1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to child protection; directing the commissioner to make recommendations 
1.3 	for paperwork reduction relating to child protection cases; appropriating money 
1.4 	to improve the Social Services Information System.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER; PAPERWORK REDUCTION FOR 
1.7 	CHILD PROTECTION CASES.
 1.8 	By January 15, 2026, the commissioner of children, youth, and families in partnership 
1.9 	with counties and local social services agencies, and in consultation with Minnesota's Tribal 
1.10 	governments, shall develop a plan to streamline and minimize required paperwork for child 
1.11 	protection cases. The plan must include a summary of proposed changes to current practice, 
1.12 	a proposed timeline to implement the changes, and procedures for soliciting ongoing input 
1.13 	regarding implementation from counties and Minnesota's Tribal governments. The procedures 
1.14 	for soliciting ongoing input must include a method of incorporating the input into the 
1.15 	implementation of the changes and ensuring that the planned improvements maximize 
1.16 	benefits and utility for children in placement, foster care providers, Tribes, counties, and 
1.17 	private child placing agencies.

1.18 	Sec. 2. APPROPRIATION; DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND 
1.19 	FAMILIES INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENTS.
 1.20 	$40,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner 
1.21 	of children, youth, and families for improvements to the Social Services Information System. 
1.22 	This is a onetime appropriation.