HF 1660

as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) Posted on 02/27/2025 03:17pm

A bill for an act
relating to children; directing the commissioner of children, youth, and families
to conduct a statewide needs assessment for out-of-school and youth programming;
requiring a report; appropriating money.

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

Section 1. new text begin DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER OF CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND
FAMILIES; REPORT ON OUT-OF-SCHOOL AND YOUTH PROGRAMMING.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of children, youth, and families must evaluate statewide availability
of out-of-school and youth programming that is available to youth 21 years of age and
younger. The evaluation must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) data on current state, county, and city programs that offer enrichment activities, the
funding for those activities, and the populations served by those activities; and
new text end

new text begin (2) a financial assessment that includes a complete list of state and local public programs
and public financing mechanisms.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner must utilize a community engagement process throughout the
evaluation. The commissioner must engage with youth 21 years of age and younger, families
with youth 21 years of age and younger, providers from city or county-based programs and
community organizations, and subject-matter experts. The community engagement process
must evaluate common barriers and gaps to accessing out-of-school and youth programming
and must also provide recommendations on how to improve access to and the quality of
out-of-school and youth programming.
new text end

new text begin (c) By February 15, 2026, the commissioner must provide a report to the chairs and
ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over children,
youth, and families. The report must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) the commissioner's findings from the evaluation and community engagement process;
and
new text end

new text begin (2) finance and policy recommendations to expand access to quality out-of-school and
youth programming for youth 21 years of age and younger.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION; REPORT ON OUT-OF-SCHOOL AND YOUTH
PROGRAMMING.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
children, youth, and families for the out-of-school and youth programming evaluation and
report. This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end