1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to human services; creating an emergency grant program for autism 
1.3 	spectrum disorder treatment agencies; appropriating money.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. EMERGENCY GRANT PROGRAM FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM 
1.6 	DISORDER TREATMENT AGENCIES.
 1.7 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have 
1.8 	the meanings given.
1.9 	(b) "Autism spectrum disorder" has the meaning given to "autism spectrum disorder or 
1.10 	a related condition" in Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0949, subdivision 2, paragraph 
1.11 	(d).
1.12 	(c) "Autism spectrum disorder treatment services" means treatment delivered under 
1.13 	Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0949.
1.14 	(d) "Qualified early intensive developmental and behavioral intervention agency" or 
1.15 	"qualified EIDBI agency" has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0949, 
1.16 	subdivision 2, paragraph (q).
1.17 		Subd. 2.Emergency grant program for autism spectrum disorder treatment 
1.18 	agencies. The commissioner of human services shall award emergency grant money to 
1.19 	qualified eligible EIDBI agencies to support the stability of the autism spectrum disorder 
1.20 	treatment provider sector during and after the COVID-19 public health emergency.
2.1 		Subd. 3.Eligible agencies. Qualified EIDBI agencies that have been delivering autism 
2.2 	spectrum disorder treatment services for a minimum of six months are eligible to receive 
2.3 	emergency grants under this section.
2.4 		Subd. 4.Allocation of grants.  (a) Eligible agencies must apply for a grant under this 
2.5 	section on an application in the form specified by the commissioner, which at a minimum 
2.6 	must contain:
2.7 	(1) a description of the purpose or project for which grant money will be used;
2.8 	(2) a description of the specific problem the grant money will address;
2.9 	(3) a description of achievable objectives, a work plan, and a timeline for implementation 
2.10 	and completion of processes or projects enabled by the grant; and
2.11 	(4) a process for documenting and evaluating results of the grant.
2.12 	(b) The commissioner shall review each application to determine whether the application 
2.13 	is complete and whether the applicant and the project are eligible for a grant. In evaluating 
2.14 	applications, the commissioner shall establish criteria, including but not limited to:
2.15 	(1) the eligibility of the project;
2.16 	(2) the applicant's thoroughness and clarity in describing the problem grant money is 
2.17 	intended to address;
2.18 	(3) a description of the applicant's proposed project;
2.19 	(4) a description of the population demographics and service area of the proposed project;
2.20 	(5) the manner in which the applicant will demonstrate the effectiveness of any projects 
2.21 	undertaken;
2.22 	(6) the proposed project's longevity and demonstrated financial sustainability after the 
2.23 	initial grant period; and
2.24 	(7) the evidence of efficiencies and effectiveness gained through collaborative efforts.
2.25 	(c) The commissioner may consider other relevant factors in addition to those listed in 
2.26 	paragraph (b).
2.27 	(d) In evaluating applications, the commissioner may request from the applicant additional 
2.28 	information regarding a proposed project, including information on project cost. An 
2.29 	applicant's failure to provide the information requested disqualifies an applicant.
2.30 	(e) The commissioner shall determine the number of grants awarded.
3.1 	(f) The commissioner shall award grants to eligible agencies through December 31, 
3.2 	2024.
3.3 		Subd. 5.Eligible uses of grant money. The commissioner shall develop a list of eligible 
3.4 	uses for grants awarded under this section.
3.5 		Subd. 6.Federal aid or grants. The commissioner must comply with all conditions and 
3.6 	requirements necessary to receive federal aid or grants.

3.7 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

3.8 	Sec. 2. APPROPRIATION.
 3.9 	$....... in fiscal year 2023 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of 
3.10 	human services for the grant program established in section 1. This is a onetime appropriation 
3.11 	and is available until December 31, 2024.

3.12 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.