HF 4497

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 03/21/2022 02:33pm

A bill for an act
relating to early childhood; requiring reports on the information technology
supporting and the data practices governing child care and early learning programs;
appropriating money.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; MODERNIZING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
FOR CHILD CARE AND EARLY LEARNING PROGRAMS.
new text end

new text begin (a) $....... in fiscal year 2023 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of management and budget to develop and implement a plan to modernize the information
technology systems that support the child care and early learning programs administered
by the Departments of Education and Human Services. The commissioner may contract for
the services contained in this section. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2025.
new text end

new text begin (b) The plan must support the goal of creating information technology systems for child
care and early learning programs that collect, analyze, share, and report data on program
participation, school readiness, early screening, and other childhood indicators. The plan
must include strategies to:
new text end

new text begin (1) increase the efficiency and effectiveness with which child care and early learning
programs serve children and families;
new text end

new text begin (2) improve coordination among child care and early learning programs for families;
and
new text end

new text begin (3) assess the impact of child care and early learning programs on children's outcomes,
including school readiness.
new text end

new text begin (c) In developing and implementing the plan required under this section, the contractor
must consult with the commissioners of education, human services, and information
technology services; the Children's Cabinet; and other stakeholders.
new text end

new text begin (d) By February 1, 2023, the commissioner must provide a preliminary report on the
status of the plan's development and implementation to the committees of the legislature
with jurisdiction over child care and early learning programs.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION; DATA SHARING AMONG CHILD CARE AND EARLY
LEARNING PROGRAMS.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2023 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
management and budget to identify any administrative rules and practices that prevent or
complicate data sharing among child care and early learning programs administered by the
Departments of Education and Human Services. The commissioner must consult with the
commissioners of education, human services, and information technology services; the
Children's Cabinet; and other stakeholders. By February 1, 2023, the commissioner of
management and budget must report the findings to the committees of the legislature with
jurisdiction over early childhood programs. This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end