1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to human services; establishing specialized foster care for people with 
1.3 	autism.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. FOSTER CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM.
 1.6 	The commissioner shall identify and coordinate with one or more counties that 
1.7 	agree to issue a foster care license and authorize funding for people with autism who are 
1.8 	currently receiving home and community-based services under Minnesota Statutes, section 
1.9 	256B.092 or 256B.49. Children eligible under this section must be in an out-of-home 
1.10 	placement approved by the lead agency that has legal responsibility for the placement. 
1.11 	Nothing in this section must be construed as restricting an individual's choice of provider. 
1.12 	The commissioner will assist the interested county or counties with obtaining necessary 
1.13 	capacity within the moratorium under Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.03, subdivision 7. 
1.14 	The commissioner shall coordinate with the interested counties and issue a request for 
1.15 	information to identify providers who have the training and skills to meet the needs of 
1.16 	the individuals identified in this section.