begin presumed new text end affordable if deleted text begin it is
reasonable in cost. If both parents have health care coverage available for a joint child that
is comparable with regard to comprehensiveness of medical benefits, accessibility, and the
joint child's special needs, the least costly health care coverage is presumed to be the most
appropriate health care coverage for the joint childdeleted text end new text begin the premium to cover the marginal cost
of the joint child does not exceed five percent of the parents' combined monthly PICS. A
court may additionally consider high deductibles and the cost to enroll the parent if the
parent must enroll themselves in private health care coverage to access private health care
coverage for the childnew text end .

deleted text begin (a) If a joint child is presently enrolled in
health care coverage, the court must order that the parent who currently has the joint child
enrolled continue that enrollment unless the parties agree otherwise or a party requests a
change in coverage and the court determines that other health care coverage is more
appropriate.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (b) If a joint child is not presently enrolled in health care coverage providing medical
benefits, upon motion of a parent or the public authority, the court must determine whether
one or both parents have appropriate health care coverage providing medical benefits for
the joint child.
deleted text end

new text begin (a) If a joint child is presently enrolled in health care coverage, the court shall order that
the parent who currently has the joint child enrolled in health care coverage continue that
enrollment if the health care coverage is appropriate as defined under subdivision 3.
new text end

deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (b)new text end If only one parent has appropriate health care coverage providing medical benefits
available, the court must order that parent to carry the coverage for the joint child.

deleted text begin (d)deleted text end new text begin (c)new text end If both parents have appropriate health care coverage providing medical benefits
available, the court must order the parent with whom the joint child resides to carry the
new text begin health care new text end coverage for the joint child, unless:

(1) a party expresses a preference fornew text begin privatenew text end health care coverage providing medical
benefits available through the parent with whom the joint child does not reside;

(2) the parent with whom the joint child does not reside is already carrying dependent
new text begin private new text end health care coverage providing medical benefits for other children and the cost of
contributing to the premiums of the other parent's new text begin health care new text end coverage would cause the
parent with whom the joint child does not reside extreme hardship; or

(3) the parties agree as to which parent will carry health care coverage providing medical
benefits and agree on the allocation of costs.

deleted text begin (e)deleted text end new text begin (d)new text end If the exception in paragraph deleted text begin (d)deleted text end new text begin (c)new text end , clause (1) or (2), applies, the court must
determine which parent has the most appropriate new text begin health care new text end coverage providing medical
benefits available and order that parent to carry new text begin health care new text end coverage for the joint child.

deleted text begin (f)deleted text end new text begin (e)new text end If neither parent has appropriate health care coverage available, the court must
order the parents todeleted text begin :
deleted text end

deleted text begin (1)deleted text end contribute toward the actual health care costs of the joint children based on a pro
rata sharedeleted text begin ; ordeleted text end new text begin .
new text end

deleted text begin (2) if the joint child is receiving any form of public coverage, the parent with whom the
joint child does not reside shall contribute a monthly amount toward the actual cost of public
coverage. The amount of the noncustodial parent's contribution is determined by applying
the noncustodial parent's PICS to the premium scale for MinnesotaCare under section
256L.15, subdivision 2, paragraph (d). If the noncustodial parent's PICS meets the eligibility
requirements for MinnesotaCare, the contribution is the amount the noncustodial parent
would pay for the child's premium. If the noncustodial parent's PICS exceeds the eligibility
requirements, the contribution is the amount of the premium for the highest eligible income
on the premium scale for MinnesotaCare under section 256L.15, subdivision 2, paragraph
(d). For purposes of determining the premium amount, the noncustodial parent's household
size is equal to one parent plus the child or children who are the subject of the child support
order. The custodial parent's obligation is determined under the requirements for public
coverage as set forth in chapter 256B; or
deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) if the noncustodial parent's PICS meet the eligibility requirement for public coverage
under chapter 256B or the noncustodial parent receives public assistance, the noncustodial
parent must not be ordered to contribute toward the cost of public coverage.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (g)deleted text end new text begin (f)new text end If neither parent has appropriate health care coverage available, the court may
order the parent with whom the child resides to apply for publicnew text begin health carenew text end coverage for
the child.

deleted text begin (h) The commissioner of human services must publish a table with the premium schedule
for public coverage and update the chart for changes to the schedule by July 1 of each year.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (i)deleted text end new text begin (g)new text end If a joint child is not presently enrolled in new text begin private new text end health care coverage providing
dental benefits, upon motion of a parent or the public authority, the court must determine
whether one or both parents have appropriate deleted text begin dentaldeleted text end new text begin private new text end health care coverage new text begin providing
dental benefits new text end for the joint child, and the court may order a parent with appropriate deleted text begin dentaldeleted text end new text begin
privatenew text end health care coverage new text begin providing dental benefits new text end available to carry the new text begin health care
new text end coverage for the joint child.

deleted text begin (j)deleted text end new text begin (h)new text end If a joint child is not presently enrolled in available new text begin private new text end health care coverage
providing benefits other than medical benefits or dental benefits, upon motion of a parent
or the public authority, the court may determine whether deleted text begin that otherdeleted text end new text begin privatenew text end health care
coverage new text begin providing other health benefits new text end for the joint child is appropriate, and the court may
order a parent with that appropriate new text begin private new text end health care coverage available to carry the
coverage for the joint child.

(a) Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties and approved by the court, the court
must order that the cost of new text begin private new text end health care coverage and all unreimbursed and uninsured
deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-relatednew text end expenses deleted text begin under the health plandeleted text end be divided between the obligor and
obligee based on their proportionate share of the parties' combined monthly PICS. The
amount allocated for medical support is considered child support but is not subject to a
cost-of-living adjustment under section 518A.75.

(b) If a party owes a deleted text begin joint childdeleted text end new text begin basicnew text end support obligation for a new text begin joint new text end child and is ordered
to carry new text begin private new text end health care coverage for the joint child, and the other party is ordered to
contribute to the carrying party's cost for coverage, the carrying party's deleted text begin childdeleted text end new text begin basicnew text end support
payment must be reduced by the amount of the contributing party's contribution.

(c) If a party owes a deleted text begin joint childdeleted text end new text begin basic new text end support obligation for a new text begin joint new text end child and is ordered
to contribute to the other party's cost for carrying new text begin private new text end health care coverage for the joint
child, the contributing party's child support payment must be increased by the amount of
the contribution.new text begin The contribution toward private health care coverage must not be charged
in any month in which the party ordered to carry private health care coverage fails to maintain
private coverage.
new text end

(d) If the party ordered to carry new text begin private new text end health care coverage for the joint child already
carries dependent new text begin private new text end health care coverage for other dependents and would incur no
additional premium costs to add the joint child to the existing new text begin health care new text end coverage, the court
must not order the other party to contribute to the premium costs for new text begin health care new text end coverage
of the joint child.

(e) If a party ordered to carrynew text begin privatenew text end health care coverage for the joint child does not
already carry dependent new text begin private new text end health care coverage but has other dependents who may be
added to the ordered new text begin health care new text end coverage, the full premium costs of the dependent new text begin private
new text end health care coverage must be allocated between the parties in proportion to the party's share
of the parties' combined new text begin monthly new text end PICS, unless the parties agree otherwise.

(f) If a party ordered to carry new text begin private new text end health care coverage for the joint child is required
to enroll in a health plan so that the joint child can be enrolled in dependent new text begin private new text end health
care coverage under the plan, the court must allocate the costs of the dependent new text begin private
new text end health care coverage between the parties. The costs of thenew text begin privatenew text end health care coverage for
the party ordered to carry the new text begin health care new text end coverage for the joint child must not be allocated
between the parties.

new text begin (g) If the joint child is receiving any form of public health care coverage:
new text end

new text begin (1) the parent with whom the joint child does not reside shall contribute a monthly
amount toward the actual cost of public health care coverage. The amount of the noncustodial
parent's contribution is determined by applying the noncustodial parent's PICS to the premium
scale for MinnesotaCare under section 256L.15, subdivision 2, paragraph (d). If the
noncustodial parent's PICS meets the eligibility requirements for MinnesotaCare, the
contribution is the amount that the noncustodial parent would pay for the child's premium;
new text end

new text begin (2) if the noncustodial parent's PICS exceeds the eligibility requirements, the contribution
is the amount of the premium for the highest eligible income on the premium scale for
MinnesotaCare under section 256L.15, subdivision 2, paragraph (d). For purposes of
determining the premium amount, the noncustodial parent's household size is equal to one
parent plus the child or children who are the subject of the order;
new text end

new text begin (3) the custodial parent's obligation is determined under the requirements for public
health care coverage in chapter 256B; or
new text end

new text begin (4) if the noncustodial parent's PICS is less than 200 percent of the federal poverty
guidelines for one person or the noncustodial parent receives public assistance, the
noncustodial parent must not be ordered to contribute toward the cost of public health care
coverage.
new text end

new text begin (h) The commissioner of human services must publish a table for section 256L.15,
subdivision 2, paragraph (d), and update the table with changes to the schedule by July 1
of each year.
new text end

(a)
The public authority must forward a copy of the national medical support notice or court
order for new text begin private new text end health care coverage to the party's employer within two business days after
the date the party is entered into the work reporting system under section 256.998.

(b) The public authority or a party seeking to enforce an order for new text begin private new text end health care
coverage must forward a copy of the national medical support notice or court order to the
obligor's employer or union, or to the health carrier under the following circumstances:

(1) the party ordered to carry new text begin private new text end health care coverage for the joint child fails to
provide written proof to the other party or the public authority, within 30 days of the effective
date of the court order, that the party has applied for new text begin private new text end health care coverage for the
joint child;

(2) the party seeking to enforce the order or the public authority gives written notice to
the party ordered to carry new text begin private new text end health care coverage for the joint child of its intent to
enforce medical support. The party seeking to enforce the order or public authority must
mail the written notice to the last known address of the party ordered to carry new text begin private new text end health
care coverage for the joint child; and

(3) the party ordered to carry new text begin private new text end health care coverage for the joint child fails, within
15 days after the date on which the written notice under clause (2) was mailed, to provide
written proof to the other party or the public authority that the party has applied for new text begin private
new text end health care coverage for the joint child.

(c) The public authority is not required to forward a copy of the national medical support
notice or court order to the obligor's employer or union, or to the health carrier, if the court
orders new text begin private new text end health care coverage for the joint child that is not employer-based or
union-based coverage.

(a) An employer or union must forward
the national medical support notice or court order to its health plan within 20 business days
after the date on the national medical support notice or after receipt of the court order.

(b) Upon determination by an employer's or union's health plan administrator that a joint
child is eligible to be covered under the health plan, the employer or union and health plan
must enroll the joint child as a beneficiary in the health plan, and the employer must withhold
any required premiums from the income or wages of the party ordered to carry health care
coverage for the joint child.

(c) If enrollment of the party ordered to carry new text begin private new text end health care coverage for a joint
child is necessary to obtain dependent new text begin private new text end health care coverage under the plan, and the
party is not enrolled in the health plan, the employer or union must enroll the party in the
plan.

(d) Enrollment of dependents and, if necessary, the party ordered to carry new text begin private new text end health
care coverage for the joint child must be immediate and not dependent upon open enrollment
periods. Enrollment is not subject to the underwriting policies under section 62A.048.

(e) Failure of the party ordered to carry new text begin private new text end health care coverage for the joint child
to execute any documents necessary to enroll the dependent in the health plan does not
affect the obligation of the employer or union and health plan to enroll the dependent in a
plan. Information and authorization provided by the public authority, or by a party or
guardian, is valid for the purposes of meeting enrollment requirements of the health plan.

(f) An employer or union that is included under the federal Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), United States Code, title 29, section 1169(a), may not deny
enrollment to the joint child or to the parent if necessary to enroll the joint child based on
exclusionary clauses described in section 62A.048.

(g) A new employer or union of a party who is ordered to provide new text begin private new text end health care
coverage for a joint child must enroll the joint child in the party's health plan as required
by a national medical support notice or court order.

(a) If a health plan administrator receives a
completed national medical support notice or court order, the plan administrator must notify
the parties, and the public authority if the public authority provides support enforcement
services, within 40 business days after the date of the notice or after receipt of the court
order, of the following:

(1) whether new text begin health care new text end coverage is available to the joint child under the terms of the
health plan and, if not, the reason why new text begin health care new text end coverage is not available;

(2) whether the joint child is covered under the health plan;

(3) the effective date of the joint child's coverage under the health plan; and

(4) what steps, if any, are required to effectuate the joint child's coverage under the health
plan.

(b) If the employer or union offers more than one plan and the national medical support
notice or court order does not specify the plan to be carried, the plan administrator must
notify the parents and the public authority if the public authority provides support
enforcement services. When there is more than one option available under the plan, the
public authority, in consultation with the parent with whom the joint child resides, must
promptly select from available plan options.

(c) The plan administrator must provide the parents and public authority, if the public
authority provides support enforcement services, with a notice of the joint child's enrollment,
description of the new text begin health care new text end coverage, and any documents necessary to effectuate coverage.

(d) The health plan must send copies of all correspondence regarding the new text begin private new text end health
care coverage to the parents.

(e) An insured joint child's parent's signature is a valid authorization to a health plan for
purposes of processing an insurance reimbursement payment to the medical services provider
or to the parent, if medical services have been prepaid by that parent.

(a) An employer or union that willfully fails to
comply with the order or notice is liable for any uninsured deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-relatednew text end expenses
incurred by the dependents while the dependents were eligible to be enrolled in the health
plan and for any other premium costs incurred because the employer or union willfully
failed to comply with the order or notice.

(b) An employer or union that fails to comply with the order or notice is subject to a
contempt finding, a $250 civil penalty under section 518A.73, and is subject to a civil penalty
of $500 to be paid to the party entitled to reimbursement or the public authority. Penalties
paid to the public authority are designated for child support enforcement services.

(a) A party may contest a joint child's enrollment in
a health plan on the limited grounds that the enrollment is improper due to mistake of fact
or that the enrollment meets the requirements of section 518.145.

(b) If the party chooses to contest the enrollment, the party must do so no later than 15
days after the employer notifies the party of the enrollment by doing the following:

(1) filing a motion in district court or according to section 484.702 and the expedited
child support process rules if the public authority provides support enforcement services;

(2) serving the motion on the other party and public authority if the public authority
provides support enforcement services; and

(3) securing a date for the matter to be heard no later than 45 days after the notice of
enrollment.

(a) Unless a
court order provides otherwise, a child for whom a party is required to provide new text begin private new text end health
care coverage under this section must be covered as a dependent of the party until the child
is emancipated, until further order of the court, or as consistent with the terms of the new text begin health
care new text end coverage.

(b) The health carrier, employer, or union may not disenroll or eliminate new text begin health care
new text end coverage for the child unless:

(1) the health carrier, employer, or union is provided satisfactory written evidence that
the court order is no longer in effect;

(2) the joint child is or will be enrolled in comparable new text begin private new text end health care coverage
through another health plan that will take effect no later than the effective date of the
disenrollment;

(3) the employee is no longer eligible for dependent new text begin health care new text end coverage; or

(4) the required premium has not been paid by or on behalf of the joint child.

(c) The health plan must provide 30 days' written notice to the joint child's parents, and
the public authority if the public authority provides support enforcement services, before
the health plan disenrolls or eliminates the joint child's new text begin health care new text end coverage.

(d) A joint child enrolled in new text begin private new text end health care coverage under a qualified medical child
support order, including a national medical support notice, under this section is a dependent
and a qualified beneficiary under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget and Reconciliation Act
of 1985 (COBRA), Public Law 99-272. Upon expiration of the order, the joint child is
entitled to the opportunity to elect continued new text begin health care new text end coverage that is available under
the health plan. The employer or union must provide notice to the parties and the public
authority, if it provides support services, within ten days of the termination date.

(e) If the public authority provides support enforcement services and a plan administrator
reports to the public authority that there is more than one coverage option available under
the health plan, the public authority, in consultation with the parent with whom the joint
child resides, must promptly select new text begin health care new text end coverage from the available options.

The court must require the parent with
whom the joint child does not reside to provide dependent new text begin private new text end health care coverage for
the benefit of the parent with whom the joint child resides if the parent with whom the child
does not reside is ordered to provide dependent new text begin private new text end health care coverage for the parties'
joint child and adding the other parent to the new text begin health care new text end coverage results in no additional
premium cost.

(a) If the public authority provides support
enforcement services, the parties must provide the public authority with the following
information:

(1) information relating to dependent health care coverage deleted text begin or public coveragedeleted text end available
for the benefit of the joint child for whom support is sought, including all information
required to be included in a medical support order under this section;

(2) verification that application for court-ordered health care coverage was made within
30 days of the court's order; and

(3) the reason that a joint child is not enrolled in court-ordered health care coverage, if
a joint child is not enrolled in new text begin health care new text end coverage or subsequently loses new text begin health care new text end coverage.

(b) Upon request from the public authority under section 256.978, an employer, union,
or plan administrator, including an employer subject to the federal Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), United States Code, title 29, section 1169(a), must
provide the public authority the following information:

(1) information relating to dependent new text begin private new text end health care coverage available to a party
for the benefit of the joint child for whom support is sought, including all information
required to be included in a medical support order under this section; and

(2) information that will enable the public authority to determine whether a health plan
is appropriate for a joint child, including, but not limited to, all available plan options, any
geographic service restrictions, and the location of service providers.

(c) The employer, union, or plan administrator must not release information regarding
one party to the other party. The employer, union, or plan administrator must provide both
parties with insurance identification cards and all necessary written information to enable
the parties to utilize the insurance benefits for the covered dependent.

(d) The public authority is authorized to release to a party's employer, union, or health
plan information necessary to verify availability of dependent new text begin private new text end health care coverage,
or to establish, modify, or enforce medical support.

(e) An employee must disclose to an employer if medical support is required to be
withheld under this section and the employer must begin withholding according to the terms
of the order and under section 518A.53. If an employee discloses an obligation to obtain
new text begin private new text end health care coverage and new text begin health care new text end coverage is available through the employer,
the employer must make all application processes known to the individual and enroll the
employee and dependent in the plan.

The public authority must take necessary
steps to establish, enforce, and modify an order for medical support if the joint child receives
public assistance or a party completes an application for services from the public authority
under section 518A.51.

(a) Remedies available for collecting and enforcing child
support apply to medical support.

(b) For the purpose of enforcement, the following are additional support:

(1) the costs of individual or group health or hospitalization coverage;

(2) dental coverage;

(3) medical costs ordered by the court to be paid by either party, including health care
coverage premiums paid by the obligee because of the obligor's failure to obtain new text begin health care
new text end coverage as ordered; and

(4) liabilities established under this subdivision.

(c) A party who fails to carry court-ordered dependent new text begin private new text end health care coverage is
liable for the joint child's uninsured deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-relatednew text end expenses unless a court order
provides otherwise. A party's failure to carry court-ordered new text begin health care new text end coverage, or to
provide other medical support as ordered, is a basis for modification of medical support
under section 518A.39, subdivision 8, unless it meets the presumption in section 518A.39,
subdivision 2.

(d) Payments by the health carrier or employer for services rendered to the dependents
that are directed to a party not owed reimbursement must be endorsed over to and forwarded
to the vendor or appropriate party or the public authority. A party retaining insurance
reimbursement not owed to the party is liable for the amount of the reimbursement.

(a) If a party is the parent with primary physical custody as defined
in section 518A.26, subdivision 17, and is an obligor ordered to contribute to the other
party's cost for carrying health care coverage for the joint child, the other party's child
support and spousal maintenance obligations are subject to an offset under subdivision 5.

(b) The public authority, if the public authority provides child support enforcement
services, may remove the offset to a party's child support obligation when:

(1) the party's court-ordered new text begin private new text end health care coverage for the joint child terminates;

(2) the party does not enroll the joint child in other new text begin private new text end health care coverage; and

(3) a modification motion is not pending.

The public authority must provide notice to the parties of the action. If neither party requests
a hearing, the public authority must remove the offset effective the first day of the month
following termination of the joint child's new text begin private new text end health care coverage.

(c) The public authority, if the public authority provides child support enforcement
services, may resume the offset when the party ordered to provide new text begin private new text end health care
coverage for the joint child has resumed the court-ordered new text begin private new text end health care coverage or
enrolled the joint child in other new text begin private new text end health care coverage. The public authority must
provide notice to the parties of the action. If neither party requests a hearing, the public
authority must resume the offset effective the first day of the month following certification
that new text begin private new text end health care coverage is in place for the joint child.

(d) A party may contest the public authority's action to remove or resume the offset to
the child support obligation if the party makes a written request for a hearing within 30 days
after receiving written notice. If a party makes a timely request for a hearing, the public
authority must schedule a hearing and send written notice of the hearing to the parties by
mail to the parties' last known addresses at least 14 days before the hearing. The hearing
must be conducted in district court or in the expedited child support process if section
484.702 applies. The district court or child support magistrate must determine whether
removing or resuming the offset is appropriate and, if appropriate, the effective date for the
removal or resumption.

new text begin (a) If a
party is the parent with primary physical custody, as defined in section 518A.26, subdivision
17, and is ordered to carry private health care coverage for the joint child but fails to carry
the court-ordered private health care coverage, the public authority may suspend the medical
support obligation of the other party if that party has been court-ordered to contribute to the
cost of the private health care coverage carried by the parent with primary physical custody
of the joint child.
new text end

new text begin (b) If the public authority provides child support enforcement services, the public
authority may suspend the other party's medical support contribution toward private health
care coverage when:
new text end

new text begin (1) the party's court-ordered private health care coverage for the joint child terminates;
new text end

new text begin (2) the party does not enroll the joint child in other private health care coverage; and
new text end

new text begin (3) a modification motion is not pending.
new text end

new text begin The public authority must provide notice to the parties of the action. If neither party requests
a hearing, the public authority must remove the medical support contribution effective the
first day of the month following the termination of the joint child's private health care
coverage.
new text end

new text begin (c) If the public authority provides child support enforcement services, the public authority
may reinstate the medical support contribution when the party ordered to provide private
health care coverage for the joint child has resumed the joint child's court-ordered private
health care coverage or has enrolled the joint child in other private health care coverage.
The public authority must provide notice to the parties of the action. If neither party requests
a hearing, the public authority must resume the medical support contribution effective the
first day of the month following certification that the joint child is enrolled in private health
care coverage.
new text end

new text begin (d) A party may contest the public authority's action to suspend or reinstate the medical
support contribution if the party makes a written request for a hearing within 30 days after
receiving written notice. If a party makes a timely request for a hearing, the public authority
must schedule a hearing and send written notice of the hearing to the parties by mail to the
parties' last known addresses at least 14 days before the hearing. The hearing must be
conducted in district court or in the expedited child support process if section 484.702
applies. The district court or child support magistrate must determine whether suspending
or reinstating the medical support contribution is appropriate and, if appropriate, the effective
date of the removal or reinstatement of the medical support contribution.
new text end

(a)
This subdivision and subdivision 18 apply when a court order has determined and ordered
the parties' proportionate share and responsibility to contribute to unreimbursed or uninsured
deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-relatednew text end expenses.

(b) A party requesting reimbursement of unreimbursed or uninsured deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin
health-relatednew text end expenses must initiate a request to the other party within two years of the
date that the requesting party incurred the unreimbursed or uninsured deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-related
new text end expenses. If a court order has been signed ordering the contribution deleted text begin towardsdeleted text end new text begin towardnew text end
unreimbursed or uninsured expenses, a two-year limitations provision must be applied to
any requests made on or after January 1, 2007. The provisions of this section apply
retroactively to court orders signed before January 1, 2007. Requests for unreimbursed or
uninsured expenses made on or after January 1, 2007, may include expenses incurred before
January 1, 2007, and on or after January 1, 2005.

(c) A requesting party must mail a written notice of intent to collect the unreimbursed
or uninsured deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-relatednew text end expenses and a copy of an affidavit of health care
expenses to the other party at the other party's last known address.

(d) The written notice must include a statement that the other party has 30 days from
the date the notice was mailed to (1) pay in full; (2) agree to a payment schedule; or (3) file
a motion requesting a hearing to contest the amount due or to set a court-ordered monthly
payment amount. If the public authority provides services, the written notice also must
include a statement that, if the other party does not respond within the 30 days, the requesting
party may submit the amount due to the public authority for collection.

(e) The affidavit of health care expenses must itemize and document the joint child's
unreimbursed or uninsured deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-relatednew text end expenses and include copies of all bills,
receipts, and insurance company explanations of benefits.

(f) If the other party does not respond to the request for reimbursement within 30 days,
the requesting party may commence enforcement against the other party under subdivision
18; file a motion for a court-ordered monthly payment amount under paragraph (i); or notify
the public authority, if the public authority provides services, that the other party has not
responded.

(g) The notice to the public authority must include: a copy of the written notice, a copy
of the affidavit of health care expenses, and copies of all bills, receipts, and insurance
company explanations of benefits.

(h) If noticed under paragraph (f), the public authority must serve the other party with
a notice of intent to enforce unreimbursed and uninsured deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-related new text end expenses
and file an affidavit of service by mail with the district court administrator. The notice must
state that the other party has 14 days to (1) pay in full; or (2) file a motion to contest the
amount due or to set a court-ordered monthly payment amount. The notice must also state
that if there is no response within 14 days, the public authority will commence enforcement
of the expenses as arrears under subdivision 18.

(i) To contest the amount due or set a court-ordered monthly payment amount, a party
must file a timely motion and schedule a hearing in district court or in the expedited child
support process if section 484.702 applies. The moving party must provide the other party
and the public authority, if the public authority provides services, with written notice at
least 14 days before the hearing by mailing notice of the hearing to the public authority and
to the requesting party at the requesting party's last known address. The moving party must
file the affidavit of health care expenses with the court at least five days before the hearing.
The district court or child support magistrate must determine liability for the expenses and
order that the liable party is subject to enforcement of the expenses as arrears under
subdivision 18 or set a court-ordered monthly payment amount.

(a) Unreimbursed or uninsured deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-relatednew text end expenses enforced under
this subdivision are collected as arrears.

(b) If the liable party is the parent with primary physical custody as defined in section
518A.26, subdivision 17, the unreimbursed or uninsured deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-relatednew text end expenses
must be deducted from any arrears the requesting party owes the liable party. If unreimbursed
or uninsured expenses remain after the deduction, the expenses must be collected as follows:

(1) If the requesting party owes a current child support obligation to the liable party, 20
percent of each payment received from the requesting party must be returned to the requesting
party. The total amount returned to the requesting party each month must not exceed 20
percent of the current monthly support obligation.

(2) If the requesting party does not owe current child support or arrears, a payment
agreement under section 518A.69 is required. If the liable party fails to enter into or comply
with a payment agreement, the requesting party or the public authority, if the public authority
provides services, may schedule a hearing to set a court-ordered payment. The requesting
party or the public authority must provide the liable party with written notice of the hearing
at least 14 days before the hearing.

(c) If the liable party is not the parent with primary physical custody as defined in section
518A.26, subdivision 17, the unreimbursed or uninsured deleted text begin medicaldeleted text end new text begin health-relatednew text end expenses
must be deducted from any arrears the requesting party owes the liable party. If unreimbursed
or uninsured expenses remain after the deduction, the expenses must be added and collected
as arrears owed by the liable party.

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 518A.42, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

(a) It is a rebuttable presumption that a child support
order should not exceed the obligor's ability to pay. To determine the amount of child support
the obligor has the ability to pay, the court shall follow the procedure set out in this section.

(b) The court shall calculate the obligor's income available for support by subtracting a
monthly self-support reserve equal to 120 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for one
person from the obligor's parental income for determining child support (PICS).new text begin If benefits
under section 518A.31 are received by the obligee as a representative payee for a joint child
or are received by the child attending school, based on the other parent's eligibility, the court
shall subtract the amount of benefits from the obligor's PICS before subtracting the
self-support reserve.new text end If the obligor's income available for support calculated under this
paragraph is equal to or greater than the obligor's support obligation calculated under section
518A.34, the court shall order child support under section 518A.34.

(c) If the obligor's income available for support calculated under paragraph (b) is more
than the minimum support amount under subdivision 2, but less than the guideline amount
under section 518A.34, then the court shall apply a reduction to the child support obligation
in the following order, until the support order is equal to the obligor's income available for
support:

(1) medical support obligation;

(2) child care support obligation; and

(3) basic support obligation.

(d) If the obligor's income available for support calculated under paragraph (b) is equal
to or less than the minimum support amount under subdivision 2 or if the obligor's gross
income is less than 120 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for one person, the minimum
support amount under subdivision 2 applies.

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 518A.42, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

(a) This section does not apply to an obligor who is incarceratednew text begin
or is a recipient of a general assistance grant, temporary assistance for needy families (TANF)
grant or comparable state-funded Minnesota family investment program (MFIP) benefitsnew text end .

(b) If the court finds the obligor receives no income and completely lacks the ability to
earn income, the minimum basic support amount under this subdivision does not apply.

(c) If the obligor's basic support amount is reduced below the minimum basic support
amount due to the application of the parenting expense adjustment, the minimum basic
support amount under this subdivision does not apply and the lesser amount is the guideline
basic support.

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 518A.65, is amended to read:

(a)new text begin This paragraph is effective July 1, 2023.new text end Upon motion of an obligee, which has been
properly served on the obligor and upon which there has been an opportunity for hearing,
if a court finds that the obligor has been or may be issued a driver's license by the
commissioner of public safety and the obligor is in arrears in court-ordered child support
or maintenance payments, or both, in an amount equal to or greater than three times the
obligor's total monthly support and maintenance payments and is not in compliance with a
written payment agreement pursuant to section 518A.69 that is approved by the court, a
child support magistrate, or the public authority, the court deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin maynew text end order the commissioner
of public safety to suspend the obligor's driver's license. new text begin The court may consider the
circumstances in paragraph (i) to determine whether driver's license suspension is an
appropriate remedy that is likely to induce the payment of child support. The court may
consider whether driver's license suspension would have a direct harmful effect on the
obligor or joint children that would make driver's license suspension an inappropriate remedy.
This paragraph expires December 31, 2025.
new text end

new text begin (b) This paragraph is effective January 1, 2026. Upon motion of an obligee, which has
been properly served on the obligor and upon which there has been an opportunity for
hearing, if a court finds that the obligor has a valid driver's license issued by the commissioner
of public safety and the obligor is in arrears in court-ordered child support or maintenance
payments, or both, in an amount equal to or greater than three times the obligor's total
monthly support and maintenance payments and is not in compliance with a written payment
agreement pursuant to section 518A.69 that is approved by the court, a child support
magistrate, or the public authority, the court may order the commissioner of public safety
to suspend the obligor's driver's license. The court may consider the circumstances in
paragraph (i) to determine whether driver's license suspension is an appropriate remedy that
is likely to induce the payment of child support. The court may consider whether driver's
license suspension would have a direct harmful effect on the obligor or joint children that
would make driver's license suspension an inappropriate remedy.
new text end

new text begin (c) new text end The court's order must be stayed for 90 days in order to allow the obligor to execute
a written payment agreement pursuant to section 518A.69. The payment agreement must
be approved by either the court or the public authority responsible for child support
enforcement. If the obligor has not executed or is not in compliance with a written payment
agreement pursuant to section 518A.69 after the 90 days expires, the court's order becomes
effective and the commissioner of public safety shall suspend the obligor's driver's license.
The remedy under this section is in addition to any other enforcement remedy available to
the court. An obligee may not bring a motion under this paragraph within 12 months of a
denial of a previous motion under this paragraph.

deleted text begin (b)deleted text end new text begin (d) This paragraph is effective July 1, 2023.new text end If a public authority responsible for child
support enforcement determines that the obligor has been or may be issued a driver's license
by the commissioner of public safety deleted text begin anddeleted text end new text begin ;new text end the obligor is in arrears in court-ordered child
support or maintenance payments or both in an amount equal to or greater than three times
the obligor's total monthly support and maintenance payments and not in compliance with
a written payment agreement pursuant to section 518A.69 that is approved by the court, a
child support magistrate, or the public authority, the public authority shall direct the
commissioner of public safety to suspend the obligor's driver's licensenew text begin unless exercising
administrative discretion under paragraph (i)new text end . The remedy under this section is in addition
to any other enforcement remedy available to the public authority.new text begin This paragraph expires
December 31, 2025.
new text end

new text begin (e) This paragraph is effective January 1, 2026. If a public authority responsible for child
support enforcement determines that:
new text end

new text begin (1) the obligor has a valid driver's license issued by the commissioner of public safety;
new text end

new text begin (2) the obligor is in arrears in court-ordered child support or maintenance payments or
both in an amount equal to or greater than three times the obligor's total monthly support
and maintenance payments;
new text end

new text begin (3) the obligor is not in compliance with a written payment agreement pursuant to section
518A.69 that is approved by the court, a child support magistrate, or the public authority;
and
new text end

new text begin (4) the obligor's mailing address is known to the public authority;
new text end

new text begin then the public authority shall direct the commissioner of public safety to suspend the
obligor's driver's license unless exercising administrative discretion under paragraph (i).
The remedy under this section is in addition to any other enforcement remedy available to
the public authority.
new text end

deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (f)new text end At least 90 days prior to notifying the commissioner of public safety according
to paragraph deleted text begin (b)deleted text end new text begin (d)new text end , the public authority must mail a written notice to the obligor at the
obligor's last known address, that it intends to seek suspension of the obligor's driver's
license and that the obligor must request a hearing within 30 days in order to contest the
suspension. If the obligor makes a written request for a hearing within 30 days of the date
of the notice, a court hearing must be held. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the
obligor must be served with 14 days' notice in writing specifying the time and place of the
hearing and the allegations against the obligor. The notice must include information that
apprises the obligor of the requirement to develop a written payment agreement that is
approved by a court, a child support magistrate, or the public authority responsible for child
support enforcement regarding child support, maintenance, and any arrearages in order to
avoid license suspension. The notice may be served personally or by mail. If the public
authority does not receive a request for a hearing within 30 days of the date of the notice,
and the obligor does not execute a written payment agreement pursuant to section 518A.69
that is approved by the public authority within 90 days of the date of the notice, the public
authority shall direct the commissioner of public safety to suspend the obligor's driver's
license under paragraph deleted text begin (b)deleted text end new text begin (d)new text end .

deleted text begin (d)deleted text end new text begin (g)new text end At a hearing requested by the obligor under paragraph deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (f)new text end , and on finding that
the obligor is in arrears in court-ordered child support or maintenance payments or both in
an amount equal to or greater than three times the obligor's total monthly support and
maintenance payments, the district court or child support magistrate shall order the
commissioner of public safety to suspend the obligor's driver's license or operating privileges
unlessnew text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1)new text end the court or child support magistrate determines that the obligor has executed and is
in compliance with a written payment agreement pursuant to section 518A.69 that is approved
by the court, a child support magistrate, or the public authoritydeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ; or
new text end

new text begin (2) the court, in its discretion, determines that driver's license suspension is unlikely to
induce payment of child support or would have direct harmful effects on the obligor or joint
child that makes driver's license suspension an inappropriate remedy. The court may consider
the circumstances in paragraph (f) in exercising the court's discretion.
new text end

deleted text begin (e)deleted text end new text begin (h)new text end An obligor whose driver's license or operating privileges are suspended may:

(1) provide proof to the public authority responsible for child support enforcement that
the obligor is in compliance with all written payment agreements pursuant to section 518A.69;

(2) bring a motion for reinstatement of the driver's license. At the hearing, if the court
or child support magistrate orders reinstatement of the driver's license, the court or child
support magistrate must establish a written payment agreement pursuant to section 518A.69;
or

(3) seek a limited license under section 171.30. A limited license issued to an obligor
under section 171.30 expires 90 days after the date it is issued.

Within 15 days of the receipt of that proof or a court order, the public authority shall
inform the commissioner of public safety that the obligor's driver's license or operating
privileges should no longer be suspended.

new text begin (i) Prior to notifying the commissioner of public safety that an obligor's driver's license
should be suspended or after an obligor's driving privileges have been suspended, the public
authority responsible for child support enforcement may use administrative authority to end
the suspension process or inform the commissioner of public safety that the obligor's driving
privileges should no longer be suspended under any of the following circumstances:
new text end

new text begin (1) the full amount of court-ordered payments have been received for at least one month;
new text end

new text begin (2) an income withholding notice has been sent to an employer or payor of funds;
new text end

new text begin (3) payments less than the full court-ordered amount have been received and the
circumstances of the obligor demonstrate the obligor's substantial intent to comply with the
order;
new text end

new text begin (4) the obligor receives public assistance;
new text end

new text begin (5) the case is being reviewed by the public authority for downward modification due
to changes in the obligor's financial circumstances or a party has filed a motion to modify
the child support order;
new text end

new text begin (6) the obligor no longer lives in the state and the child support case is in the process of
interstate enforcement;
new text end

new text begin (7) the obligor is currently incarcerated for one week or more or is receiving in-patient
treatment for physical health, mental health, chemical dependency, or other treatment. This
clause applies for six months after the obligor is no longer incarcerated or receiving in-patient
treatment;
new text end

new text begin (8) the obligor is temporarily or permanently disabled and unable to pay child support;
new text end

new text begin (9) the obligor has presented evidence to the public authority that the obligor needs
driving privileges to maintain or obtain the obligor's employment;
new text end

new text begin (10) the obligor has not had a meaningful opportunity to pay toward arrears; and
new text end

new text begin (11) other circumstances of the obligor indicate that a temporary condition exists for
which suspension of a driver's license for the nonpayment of child support is not appropriate.
When considering whether driver's license suspension is appropriate, the public authority
must assess: (i) whether suspension of the driver's license is likely to induce payment of
child support; and (ii) whether suspension of the driver's license would have direct harmful
effects on the obligor or joint children that make driver's license suspension an inappropriate
remedy.
new text end

new text begin The presence of circumstances in this paragraph does not prevent the public authority from
proceeding with a suspension of a driver's license.
new text end

deleted text begin (f)deleted text end new text begin (j)new text end In addition to the criteria established under this section for the suspension of an
obligor's driver's license, a court, a child support magistrate, or the public authority may
direct the commissioner of public safety to suspend the license of a party who has failed,
after receiving notice, to comply with a subpoena relating to a paternity or child support
proceeding. Notice to an obligor of intent to suspend must be served by first class mail at
the obligor's last known address. The notice must inform the obligor of the right to request
a hearing. If the obligor makes a written request within ten days of the date of the hearing,
a hearing must be held. At the hearing, the only issues to be considered are mistake of fact
and whether the obligor received the subpoena.

deleted text begin (g)deleted text end new text begin (k)new text end The license of an obligor who fails to remain in compliance with an approved
written payment agreement may be suspended. Prior to suspending a license for
noncompliance with an approved written payment agreement, the public authority must
mail to the obligor's last known address a written notice that (1) the public authority intends
to seek suspension of the obligor's driver's license under this paragraph, and (2) the obligor
must request a hearing, within 30 days of the date of the notice, to contest the suspension.
If, within 30 days of the date of the notice, the public authority does not receive a written
request for a hearing and the obligor does not comply with an approved written payment
agreement, the public authority must direct the Department of Public Safety to suspend the
obligor's license under paragraph deleted text begin (b)deleted text end new text begin (d)new text end . If the obligor makes a written request for a hearing
within 30 days of the date of the notice, a court hearing must be held. Notwithstanding any
law to the contrary, the obligor must be served with 14 days' notice in writing specifying
the time and place of the hearing and the allegations against the obligor. The notice may be
served personally or by mail at the obligor's last known address. If the obligor appears at
the hearing and the court determines that the obligor has failed to comply with an approved
written payment agreement, the court or public authority shall notify the Department of
Public Safety to suspend the obligor's license under paragraph deleted text begin (b)deleted text end new text begin (d)new text end . If the obligor fails
to appear at the hearing, the court or public authority must notify the Department of Public
Safety to suspend the obligor's license under paragraph deleted text begin (b)deleted text end new text begin (d)new text end .

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2023, unless otherwise specified.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 518A.77, is amended to read:

deleted text begin (a)deleted text end No later than 2006 and every four years after that, the Department of Human Services
must conduct a review of the child support guidelinesnew text begin as required under Code of Federal
Regulations, title 45, section 302.56(h)new text end .

deleted text begin (b) This section expires January 1, 2032.
deleted text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 119B.025, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

(a) The county shall process a change in eligibility
factors according to paragraphs (b) to (g).

(b) A family is subject to the reporting requirements in section 256P.07new text begin , subdivision 6new text end .

(c) If a family reports a change or a change is known to the agency before the family's
regularly scheduled redetermination, the county must act on the change. The commissioner
shall establish standards for verifying a change.

(d) A change in income occurs on the day the participant received the first payment
reflecting the change in income.

(e) During a family's 12-month eligibility period, if the family's income increases and
remains at or below 85 percent of the state median income, adjusted for family size, there
is no change to the family's eligibility. The county shall not request verification of the
change. The co-payment fee shall not increase during the remaining portion of the family's
12-month eligibility period.

(f) During a family's 12-month eligibility period, if the family's income increases and
exceeds 85 percent of the state median income, adjusted for family size, the family is not
eligible for child care assistance. The family must be given 15 calendar days to provide
verification of the change. If the required verification is not returned or confirms ineligibility,
the family's eligibility ends following a subsequent 15-day adverse action notice.

(g) Notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, parts 3400.0040, subpart 3, and 3400.0170,
subpart 1, if an applicant or participant reports that employment ended, the agency may
accept a signed statement from the applicant or participant as verification that employment
ended.

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256D.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Every county agency shall determine eligibility
and calculate benefit amounts for general assistance according to chapter 256P.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256D.63, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

The commissioner of human services shall
implement simplified reporting as permitted under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as
amended, and the SNAP regulations in Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, part 273. SNAP
benefit recipient households required to report periodically shall not be required to report
more often than one time every six months. deleted text begin This provision shall not apply to households
receiving food benefits under the Minnesota family investment program waiver.
deleted text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of human services shall
implement a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outreach program to
inform low-income households about the availability, eligibility requirements, application
procedures, and benefits of SNAP that meets the requirements of the United States
Department of Agriculture.
new text end

new text begin In addition to any other duties imposed by law, the
commissioner shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) supervise the administration of the SNAP outreach program according to guidance
provided by the United States Department of Agriculture;
new text end

new text begin (2) submit the SNAP outreach plan and budget to the United States Department of
Agriculture;
new text end

new text begin (3) accept any funds provided by the federal government or other sources for SNAP
outreach;
new text end

new text begin (4) administer the request-for-proposals process and establish contracts with grantees
to ensure SNAP outreach services are available to inform low-income households statewide;
new text end

new text begin (5) approve budgets from grantees to ensure that activities are eligible for federal
reimbursement;
new text end

new text begin (6) monitor grantees, review invoices, and reimburse grantees for allowable costs that
are eligible for federal reimbursement;
new text end

new text begin (7) provide technical assistance to grantees to ensure that projects support SNAP outreach
goals and project costs are eligible for federal reimbursement;
new text end

new text begin (8) work in partnership with counties, Tribal Nations, and community organizations to
enhance the reach and services of a statewide SNAP outreach program; and
new text end

new text begin (9) identify and leverage eligible nonfederal funds to earn federal reimbursement for
SNAP outreach.
new text end

new text begin (a) Grantees must submit allowable costs for approved
SNAP outreach activities to the commissioner of human services in order to receive federal
reimbursement.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of human services shall disburse federal reimbursement funds
for allowable costs for approved SNAP outreach activities to the state agency or grantee
that incurred the costs being reimbursed.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256E.34, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

At least 96 percent of the money distributed to Hunger Solutions
under this section must be distributed to food shelf programs to purchase, transport, and
coordinate the distribution of nutritious food to needy individuals and families. new text begin The money
distributed to food shelf programs may also be used to purchase personal hygiene products,
including but not limited to diapers and toilet paper. new text end No more than four percent of the money
may be expended for other expenses, such as rent, salaries, and other administrative expenses
of Hunger Solutions.

new text begin The American Indian food sovereignty funding program
is established to improve access and equity to food security programs within Tribal and
urban American Indian communities. The program shall assist Tribal Nations and urban
American Indian communities in achieving self-determination and improve collaboration
and partnership building between American Indian communities and the state. The
commissioner of human services shall administer the program and provide outreach, technical
assistance, and program development support to increase food security for American Indians.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall provide funding to support
food system changes and provide equitable access to existing and new methods of food
support for American Indian communities. The commissioner shall determine the funding
formula, timing, and form of the application for the program.
new text end

new text begin (b) Eligible recipients of funding under this section include:
new text end

new text begin (1) federally recognized American Indian Tribes or bands in Minnesota as defined in
section 10.65;
new text end

new text begin (2) the American Indian Community Housing Organization;
new text end

new text begin (3) the Division of Indian Work;
new text end

new text begin (4) Department of Indian Work within the Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul;
new text end

new text begin (5) the Northwest Indian Community Development Center; and
new text end

new text begin (6) other entities as determined by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin Recipients shall use funds provided under this section
to promote food security for American Indian communities by:
new text end

new text begin (1) planning for sustainable food systems;
new text end

new text begin (2) implementing food security programs, including but not limited to technology to
facilitate no-contact or low-contact food distribution and outreach models;
new text end

new text begin (3) providing culturally relevant training for building food access;
new text end

new text begin (4) purchasing, producing, processing, transporting, storing, and coordinating the
distribution of food, including culturally relevant food; and
new text end

new text begin (5) purchasing seeds, plants, equipment, or materials to preserve, procure, or grow food.
new text end

new text begin (a) Recipients shall report annually on the use of American Indian
food sovereignty funding program money under this section to the commissioner. Each
report shall include the following information:
new text end

new text begin (1) the name and location of the recipient;
new text end

new text begin (2) the amount of funding received;
new text end

new text begin (3) the use of funds; and
new text end

new text begin (4) the number of people served.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall determine the form required for the reports and may specify
additional reporting requirements.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256E.35, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

The Minnesota family assets for independence initiative
is established to provide incentives for low-income families to accrue assets for education,
housing, vehicles, new text begin emergencies, new text end and economic development purposes.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256E.35, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

(b) "Eligible educational institution" means the following:

(1) an institution of higher education described in section 101 or 102 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965; or

(2) an area vocational education school, as defined in subparagraph (C) or (D) of United
States Code, title 20, chapter 44, section 2302 (3) (the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and
Applied Technology Education Act), which is located within any state, as defined in United
States Code, title 20, chapter 44, section 2302 (30). This clause is applicable only to the
extent section 2302 is in effect on August 1, 2008.

(c) "Family asset account" means a savings account opened by a household participating
in the Minnesota family assets for independence initiative.

(d) "Fiduciary organization" means:

(1) a community action agency that has obtained recognition under section 256E.31;

(2) a federal community development credit union deleted text begin serving the seven-county metropolitan
areadeleted text end ; deleted text begin or
deleted text end

(3) a women-oriented economic development agency deleted text begin serving the seven-county
metropolitan area.deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (4) a federally recognized Tribal Nation; or
new text end

new text begin (5) a nonprofit organization as defined under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code.
new text end

(e) "Financial coach" means a person who:

(1) has completed an intensive financial literacy training workshop that includes
curriculum on budgeting to increase savings, debt reduction and asset building, building a
good credit rating, and consumer protection;

(2) participates in ongoing statewide family assets for independence in Minnesota (FAIM)
network training meetings under FAIM program supervision; and

(3) provides financial coaching to program participants under subdivision 4a.

(f) "Financial institution" means a bank, bank and trust, savings bank, savings association,
or credit union, the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or the National Credit Union Administration.

(g) "Household" means all individuals who share use of a dwelling unit as primary
quarters for living and eating separate from other individuals.

(h) "Permissible use" means:

(1) postsecondary educational expenses at an eligible educational institution as defined
in paragraph (b), including books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction;

(2) acquisition costs of acquiring, constructing, or reconstructing a residence, including
any usual or reasonable settlement, financing, or other closing costs;

(3) business capitalization expenses for expenditures on capital, plant, equipment, working
capital, and inventory expenses of a legitimate business pursuant to a business plan approved
by the fiduciary organization;

(4) acquisition costs of a principal residence within the meaning of section 1034 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which do not exceed 100 percent of the average area purchase
price applicable to the residence determined according to section 143(e)(2) and (3) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(5) acquisition costs of a personal vehicle only if approved by the fiduciary organizationdeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (6) contributions to an emergency savings account; and
new text end

new text begin (7) contributions to a Minnesota 529 savings plan.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256E.35, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

The commissioner shall allocate funds to participating
fiduciary organizations to provide family asset services. Grant awards must be based on a
plan submitted by a statewide organization representing fiduciary organizations. The
statewide organization must ensure that any interested unrepresented fiduciary organization
have input into the development of the plan. The plan must equitably distribute funds to
achieve geographic balance and document the capacity of participating fiduciary
organizations to manage the program.new text begin A portion of funds appropriated for this section may
be expended on evaluation of the Minnesota family assets for independence initiative.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256E.35, subdivision 4a, is amended to read:

A financial coach shall provide the following to program
participants:

(1) financial education relating to budgeting, debt reduction, asset-specific training,
new text begin credit building, new text end and financial stability activities;

(2) asset-specific training related to buying a home or vehicle, acquiring postsecondary
education, deleted text begin ordeleted text end starting or expanding a small businessnew text begin , saving for emergencies, or saving for
a child's educationnew text end ; and

(3) financial stability education and training to improve and sustain financial security.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256E.35, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

(a) To receive a match, a
participating household must transfer funds withdrawn from a family asset account to its
matching fund custodial account held by the fiscal agent, according to the family asset
agreement. The fiscal agent must determine if the match request is for a permissible use
consistent with the household's family asset agreement.

(b) The fiscal agent must ensure the household's custodial account contains the applicable
matching funds to match the balance in the household's account, including interest, on at
least a quarterly basis and at the time of an approved withdrawal. Matches must be a
contribution of $3 from state grant or TANF funds for every $1 of funds withdrawn from
the family asset account not to exceed a deleted text begin $6,000deleted text end new text begin $12,000new text end lifetime limit.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), if funds are appropriated for the Federal Assets for
Independence Act of 1998, and a participating fiduciary organization is awarded a grant
under that act, participating households with that fiduciary organization must be provided
matches as follows:

(1) from state grant and TANF funds, a matching contribution of $1.50 for every $1 of
funds withdrawn from the family asset account not to exceed a deleted text begin $3,000deleted text end new text begin $6,000new text end lifetime limit;
and

(2) from nonstate funds, a matching contribution of not less than $1.50 for every $1 of
funds withdrawn from the family asset account not to exceed a deleted text begin $3,000deleted text end new text begin $6,000new text end lifetime limit.

(d) Upon receipt of transferred custodial account funds, the fiscal agent must make a
direct payment to the vendor of the goods or services for the permissible use.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256E.35, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

The fiscal agent on behalf of each fiduciary organization
participating in a family assets for independence initiative must report quarterly to the
commissioner of human services identifying the participants with accountsdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end the number of
accountsdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end the amount of savings and matches for each participant's accountdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end the uses of
the accountdeleted text begin , anddeleted text end new text begin ;new text end the number of businesses, homes, vehicles, and educational services paid
for with money from the accountdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ; and the amount of contributions to Minnesota 529 savings
plans and emergency savings accounts,new text end as well as other information that may be required
for the commissioner to administer the program and meet federal TANF reporting
requirements.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256I.03, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

"Prospective budgeting" deleted text begin means estimating the amount
of monthly income a person will have in the payment monthdeleted text end new text begin has the meaning given in
section 256P.01, subdivision 9new text end .

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256I.06, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Recipients must report changes in circumstances according to section
256P.07 deleted text begin that affect eligibility or housing support payment amounts, other than changes in
earned income, within ten days of the changedeleted text end . Recipients with countable earned income
must complete a household report form deleted text begin at leastdeleted text end once every six monthsnew text begin according to section
256P.10new text end . deleted text begin If the report form is not received before the end of the month in which it is due,
the county agency must terminate eligibility for housing support payments. The termination
shall be effective on the first day of the month following the month in which the report was
due. If a complete report is received within the month eligibility was terminated, the
individual is considered to have continued an application for housing support payment
effective the first day of the month the eligibility was terminated.
deleted text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256I.06, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin An agency must terminate benefits when the
assistance unit fails to submit the household report form before the end of the month in
which it is due. The termination shall be effective on the first day of the month following
the month in which the report was due. If the assistance unit submits the household report
form within 30 days of the termination of benefits and remains eligible, benefits must be
reinstated and made available retroactively for the full benefit month.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256I.06, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

(a) The amount of a room and board
payment to be made on behalf of an eligible individual is determined by subtracting the
individual's countable income under section 256I.04, subdivision 1, for a whole calendar
month from the room and board rate for that same month. The housing support payment is
determined by multiplying the housing support rate times the period of time the individual
was a resident or temporarily absent under section 256I.05, subdivision 2a.

(b) For an individual with earned income under paragraph (a), prospective budgeting
new text begin according to section 256P.09 new text end must be used deleted text begin to determine the amount of the individual's
payment for the following six-month period. An increase in income shall not affect an
individual's eligibility or payment amount until the month following the reporting month.
A decrease in income shall be effective the first day of the month after the month in which
the decrease is reporteddeleted text end .

(c) For an individual who receives housing support payments under section 256I.04,
subdivision 1, paragraph (c), the amount of the housing support payment is determined by
multiplying the housing support rate times the period of time the individual was a resident.

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256J.08, subdivision 71, is amended to read:

"Prospective budgeting" deleted text begin means a method of
determining the amount of the assistance payment in which the budget month and payment
month are the samedeleted text end new text begin has the meaning given in section 256P.01, subdivision 9new text end .

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256J.08, subdivision 79, is amended to read:

"Recurring income" means a form of income which is:

(1) received periodically, and may be received irregularly when receipt can be anticipated
even though the date of receipt cannot be predicted; and

(2) from the same source or of the same type that is received and budgeted in a
prospective month deleted text begin and is received in one or both of the first two retrospective monthsdeleted text end .

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256J.21, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

new text begin (a) new text end The agency shall determine initial eligibility by
considering all earned and unearned income as defined in section 256P.06. To be eligible
for MFIP, the assistance unit's countable income minus the earned income disregards in
paragraph (a) and section 256P.03 must be below the family wage level according to section
256J.24, subdivision 7, for that size assistance unit.

deleted text begin (a)deleted text end new text begin (b)new text end The initial eligibility determination must disregard the following items:

(1) the earned income disregard as determined in section 256P.03;

(2) dependent care costs must be deducted from gross earned income for the actual
amount paid for dependent care up to a maximum of $200 per month for each child less
than two years of age, and $175 per month for each child two years of age and older;

(3) all payments made according to a court order for spousal support or the support of
children not living in the assistance unit's household shall be disregarded from the income
of the person with the legal obligation to pay support; and

(4) an allocation for the unmet need of an ineligible spouse or an ineligible child under
the age of 21 for whom the caregiver is financially responsible and who lives with the
caregiver according to section 256J.36.

deleted text begin (b) After initial eligibility is established,deleted text end new text begin (c) The income test is for a six-month period.new text end
The assistance payment calculation is based on deleted text begin the monthly income testdeleted text end new text begin prospective budgeting
according to section 256P.09new text end .

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256J.21, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

deleted text begin The county
agency shall determine ongoing eligibility and the assistance payment amount according
to the monthly income test.deleted text end To be eligible for MFIP, the result of the computations in
paragraphs (a) to (e) new text begin applied to prospective budgeting new text end must be at least $1.

(a) Apply an income disregard as defined in section 256P.03, to gross earnings and
subtract this amount from the family wage level. If the difference is equal to or greater than
the MFIP transitional standard, the assistance payment is equal to the MFIP transitional
standard. If the difference is less than the MFIP transitional standard, the assistance payment
is equal to the difference. The earned income disregard in this paragraph must be deducted
every month there is earned income.

(b) All payments made according to a court order for spousal support or the support of
children not living in the assistance unit's household must be disregarded from the income
of the person with the legal obligation to pay support.

(c) An allocation for the unmet need of an ineligible spouse or an ineligible child under
the age of 21 for whom the caregiver is financially responsible and who lives with the
caregiver must be made according to section 256J.36.

(d) Subtract unearned income dollar for dollar from the MFIP transitional standard to
determine the assistance payment amount.

(e) When income is both earned and unearned, the amount of the assistance payment
must be determined by first treating gross earned income as specified in paragraph (a). After
determining the amount of the assistance payment under paragraph (a), unearned income
must be subtracted from that amount dollar for dollar to determine the assistance payment
amount.

deleted text begin (f) When the monthly income is greater than the MFIP transitional standard after
deductions and the income will only exceed the standard for one month, the county agency
must suspend the assistance payment for the payment month.
deleted text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256J.33, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

(a) A county agency must determine MFIP
eligibility prospectively deleted text begin for a payment monthdeleted text end based on deleted text begin retrospectivelydeleted text end assessing income
and the county agency's best estimate of the circumstances that will exist in the payment
month.

(b) deleted text begin Except as described in section 256J.34, subdivision 1, when prospective eligibility
exists,deleted text end A county agency must calculate the amount of the assistance payment using
deleted text begin retrospectivedeleted text end new text begin prospectivenew text end budgeting. To determine MFIP eligibility and the assistance
payment amount, a county agency must apply countable income, described in sections
256P.06 and 256J.37, subdivisions 3 to deleted text begin 10deleted text end new text begin 9new text end , received by members of an assistance unit or
by other persons whose income is counted for the assistance unit, described under sections
256J.37, subdivisions 1 to 2, and 256P.06, subdivision 1.

(c) This income must be applied to the MFIP standard of need or family wage level
subject to this section and sections 256J.34 to 256J.36. Countable income as described in
section 256P.06, subdivision 3, received deleted text begin in a calendar monthdeleted text end must be applied to the needs
of an assistance unit.

new text begin (d) An assistance unit is not eligible when the countable income equals or exceeds the
MFIP standard of need or the family wage level for the assistance unit.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025, except that the amendment
to paragraph (b) striking "10" and inserting "9" is effective July 1, 2024.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256J.33, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

An agency must determine whether the eligibility
requirements that pertain to an assistance unit, including those in sections 256J.11 to 256J.15
and 256P.02, will be met prospectively for the payment deleted text begin monthdeleted text end new text begin periodnew text end . deleted text begin Except for the
provisions in section 256J.34, subdivision 1,deleted text end The income test will be applied deleted text begin retrospectivelydeleted text end new text begin
prospectivelynew text end .

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256J.37, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

The agency
must include gross earned income less any disregards in the initial deleted text begin and monthlydeleted text end income
test. Gross earned income received by persons employed on a contractual basis must be
prorated over the period covered by the contract even when payments are received over a
lesser period of time.

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256J.37, subdivision 3a, is amended to read:

(a) Effective July 1, 2003, the agency
shall count $50 of the value of public and assisted rental subsidies provided through the
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as unearned income to the cash
portion of the MFIP grant. The full amount of the subsidy must be counted as unearned
income when the subsidy is less than $50. The income from this subsidy shall be budgeted
according to section deleted text begin 256J.34deleted text end new text begin 256P.09new text end .

(b) The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to an MFIP assistance unit which
includes a participant who is:

(1) age 60 or older;

(2) a caregiver who is suffering from an illness, injury, or incapacity that has been
certified by a qualified professional when the illness, injury, or incapacity is expected to
continue for more than 30 days and severely limits the person's ability to obtain or maintain
suitable employment; or

(3) a caregiver whose presence in the home is required due to the illness or incapacity
of another member in the assistance unit, a relative in the household, or a foster child in the
household when the illness or incapacity and the need for the participant's presence in the
home has been certified by a qualified professional and is expected to continue for more
than 30 days.

(c) The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to an MFIP assistance unit where
the parental caregiver is an SSI participant.

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256J.95, subdivision 19, is amended to read:

DWP benefits are subject to
overpayments and underpayments. Anytime an overpayment or an underpayment is
determined for DWP, the correction shall be calculated using prospective budgeting.
Corrections shall be determined based on the policy in section deleted text begin 256J.34, subdivision 1,
paragraphs (a), (b), and (c)deleted text end new text begin 256P.09, subdivisions 1 to 4new text end . ATM errors must be recovered as
specified in section 256P.08, subdivision 7. Cross program recoupment of overpayments
cannot be assigned to or from DWP.

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256P.01, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin "Prospective budgeting" means estimating the amount
of monthly income that an assistance unit will have in the payment month.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256P.02, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

The equity value of an assistance unit's personal
property listed in clauses (1) to (5) must not exceed $10,000 for applicants and participants.
For purposes of this subdivision, personal property is limited to:

(1) cash;

(2) bank accountsnew text begin not excluded under subdivision 4new text end ;

(3) liquid stocks and bonds that can be readily accessed without a financial penalty;

(4) vehicles not excluded under subdivision 3; and

(5) the full value of business accounts used to pay expenses not related to the business.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256P.02, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Family asset accounts under section 256E.35 and individual
development accounts authorized under the Assets for Independence Act, Title IV of the
Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and Educational Services Human
Services Reauthorization Act of 1998, Public Law 105-285, shall be excluded when
determining the equity value of personal property.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256P.04, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

(a) The agency shall verify the following at application:

(1) identity of adults;

(2) age, if necessary to determine eligibility;

(3) immigration status;

(4) income;

(5) spousal support and child support payments made to persons outside the household;

(6) vehicles;

(7) checking and savings accounts, including but not limited to any business accounts
used to pay expenses not related to the business;

(8) inconsistent information, if related to eligibility;

(9) residence;new text begin and
new text end

(10) Social Security numberdeleted text begin ; anddeleted text end new text begin .
new text end

deleted text begin (11) use of nonrecurring income under section 256P.06, subdivision 3, clause (2), item
(ix), for the intended purpose for which it was given and received.
deleted text end

(b) Applicants who are qualified noncitizens and victims of domestic violence as defined
under section 256J.08, subdivision 73, clauses (8) and (9), are not required to verify the
information in paragraph (a), clause (10). When a Social Security number is not provided
to the agency for verification, this requirement is satisfied when each member of the
assistance unit cooperates with the procedures for verification of Social Security numbers,
issuance of duplicate cards, and issuance of new numbers which have been established
jointly between the Social Security Administration and the commissioner.

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2024.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256P.04, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

The agency shall recertify eligibility annually. During
recertificationnew text begin and reporting under section 256P.10new text end , the agency shall verify the following:

(1) income, unless excluded, including self-employment earnings;

(2) assets when the value is within $200 of the asset limit; and

(3) inconsistent information, if related to eligibility.

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256P.06, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

The following must be included in determining the income
of an assistance unit:

(1) earned income; and

(2) unearned income, which includes:

(i) interest and dividends from investments and savings;

(ii) capital gains as defined by the Internal Revenue Service from any sale of real property;

(iii) proceeds from rent and contract for deed payments in excess of the principal and
interest portion owed on property;

(iv) income from trusts, excluding special needs and supplemental needs trusts;

(v) interest income from loans made by the participant or household;

(vi) cash prizes and winnings;

(vii) unemployment insurance income that is received by an adult member of the
assistance unit unless the individual receiving unemployment insurance income is:

(A) 18 years of age and enrolled in a secondary school; or

(B) 18 or 19 years of age, a caregiver, and is enrolled in school at least half-time;

(viii) retirement, survivors, and disability insurance payments;

deleted text begin (ix) nonrecurring income over $60 per quarter unless the nonrecurring income is: (A)
from tax refunds, tax rebates, or tax credits; (B) a reimbursement, rebate, award, grant, or
refund of personal or real property or costs or losses incurred when these payments are
made by: a public agency; a court; solicitations through public appeal; a federal, state, or
local unit of government; or a disaster assistance organization; (C) provided as an in-kind
benefit; or (D) earmarked and used for the purpose for which it was intended, subject to
verification requirements under section 256P.04;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (x)deleted text end new text begin (ix)new text end retirement benefits;

deleted text begin (xi)deleted text end new text begin (x)new text end cash assistance benefits, as defined by each program in chapters 119B, 256D,
256I, and 256J;

deleted text begin (xii)deleted text end new text begin (xi)new text end Tribal per capita payments unless excluded by federal and state law;

deleted text begin (xiii)deleted text end new text begin (xii)new text end income from members of the United States armed forces unless excluded
from income taxes according to federal or state law;

deleted text begin (xiv)deleted text end new text begin (xiii)new text end all child support payments for programs under chapters 119B, 256D, and
256I;

deleted text begin (xv)deleted text end new text begin (xiv)new text end the amount of child support received that exceeds $100 for assistance units
with one child and $200 for assistance units with two or more children for programs under
chapter 256J;

deleted text begin (xvi)deleted text end new text begin (xv)new text end spousal support; and

deleted text begin (xvii)deleted text end new text begin (xvi)new text end workers' compensation.

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2024.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256P.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Participants who new text begin receive Supplemental Security
Income and new text end qualify for Minnesota supplemental aid under chapter 256D deleted text begin anddeleted text end new text begin ornew text end for housing
support under chapter 256I deleted text begin on the basis of eligibility for Supplemental Security Incomedeleted text end are
exempt from deleted text begin this sectiondeleted text end new text begin reporting income under this chapternew text end .

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256P.07, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Participants who qualify for child care
assistance programs under chapter 119B are exempt from this section except the reporting
requirements in subdivision 6.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256P.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

An applicant or participant must provide information
on an application and any subsequent reporting forms about the assistance unit's
circumstances that affect eligibility or benefits. An applicant or assistance unit must report
changes new text begin that affect eligibility or benefits as new text end identified in deleted text begin subdivisiondeleted text end new text begin subdivisionsnew text end 3new text begin , 4, 5,
7, 8, and 9 during the application period or by the tenth of the month following the month
the assistance unit's circumstances changednew text end . When information is not accurately reported,
both an overpayment and a referral for a fraud investigation may result. When information
or documentation is not provided, the receipt of any benefit may be delayed or denied,
depending on the type of information required and its effect on eligibility.

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256P.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

deleted text begin An assistance unit must report the changes
or anticipated changes specified in clauses (1) to (12) within ten days of the date they occur,
at the time of recertification of eligibility under section 256P.04, subdivisions 8 and 9, or
within eight calendar days of a reporting period, whichever occurs first. An assistance unit
must report other changes at the time of recertification of eligibility under section 256P.04,
subdivisions 8 and 9, or at the end of a reporting period, as applicable. When an agency
could have reduced or terminated assistance for one or more payment months if a delay in
reporting a change specified under clauses (1) to (12) had not occurred, the agency must
determine whether a timely notice could have been issued on the day that the change
occurred. When a timely notice could have been issued, each month's overpayment
subsequent to that notice must be considered a client error overpayment under section
119B.11, subdivision 2a, or 256P.08. Changes in circumstances that must be reported within
ten days must also be reported for the reporting period in which those changes occurred.
Within ten days, an assistance unit must report:
deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) a change in earned income of $100 per month or greater with the exception of a
program under chapter 119B;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) a change in unearned income of $50 per month or greater with the exception of a
program under chapter 119B;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) a change in employment status and hours with the exception of a program under
chapter 119B;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (4) a change in address or residence;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (5) a change in household composition with the exception of programs under chapter
256I;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (6) a receipt of a lump-sum payment with the exception of a program under chapter
119B;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (7) an increase in assets if over $9,000 with the exception of programs under chapter
119B;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (8) a change in citizenship or immigration status;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (9) a change in family status with the exception of programs under chapter 256I;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (10) a change in disability status of a unit member, with the exception of programs under
chapter 119B;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (11) a new rent subsidy or a change in rent subsidy with the exception of a program
under chapter 119B; and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (12) a sale, purchase, or transfer of real property with the exception of a program under
chapter 119B.
deleted text end

new text begin (a) An assistance unit must report changes or anticipated changes as described in this
section.
new text end

new text begin (b) An assistance unit must report:
new text end

new text begin (1) a change in eligibility for Supplemental Security Income, Retirement Survivors
Disability Insurance, or another federal income support;
new text end

new text begin (2) a change in address or residence;
new text end

new text begin (3) a change in household composition with the exception of programs under chapter
256I;
new text end

new text begin (4) cash prizes and winnings according to guidance provided for the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program;
new text end

new text begin (5) a change in citizenship or immigration status;
new text end

new text begin (6) a change in family status with the exception of programs under chapter 256I; and
new text end

new text begin (7) a change that makes the value of the unit's assets at or above the asset limit.
new text end

new text begin (c) When an agency could have reduced or terminated assistance for one or more payment
months if a delay in reporting a change specified under paragraph (b) had not occurred, the
agency must determine whether the agency could have issued a timely notice on the day
that the change occurred. When a timely notice could have been issued, each month's
overpayment subsequent to the notice must be considered a client error overpayment under
section 256P.08.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025, except that the amendment
striking clause (6) is effective July 1, 2024.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256P.07, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

In addition to subdivision 3, an assistance unit under
chapter 256Jdeleted text begin , within ten days of the change,deleted text end must report:

(1) a pregnancy not resulting in birth when there are no other minor children; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(2) a change in school attendance of a parent under 20 years of age deleted text begin or of an employed
child.deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (3) an individual in the household who is 18 or 19 years of age attending high school
who graduates or drops out of school.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256P.07, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

(a) deleted text begin In addition to
subdivision 3,deleted text end An assistance unit under chapter 119B, within ten days of the change, must
report:

(1) a change in a parentally responsible individual's custody schedule for any child
receiving child care assistance program benefits;

(2) a permanent end in a parentally responsible individual's authorized activity; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(3) if the unit's family's annual included income exceeds 85 percent of the state median
income, adjusted for family sizedeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (4) a change in address or residence;
new text end

new text begin (5) a change in household composition;
new text end

new text begin (6) a change in citizenship or immigration status; and
new text end

new text begin (7) a change in family status.
new text end

(b) An assistance unit subject to section 119B.095, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), must
report a change in the unit's authorized activity status.

(c) An assistance unit must notify the county when the unit wants to reduce the number
of authorized hours for children in the unit.

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256P.07, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

new text begin (a) new text end In addition to subdivision
3, an assistance unit participating in the Minnesota supplemental aid program under deleted text begin section
256D.44, subdivision 5, paragraph (g), within ten days of the change,deleted text end new text begin chapter 256D and not
receiving Supplemental Security Incomenew text end must report deleted text begin shelter expenses.deleted text end new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) a change in unearned income of $50 per month or greater; and
new text end

new text begin (2) a change in earned income of $100 per month or greater.
new text end

new text begin (b) An assistance unit receiving housing assistance under section 256D.44, subdivision
5, paragraph (g), including assistance units that also receive Supplemental Security Income,
must report:
new text end

new text begin (1) a change in shelter expenses; and
new text end

new text begin (2) a new rent subsidy or a change in rent subsidy.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256P.07, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin (a) In addition to subdivision 3, an
assistance unit participating in the housing support program under chapter 256I and not
receiving Supplemental Security Income must report:
new text end

new text begin (1) a change in unearned income of $50 per month or greater; and
new text end

new text begin (2) a change in earned income of $100 per month or greater, unless the assistance unit
is already subject to six-month reporting requirements in section 256P.10.
new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding the exemptions in subdivisions 1 and 3, an assistance unit receiving
housing support under chapter 256I, including an assistance unit that receives Supplemental
Security Income, must report:
new text end

new text begin (1) a new rent subsidy or a change in rent subsidy;
new text end

new text begin (2) a change in the disability status of a unit member; and
new text end

new text begin (3) a change in household composition if the assistance unit is a participant in housing
support under section 256I.04, subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (3).
new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256P.07, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin In addition to subdivision 3, an
assistance unit participating in the general assistance program under chapter 256D must
report:
new text end

new text begin (1) a change in unearned income of $50 per month or greater;
new text end

new text begin (2) a change in earned income of $100 per month or greater, unless the assistance unit
is already subject to six-month reporting requirements in section 256P.10; and
new text end

new text begin (3) changes in any condition that would result in the loss of basis for eligibility in section
256D.05, subdivision 1, paragraph (a).
new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

new text begin Assistance units that qualify for child care
assistance programs under chapter 119B and assistance units that receive housing support
under chapter 256I are not subject to reporting under section 256P.10, and assistance units
that qualify for Minnesota supplemental aid under chapter 256D are exempt from this
section.
new text end

new text begin An agency subject to this chapter must use
prospective budgeting to calculate the assistance payment amount.
new text end

new text begin For the purpose of determining an assistance unit's level of
benefits, an agency must take into account the income already received by the assistance
unit during or anticipated to be received during the application period. Income anticipated
to be received only in the initial month of eligibility must only be counted in the initial
month.
new text end

new text begin An agency must use prospective budgeting to determine
the amount of the assistance unit's benefit for the eligibility period based on the best
information available at the time of approval. An agency shall only count anticipated income
when the participant and the agency are reasonably certain of the amount of the payment
and the month in which the payment will be received. If the exact amount of the income is
not known, the agency shall consider only the amounts that can be anticipated as income.
new text end

new text begin An increase in income shall not affect an assistance unit's
eligibility or benefit amount until the next review unless otherwise required to be reported
in section 256P.07. A decrease in income shall be effective on the date that the change
occurs if the change is reported by the tenth of the month following the month when the
change occurred. If the assistance unit does not report the change in income by the tenth of
the month following the month when the change occurred, the change in income shall be
effective on the date the change was reported.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

new text begin Assistance units that qualify for child care
assistance programs under chapter 119B, assistance units that qualify for Minnesota
supplemental aid under chapter 256D, and assistance units that qualify for housing support
under chapter 256I and also receive Supplemental Security Income are exempt from this
section.
new text end

new text begin (a) Every six months, an assistance unit that qualifies for the
Minnesota family investment program under chapter 256J, an assistance unit that qualifies
for general assistance under chapter 256D with an earned income of $100 per month or
greater, or an assistance unit that qualifies for housing support under chapter 256I with an
earned income of $100 per month or greater is subject to six-month reviews. The initial
reporting period may be shorter than six months in order to align with other programs'
reporting periods.
new text end

new text begin (b) An assistance unit that qualifies for the Minnesota family investment program or an
assistance unit that qualifies for general assistance with an earned income of $100 per month
or greater must complete household report forms as required by the commissioner for
redetermination of benefits.
new text end

new text begin (c) An assistance unit that qualifies for housing support with an earned income of $100
per month or greater must complete household report forms as prescribed by the
commissioner to provide information about earned income.
new text end

new text begin (d) An assistance unit that qualifies for housing support and also receives assistance
through the Minnesota family investment program shall be subject to requirements of this
section for purposes of the Minnesota family investment program but not for housing support.
new text end

new text begin (e) An assistance unit covered by this section must submit a household report form in
compliance with the provisions in section 256P.04, subdivision 11.
new text end

new text begin (f) An assistance unit covered by this section may choose to report changes under this
section at any time.
new text end

new text begin (a) An agency must terminate benefits when
the assistance unit fails to submit the household report form before the end of the six-month
review period. If the assistance unit submits the household report form within 30 days of
the termination of benefits and remains eligible, benefits must be reinstated and made
available retroactively for the full benefit month.
new text end

new text begin (b) When an assistance unit is determined to be ineligible for assistance according to
this section and chapter 256D, 256I, or 256J, the agency must terminate assistance.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2025.
new text end

new text begin $19,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of human services for improving and expanding the infrastructure of food shelf facilities
across the state, including adding freezer or cooler space and dry storage space, improving
the safety and sanitation of existing food shelves, and addressing deferred maintenance or
other facility needs of existing food shelves. Grant money shall be made available to nonprofit
organizations, federally recognized Tribes, and local units of government. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until June 30, 2027.
new text end

new text begin (a) new text end new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 256.9864; 256J.08, subdivisions 10, 53, 61, 62,
81, and 83; 256J.30, subdivisions 5, 7, and 8; 256J.33, subdivisions 3, 4, and 5; 256J.34,
subdivisions 1, 2, 3, and 4; and 256J.37, subdivision 10, new text end new text begin are repealed.
new text end

new text begin (b) new text end new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256.8799, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

new text begin Paragraph (a) is effective March 1, 2025, except the repeal of
Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 256J.08, subdivisions 62 and 53, and 256J.37, subdivision
10, is effective July 1, 2024. Paragraph (b) is effective August 1, 2023.
new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies
and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund,
or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.
The figures "2024" and "2025" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under
them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, or June 30, 2025, respectively.
"The first year" is fiscal year 2024. "The second year" is fiscal year 2025. "The biennium"
is fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
new text end

new text begin $
new text end

new text begin .......
new text end

new text begin $
new text end

new text begin .......
new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin ....... new text end	new text begin ....... new text end
new text begin Federal TANF new text end	new text begin ....... new text end	new text begin ....... new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin (a) Nonfederal expenditures. The
commissioner shall ensure that sufficient
qualified nonfederal expenditures are made
each year to meet the state's maintenance of
effort requirements of the TANF block grant
specified under Code of Federal Regulations,
title 45, section 263.1. In order to meet these
basic TANF maintenance of effort
requirements, the commissioner may report
as TANF maintenance of effort expenditures
only nonfederal money expended for allowable
activities listed in the following clauses:
new text end

new text begin (1) MFIP cash, diversionary work program,
and food assistance benefits under Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 256J;
new text end

new text begin (2) the child care assistance programs under
Minnesota Statutes, sections 119B.03 and
119B.05, and county child care administrative
costs under Minnesota Statutes, section
119B.15;
new text end

new text begin (3) state and county MFIP administrative costs
under Minnesota Statutes, chapters 256J and
256K;
new text end

new text begin (4) state, county, and Tribal MFIP
employment services under Minnesota
Statutes, chapters 256J and 256K;
new text end

new text begin (5) expenditures made on behalf of legal
noncitizen MFIP recipients who qualify for
the MinnesotaCare program under Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 256L;
new text end

new text begin (6) qualifying working family credit
expenditures under Minnesota Statutes, section
290.0671;
new text end

new text begin (7) qualifying Minnesota education credit
expenditures under Minnesota Statutes, section
290.0674; and
new text end

new text begin (8) qualifying Head Start expenditures under
Minnesota Statutes, section 119A.50.
new text end

new text begin (b) Nonfederal expenditures; reporting. For
the activities listed in paragraph (a), clauses
(2) to (8), the commissioner may report only
expenditures that are excluded from the
definition of assistance under Code of Federal
Regulations, title 45, section 260.31.
new text end

new text begin (c) Limitations; exceptions. The
commissioner must not claim an amount of
TANF maintenance of effort in excess of the
75 percent standard in Code of Federal
Regulations, title 45, section 263.1(a)(2),
except:
new text end

new text begin (1) to the extent necessary to meet the 80
percent standard under Code of Federal
Regulations, title 45, section 263.1(a)(1), if it
is determined by the commissioner that the
state will not meet the TANF work
participation target rate for the current year;
new text end

new text begin (2) to provide any additional amounts under
Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section
264.5, that relate to replacement of TANF
funds due to the operation of TANF penalties;
and
new text end

new text begin (3) to provide any additional amounts that may
contribute to avoiding or reducing TANF work
participation penalties through the operation
of the excess maintenance of effort provisions
of Code of Federal Regulations, title 45,
section 261.43(a)(2).
new text end

new text begin (d) Supplemental expenditures. For the
purposes of paragraph (d), the commissioner
may supplement the maintenance of effort
claim with working family credit expenditures
or other qualified expenditures to the extent
such expenditures are otherwise available after
considering the expenditures allowed in this
subdivision.
new text end

new text begin (e) Reduction of appropriations; exception.
The requirement in Minnesota Statutes, section
256.011, subdivision 3, that federal grants or
aids secured or obtained under that subdivision
be used to reduce any direct appropriations
provided by law does not apply if the grants
or aids are federal TANF funds.
new text end

new text begin (f) IT appropriations generally. This
appropriation includes funds for information
technology projects, services, and support.
Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section
16E.0466, funding for information technology
project costs must be incorporated into the
service level agreement and paid to the
Minnesota IT Services by the Department of
Human Services under the rates and
mechanism specified in that agreement.
new text end

new text begin (g) Receipts for systems project.
Appropriations and federal receipts for
information technology systems projects for
MAXIS, PRISM, MMIS, ISDS, METS, and
SSIS must be deposited in the state systems
account authorized in Minnesota Statutes,
section 256.014. Money appropriated for
information technology projects approved by
the commissioner of the Minnesota IT
Services funded by the legislature and
approved by the commissioner of management
and budget may be transferred from one
project to another and from development to
operations as the commissioner of human
services considers necessary. Any unexpended
balance in the appropriation for these projects
does not cancel and is available for ongoing
development and operations.
new text end

new text begin (h) Federal SNAP education and training
grants. Federal funds available during fiscal
years 2024 and 2025 for Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program Education and
Training and SNAP Quality Control
Performance Bonus grants are appropriated
to the commissioner of human services for the
purposes allowable under the terms of the
federal award. This paragraph is effective the
day following final enactment.
new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 40,568,000 new text end	new text begin 42,523,000 new text end
new text begin Federal TANF new text end	new text begin 3,572,000 new text end	new text begin 3,676,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $64,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $32,000
in fiscal year 2025 from the general fund are
for a quadrennial review of child support
guidelines. Funds will be transferred to the
special revenue fund.
new text end

new text begin (b) Base level adjustment. The general fund
base is $41,848,000 in fiscal year 2026 and
$40,452,000 in fiscal year 2027.
new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 84,134,000 new text end	new text begin 86,417,000 new text end
new text begin Federal TANF new text end	new text begin 114,075,000 new text end	new text begin 114,884,000 new text end

46,989,000

150,099,000

72,248,000

81,553,000

new text begin The amount appropriated for emergency
general assistance is limited to no more than
$6,729,812 in fiscal year 2024 and $6,729,812
in fiscal year 2025. Funds to counties shall be
allocated by the commissioner using the
allocation method under Minnesota Statutes,
section 256D.06.
new text end

120,060,000

127,740,000

68,402,000

119,785,000

new text begin The general fund base is $145,462,000 in
fiscal year 2026 and $142,412,000 in fiscal
year 2027.
new text end

170,337,000

177,656,000

new text begin (a) Child care retention program.
$120,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 and
$168,704,000 in fiscal year 2025 are for the
child care retention program payments under
Minnesota Statutes, section 119B.27. The base
for this program is $161,700,000 in fiscal year
2026 and $161,714,000 in fiscal year 2027.
Funds appropriated for this purpose in each
fiscal year are available for two fiscal years.
new text end

new text begin (b) Transition grant program. $46,550,000
in fiscal year 2024 is for transition grants for
child care providers that intend to participate
in the child care retention program. This
onetime appropriation is available until June
30, 2025.
new text end

new text begin (c) Base level adjustment. The general fund
base is $170,652,000 in fiscal year 2026 and
$170,667,000 in fiscal year 2027.
new text end

50,000

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 84,024,000 new text end	new text begin 105,668,000 new text end
new text begin Federal TANF new text end	new text begin 140,000 new text end	new text begin 140,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe American
Indian child welfare initiative. $3,337,000
in fiscal year 2024 and $5,294,000 is fiscal
year 2025 is from the general fund to support
activities necessary for the Mille Lacs Band
of Ojibwe to join the American Indian child
welfare initiative. The base is $7,893,000 in
fiscal year 2026 and $7,893,000 in fiscal year
2027.
new text end

new text begin (b) Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe American
Indian child welfare initiative. $1,848,000
in fiscal year 2024 and $1,848,000 is fiscal
year 2025 is from the general fund to the
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe to participate in
the American Indian child welfare initiative.
new text end

new text begin (c) Red Lake Band of Chippewa American
Indian child welfare initiative. $3,000,000
in fiscal year 2024 and $3,000,000 is fiscal
year 2025 is from the general fund to the Red
Lake Band of Chippewa to participate in the
American Indian child welfare initiative.
new text end

new text begin (d) Staffing increase for Tribal nations.
$800,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $800,000 in
fiscal year 2025 is from the general fund for
Tribal nations to expand staff capacity to
provide child welfare services.
new text end

new text begin (e) $764,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $764,000
in fiscal year 2025 from the general fund is
for grants for kinship navigator services and
grants to Tribal nations for kinship navigator
services. The base is $750,000 in fiscal year
2026 and $750,000 in fiscal year 2027.
new text end

new text begin (f) $6,100,000 in fiscal year 2024 and
$9,800,000 in fiscal year 2025 are for Family
First Prevention and Early Intervention Grants
pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section
260.014.
new text end

new text begin (g) $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 and
$7,000,000 in fiscal year 2025 are for grants
to support prevention and early intervention
services to implement and build upon
Minnesota's Family First Prevention Services
Act Title IV-E Prevention Services plan under
Minnesota Statutes, section 260.014. The base
includes $10,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and
$10,000,000 in fiscal year 2027.
new text end

new text begin (h) $450,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $450,000
in fiscal year 2025 are for grants to one or
more grantees to establish and manage a pool
of state-funded qualified individuals to assess
potential out-of-home placement of a child in
a qualified residential treatment program.
new text end

new text begin (i) $1,958,000 in fiscal year 2024 and
$2,095,000 in fiscal year 2025 is from the
general fund for the STAY in the community
program, pursuant Minnesota Statutes, section
260C.452. Funds are available until June 30,
2025.
new text end

new text begin (j) $600,000 in fiscal year 2024 and
$1,200,000 in fiscal year 2025 is from the
general fund for the support beyond 21
program pursuant to Minnesota Statutes,
section 256.4792. Funds are available until
June 30, 2025.
new text end

new text begin (k) $800,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $800,000
in fiscal year 2025 is from the general fund
for minor connect program pursuant to
Minnesota Statutes, section 256K.47. Funds
are available until June 30, 2025.
new text end

new text begin (l) $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 and
$3,000,000 in fiscal year 2025 is from the
general fund to provide grants to counties and
American Indian child welfare initiative Tribes
to be used to reduce extended foster care
caseload sizes. Funds are available until June
30, 2025.
new text end

new text begin (m) $770,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $770,000
in fiscal year 2025 for an increase in the public
private adoption initiative in order to carry out
the commissioner's duties under Minnesota
Statutes, section 256.01, subdivision 2,
paragraph (h).
new text end

new text begin (n) Grants to community resource centers; $0
in fiscal year 2024 and $11,250,000 in fiscal
year 2025 from the general fund is for
community resource centers, pursuant to
Minnesota Statutes, section 260C.30. The base
is $14,528,000 in fiscal year 2026 and
$14,528,000 in fiscal year 2027.
new text end

new text begin (o) Base level adjustment. The general fund
base is $114,766,000 in fiscal year 2026 and
$114,766,000 in fiscal year 2027.
new text end

60,856,000

90,609,000

77,109,000

new text begin (a) $400,000 in fiscal year 2024 is from the
general fund to the commissioner for start-up
grants to the Red Lake Nation, White Earth
Nation, and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe to
develop a fraud prevention program. This
onetime appropriation is available until June
30, 2025.
new text end

new text begin (b) Emergency services program.
$15,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 and
$20,000,000 in fiscal year 2025 from the
general fund for the emergency services
program under Minnesota Statutes, section
256E.36. Grant allocation balances in the first
year do not cancel but are available in the
second year of the biennium. The base
includes $35,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and
$35,000,000 in fiscal year 2027.
new text end

new text begin (c) Tribal food sovereignty grants.
$3,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $3,000,000
in fiscal year 2025 are from the general fund
for grants to support food security among
Tribal nations and American Indian
communities under Minnesota Statutes, section
256E.341. Funds are available until June 30,
2025. The base includes $2,000,000 in fiscal
year 2026 and $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2027.
new text end

new text begin (d) Food support grants. $6,000,000 in fiscal
year 2024 and $6,000,000 in fiscal year 2025
is from the general fund for the Minnesota
food shelf program under Minnesota Statutes,
section 256E.34. Funds are available until June
30, 2025.
new text end

new text begin (e) Outreach and application assistance for
SNAP-eligible Minnesotans. $3,000,000 in
fiscal year 2024 and $3,000,000 in fiscal year
2025 is from the general fund to provide
outreach and application assistance to eligible
Minnesotans who are not enrolled in SNAP.
Funds may be used for support organizations
across the state to provide education,
information, and assistance to help
Minnesotans apply for SNAP using culturally
relevant and community-driven approaches.
new text end

new text begin (f) Capital for emergency food distribution
facilities. $19,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 is
for improving and expanding the infrastructure
of food shelf facilities across the state,
including adding freezer or cooler space and
dry storage space, improving the safety and
sanitation of existing food shelves, and
addressing deferred maintenance or other
facility needs of existing food shelves. Grant
money shall be made available to nonprofit
organizations, federally recognized Tribes,
and local units of government. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2027.
new text end

new text begin (g) Base level adjustment. The general fund
base is $93,609,000 in fiscal year 2026 and
$93,609,000 in fiscal year 2027.
new text end

48,530,000

46,676,000

new text begin (a) $4,400,000 in fiscal year 2024 and
$4,400,000 in fiscal year 2025 are from the
general fund for school-linked behavioral
health services in intermediate school districts.
new text end

new text begin (b) $1,050,000 in fiscal year 2024 and
$1,050,000 in fiscal year 2025 are from the
general fund for psychiatric residential
treatment facilities specialization grants for
staffing costs to treat and support behavioral
health conditions and support children and
families.
new text end

new text begin (c) $1,250,000 in fiscal year 2024 and
$1,250,000 in fiscal year 2025 are from the
general fund for emerging mood disorder
grants for evidence-informed interventions for
youth and young adults who are at higher risk
of developing a mood disorder or are already
experiencing an emerging mood disorder such
as major depression or bipolar disorder.
new text end

new text begin (d) $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 and
$1,000,000 in fiscal year 2025 are from the
general fund for grants to implement the
mobile response and stabilization services
model. The model is to promote access to
crisis response services, reduce admissions to
psychiatric hospitalizations and out-of-home
placement services, which are expensive and
traumatic for children, youth, and families.
new text end

new text begin (e) $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 and
$1,000,000 in fiscal year 2025 are from the
general fund and must be used to provide grant
funding to mental health consultants
throughout the state including Tribal nations
for expertise in young children's development
and early childhood services.
new text end

new text begin (f) Base level adjustment. The general fund
base is $50,926,000 in fiscal year 2026 and
$50,926,000 in fiscal year 2027.
new text end

.......

new text begin This appropriation is from the federal TANF
fund.
new text end

Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter 7, article 16, section 2, subdivision 32,
as amended by Laws 2022, chapter 98, article 15, section 7, subdivision 32, is amended to
read:

30,167,000

30,182,000

(a) Children's Residential Facilities.
$1,964,000 in fiscal year 2022 and $1,979,000
in fiscal year 2023 are to reimburse counties
and Tribal governments for a portion of the
costs of treatment in children's residential
facilities. The commissioner shall distribute
the appropriation to counties and Tribal
governments proportionally based on a
methodology developed by the commissioner.
The deleted text begin fiscal year 2022 appropriation is available
until June 30, 2023deleted text end new text begin base for this activity is $0
in fiscal year 2025new text end .

(b) Base Level Adjustment. The general fund
base is $29,580,000 in fiscal year 2024 and
deleted text begin $27,705,000deleted text end new text begin $25,726,000new text end in fiscal year 2025.

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 23-04412

(a) First priority for child care assistance under the basic sliding fee program must be given to eligible non-MFIP families who do not have a high school diploma or commissioner of education-selected high school equivalency certification or who need remedial and basic skill courses in order to pursue employment or to pursue education leading to employment and who need child care assistance to participate in the education program. This includes student parents as defined under section 119B.011, subdivision 19b. Within this priority, the following subpriorities must be used:

(1) child care needs of minor parents;

(2) child care needs of parents under 21 years of age; and

(3) child care needs of other parents within the priority group described in this paragraph.

(b) Second priority must be given to parents who have completed their MFIP or DWP transition year, or parents who are no longer receiving or eligible for diversionary work program supports.

(c) Third priority must be given to families who are eligible for portable basic sliding fee assistance through the portability pool under subdivision 9.

(d) Fourth priority must be given to families in which at least one parent is a veteran as defined under section 197.447.

(e) Families under paragraph (b) must be added to the basic sliding fee waiting list on the date they begin the transition year under section 119B.011, subdivision 20, and must be moved into the basic sliding fee program as soon as possible after they complete their transition year.

County agencies shall have access to the criminal history data in the same manner as county licensing agencies under this chapter for purposes of background studies completed before the implementation of NETStudy 2.0 by county agencies on legal nonlicensed child care providers to determine eligibility for child care funds under chapter 119B.

The commissioner of human services shall establish, in consultation with the representatives from community action agencies, a statewide outreach program to better inform potential recipients of the existence and availability of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits under SNAP. As part of the outreach program, the commissioner and community action agencies shall encourage recipients in the use of SNAP benefits at food cooperatives. The commissioner shall explore and pursue federal funding sources, and specifically, apply for funding from the United States Department of Agriculture for the SNAP outreach program.

A community association representing community action agencies under section 256E.31, in consultation with the commissioner shall administer the outreach program, issue the request for proposals, and review and approve the potential grantee's plan. Grantees shall comply with the monitoring and reporting requirements as developed by the commissioner in accordance with subdivision 4, and must also participate in the evaluation process as directed by the commissioner. Grantees must successfully complete one year of outreach and demonstrate compliance with all monitoring and reporting requirements in order to be eligible for additional funding.

In approving the plan, the association shall evaluate the plan and give highest priority to a plan that:

(1) targets communities in which 50 percent or fewer of the residents with incomes below 125 percent of the poverty level receive SNAP benefits;

(2) demonstrates that the grantee has the experience necessary to administer the program;

(3) demonstrates a cooperative relationship with the local county social service agencies;

(4) provides ways to improve the dissemination of information on SNAP as well as other assistance programs through a statewide hotline or other community agencies;

(5) provides direct advocacy consisting of face-to-face assistance with the potential applicants;

(6) improves access to SNAP by documenting barriers to participation and advocating for changes in the administrative structure of the program; and

(7) develops strategies for combatting community stereotypes about SNAP benefit recipients and SNAP, misinformation about the program, and the stigma associated with using SNAP benefits.

The commissioner shall consult with representatives from the United States Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Community Action Association, Food First Coalition, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Urban Coalition/University of Minnesota extension services, county social service agencies, local social service agencies, and organizations that have previously administered the state-funded SNAP outreach programs to:

(1) develop the reporting requirements for the program;

(2) develop and implement the monitoring of the program;

(3) develop, coordinate, and assist in the evaluation process; and

(4) provide an interim report to the legislature by January 1997, and a final report to the legislature by January 1998, which includes the results of the evaluation and recommendations.

(a) An assistance unit with a recent work history or with earned income shall report monthly to the county agency on income received and other circumstances affecting eligibility or assistance amounts. All other assistance units shall report on income and other circumstances affecting eligibility and assistance amounts, as specified by the state agency.

(b) An assistance unit required to submit a report on the form designated by the commissioner and within ten days of the due date or the date of the significant change, whichever is later, or otherwise report significant changes which would affect eligibility or assistance amounts, is considered to have continued its application for assistance effective the date the required report is received by the county agency, if a complete report is received within a calendar month in which assistance was received.

"Budget month" means the calendar month which the county agency uses to determine the income or circumstances of an assistance unit to calculate the amount of the assistance payment in the payment month.

"Lump sum" means nonrecurring income as described in section 256P.06, subdivision 3, clause (2), item (ix).

"Monthly income test" means the test used to determine ongoing eligibility and the assistance payment amount according to section 256J.21.

"Nonrecurring income" means a form of income which is received:

(1) only one time or is not of a continuous nature; or

(2) in a prospective payment month but is no longer received in the corresponding retrospective payment month.

"Retrospective budgeting" means a method of determining the amount of the assistance payment in which the payment month is the second month after the budget month.

"Significant change" means a decline in gross income of the amount of the disregard as defined in section 256P.03 or more from the income used to determine the grant for the current month.

Each assistance unit with a member who has earned income or a recent work history, and each assistance unit that has income deemed to it from a financially responsible person must complete a monthly MFIP household report form. "Recent work history" means the individual received earned income in the report month or any of the previous three calendar months even if the earnings are excluded. To be complete, the MFIP household report form must be signed and dated by the caregivers no earlier than the last day of the reporting period. All questions required to determine assistance payment eligibility must be answered, and documentation of earned income must be included.

An MFIP household report form must be received by the county agency by the eighth calendar day of the month following the reporting period covered by the form. When the eighth calendar day of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, the MFIP household report form must be received by the county agency the first working day that follows the eighth calendar day.

(a) Paragraphs (b) to (e) apply to the reporting requirements in subdivision 7.

(b) When the county agency receives an incomplete MFIP household report form, the county agency must immediately contact the caregiver by phone or in writing to acquire the necessary information to complete the form.

(c) The automated eligibility system must send a notice of proposed termination of assistance to the assistance unit if a complete MFIP household report form is not received by a county agency. The automated notice must be mailed to the caregiver by approximately the 16th of the month. When a caregiver submits an incomplete form on or after the date a notice of proposed termination has been sent, the termination is valid unless the caregiver submits a complete form before the end of the month.

(d) An assistance unit required to submit an MFIP household report form is considered to have continued its application for assistance if a complete MFIP household report form is received within a calendar month after the month in which the form was due and assistance shall be paid for the period beginning with the first day of that calendar month.

(e) A county agency must allow good cause exemptions from the reporting requirements under subdivision 5 when any of the following factors cause a caregiver to fail to provide the county agency with a completed MFIP household report form before the end of the month in which the form is due:

(1) an employer delays completion of employment verification;

(2) a county agency does not help a caregiver complete the MFIP household report form when the caregiver asks for help;

(3) a caregiver does not receive an MFIP household report form due to mistake on the part of the department or the county agency or due to a reported change in address;

(4) a caregiver is ill, or physically or mentally incapacitated; or

(5) some other circumstance occurs that a caregiver could not avoid with reasonable care which prevents the caregiver from providing a completed MFIP household report form before the end of the month in which the form is due.

After the first two months of MFIP eligibility, a county agency must continue to determine whether an assistance unit is prospectively eligible for the payment month by looking at all factors other than income and then determine whether the assistance unit is retrospectively income eligible by applying the monthly income test to the income from the budget month. When the monthly income test is not satisfied, the assistance payment must be suspended when ineligibility exists for one month or ended when ineligibility exists for more than one month.

A county agency must apply the monthly income test retrospectively for each month of MFIP eligibility. An assistance unit is not eligible when the countable income equals or exceeds the MFIP standard of need or the family wage level for the assistance unit. The income applied against the monthly income test must include:

(1) gross earned income from employment as described in chapter 256P, prior to mandatory payroll deductions, voluntary payroll deductions, wage authorizations, and after the disregards in section 256J.21, subdivision 4, and the allocations in section 256J.36;

(2) gross earned income from self-employment less deductions for self-employment expenses in section 256J.37, subdivision 5, but prior to any reductions for personal or business state and federal income taxes, personal FICA, personal health and life insurance, and after the disregards in section 256J.21, subdivision 4, and the allocations in section 256J.36;

(3) unearned income as described in section 256P.06, subdivision 3, after deductions for allowable expenses in section 256J.37, subdivision 9, and allocations in section 256J.36;

(4) gross earned income from employment as determined under clause (1) which is received by a member of an assistance unit who is a minor child or minor caregiver and less than a half-time student;

(5) child support received by an assistance unit, excluded under section 256P.06, subdivision 3, clause (2), item (xvi);

(6) spousal support received by an assistance unit;

(7) the income of a parent when that parent is not included in the assistance unit;

(8) the income of an eligible relative and spouse who seek to be included in the assistance unit; and

(9) the unearned income of a minor child included in the assistance unit.

When an assistance unit is ineligible for MFIP assistance for two consecutive months, the county agency must terminate MFIP assistance.

A county agency must use prospective budgeting to calculate the assistance payment amount for the first two months for an applicant who has not received assistance in this state for at least one payment month preceding the first month of payment under a current application. Notwithstanding subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (2), a county agency must use prospective budgeting for the first two months for a person who applies to be added to an assistance unit. Prospective budgeting is not subject to overpayments or underpayments unless fraud is determined under section 256.98.

(a) The county agency must apply the income received or anticipated in the first month of MFIP eligibility against the need of the first month. The county agency must apply the income received or anticipated in the second month against the need of the second month.

(b) When the assistance payment for any part of the first two months is based on anticipated income, the county agency must base the initial assistance payment amount on the information available at the time the initial assistance payment is made.

(c) The county agency must determine the assistance payment amount for the first two months of MFIP eligibility by budgeting both recurring and nonrecurring income for those two months.

The county agency must use retrospective budgeting to calculate the monthly assistance payment amount after the payment for the first two months has been made under subdivision 1.

Notwithstanding subdivision 1, the county agency must use retrospective budgeting to calculate the monthly assistance payment amount for the first two months under paragraphs (a) and (b).

(a) The county agency must use retrospective budgeting to determine the amount of the assistance payment in the first two months of MFIP eligibility:

(1) when an assistance unit applies for assistance for the same month for which assistance has been interrupted, the interruption in eligibility is less than one payment month, the assistance payment for the preceding month was issued in this state, and the assistance payment for the immediately preceding month was determined retrospectively; or

(2) when a person applies in order to be added to an assistance unit, that assistance unit has received assistance in this state for at least the two preceding months, and that person has been living with and has been financially responsible for one or more members of that assistance unit for at least the two preceding months.

(b) Except as provided in clauses (1) to (4), the county agency must use retrospective budgeting and apply income received in the budget month by an assistance unit and by a financially responsible household member who is not included in the assistance unit against the MFIP standard of need or family wage level to determine the assistance payment to be issued for the payment month.

(1) When a source of income ends prior to the third payment month, that income is not considered in calculating the assistance payment for that month. When a source of income ends prior to the fourth payment month, that income is not considered when determining the assistance payment for that month.

(2) When a member of an assistance unit or a financially responsible household member leaves the household of the assistance unit, the income of that departed household member is not budgeted retrospectively for any full payment month in which that household member does not live with that household and is not included in the assistance unit.

(3) When an individual is removed from an assistance unit because the individual is no longer a minor child, the income of that individual is not budgeted retrospectively for payment months in which that individual is not a member of the assistance unit, except that income of an ineligible child in the household must continue to be budgeted retrospectively against the child's needs when the parent or parents of that child request allocation of their income against any unmet needs of that ineligible child.

(4) When a person ceases to have financial responsibility for one or more members of an assistance unit, the income of that person is not budgeted retrospectively for the payment months which follow the month in which financial responsibility ends.

The county agency must recalculate the assistance payment when an assistance unit experiences a significant change, as defined in section 256J.08, resulting in a reduction in the gross income received in the payment month from the gross income received in the budget month. The county agency must issue a supplemental assistance payment based on the county agency's best estimate of the assistance unit's income and circumstances for the payment month. Supplemental assistance payments that result from significant changes are limited to two in a 12-month period regardless of the reason for the change. Notwithstanding any other statute or rule of law, supplementary assistance payments shall not be made when the significant change in income is the result of receipt of a lump sum, receipt of an extra paycheck, business fluctuation in self-employment income, or an assistance unit member's participation in a strike or other labor action.

(a) The agency must treat lump-sum payments as earned or unearned income. If the lump-sum payment is included in the category of income identified in subdivision 9, it must be treated as unearned income. A lump sum is counted as income in the month received and budgeted either prospectively or retrospectively depending on the budget cycle at the time of receipt. When an individual receives a lump-sum payment, that lump sum must be combined with all other earned and unearned income received in the same budget month, and it must be applied according to paragraphs (a) to (c). A lump sum may not be carried over into subsequent months. Any funds that remain in the third month after the month of receipt are counted in the asset limit.

(b) For a lump sum received by an applicant during the first two months, prospective budgeting is used to determine the payment and the lump sum must be combined with other earned or unearned income received and budgeted in that prospective month.

(c) For a lump sum received by a participant after the first two months of MFIP eligibility, the lump sum must be combined with other income received in that budget month, and the combined amount must be applied retrospectively against the applicable payment month.

(d) When a lump sum, combined with other income under paragraphs (b) and (c), is less than the MFIP transitional standard for the appropriate payment month, the assistance payment must be reduced according to the amount of the countable income. When the countable income is greater than the MFIP standard or family wage level, the assistance payment must be suspended for the payment month.

new text begin APPROPRIATIONS
new text end

new text begin Available for the Year
new text end

new text begin Ending June 30
new text end

new text begin 2024
new text end

new text begin 2025
new text end