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Key: (1) language to be deleted (2) new language

CHAPTER 264--S.F.No. 2833

An act

relating to human services; modifying certain requirements for child care programs; changing certain in-service training requirements; requiring early childhood development training; changing certain first aid training requirements; allowing the use of mesh sided playpens or cribs under certain circumstances; regulating crib safety standards; providing for the responsible agency for assessing or investigating reports of maltreatment; regulating medical assistance managed care; enacting a runaway and homeless youth act; establishing the Ramsey County child care pilot project; providing an exception for notification of a variance or set-aside;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 119B.03, subdivision 4; 245A.023; 245A.14, by adding a subdivision; 256B.692, subdivision 6; 626.556, subdivision 3c; Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, sections 119B.125, subdivision 2; 245A.14, subdivision 12; 245A.146, subdivisions 3, 4; 245C.22, subdivision 7; 245C.24, subdivision 2; 245C.301; Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 4, article 8, section 84; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 256K.

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

Section 1.

new text begin COMMISSIONER OF HUMAN SERVICES new text end

new text begin BASIC SLIDING FEE ALLOCATIONS; CONVERSION TO AUTOMATED SYSTEM. As determined by the commissioner, counties may use up to six percent of either calendar year 2008 or 2009 allocations under Minnesota Statutes, section 119B.03, to fund accelerated payments that may occur during the preceding calendar year during conversion to the automated child care assistance program system. If conversion occurs over two calendar years, counties may use up to three percent of the combined calendar year allocations to fund accelerated payments. Funding advanced under this paragraph shall be considered part of the allocation from which it was originally advanced for purposes of setting future allocations under Minnesota Statutes, section 119B.03, subdivisions 6, 6a, 6b, and 8, and shall include funding for administrative costs under Minnesota Statutes, section 119B.15. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, this paragraph sunsets December 31, 2009. new text end

new text begin CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT FUND; FEDERAL DEFICIT REDUCTION ACT OF 2005. Increased child care funds from the federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 may be allocated by the commissioner for the basic sliding fee child care program. new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 119B.03, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Funding priority.

(a) First priority for child care assistance under the basic sliding fee program must be given to eligible non-MFIP families who do not have a high school or general equivalency diploma or who need remedial and basic skill courses in order to pursue employment or to pursue education leading to employment and who need child care assistance to participate in the education program. Within this priority, the following subpriorities must be used:

(1) child care needs of minor parents;

(2) child care needs of parents under 21 years of age; and

(3) child care needs of other parents within the priority group described in this paragraph.

(b) Second priority must be given to parents who have completed their MFIP or DWP transition year, or parents who are no longer receiving or eligible for diversionary work program supports.

(c) Third priority must be given to families who are eligible for portable basic sliding fee assistance through the portability pool under subdivision 9.

new text begin (d) Fourth priority must be given to families in which at least one parent is a veteran as defined under section 197.447. new text end

deleted text begin (d)deleted text end new text begin (e) new text end Families under paragraph (b) must be added to the basic sliding fee waiting list on the date they begin the transition year under section 119B.011, subdivision 20, and must be moved into the basic sliding fee program as soon as possible after they complete their transition year.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 119B.125, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Persons who cannot be authorized.

(a) A person who meets any of the conditions under paragraphs (b) to (n) must not be authorized as a legal nonlicensed family child care provider. To determine whether any of the listed conditions exist, the county must request information about the provider from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the juvenile courts, and social service agencies. When one of the listed entities does not maintain information on a statewide basis, the county must contact the entity in the county where the provider resides and any other county in which the provider previously resided in the past year. For purposes of this subdivision, a finding that a delinquency petition is proven in juvenile court must be considered a conviction in state district court. If a county has determined that a provider is able to be authorized in that county, and a family in another county later selects that provider, the provider is able to be authorized in the second county without undergoing a new background investigation unless one of the following conditions exists:

(1) two years have passed since the first authorization;

(2) another person age 13 or older has joined the provider's household since the last authorization;

(3) a current household member has turned 13 since the last authorization; or

(4) there is reason to believe that a household member has a factor that prevents authorization.

(b) The person has been convicted of one of the following offenses or has admitted to committing or a preponderance of the evidence indicates that the person has committed an act that meets the definition of one of the following offenses: sections 609.185 to 609.195, murder in the first, second, or third degree; 609.2661 to 609.2663, murder of an unborn child in the first, second, or third degree; 609.322, solicitation, inducement, promotion of prostitution, or receiving profit from prostitution; 609.342 to 609.345, criminal sexual conduct in the first, second, third, or fourth degree; 609.352, solicitation of children to engage in sexual conduct; 609.365, incest; 609.377, felony malicious punishment of a child; 617.246, use of minors in sexual performance; 617.247, possession of pictorial representation of a minor; 609.2242 to 609.2243, felony domestic assault; a felony offense of spousal abuse; a felony offense of child abuse or neglect; a felony offense of a crime against children; or an attempt or conspiracy to commit any of these offenses as defined in Minnesota Statutes; or an offense in any other state or country where the elements are substantially similar to any of the offenses listed in this paragraph.

(c) Less than 15 years have passed since the discharge of the sentence imposed for the offense and the person has received a felony conviction for one of the following offenses, or the person has admitted to committing or a preponderance of the evidence indicates that the person has committed an act that meets the definition of a felony conviction for one of the following offenses: sections 609.20 to 609.205, manslaughter in the first or second degree; 609.21, criminal vehicular homicide; 609.215, aiding suicide or aiding attempted suicide; 609.221 to 609.2231, assault in the first, second, third, or fourth degree; 609.224, repeat offenses of fifth degree assault; 609.228, great bodily harm caused by distribution of drugs; 609.2325, criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult; 609.2335, financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult; 609.235, use of drugs to injure or facilitate a crime; 609.24, simple robbery; 617.241, repeat offenses of obscene materials and performances; 609.245, aggravated robbery; 609.25, kidnapping; 609.255, false imprisonment; 609.2664 to 609.2665, manslaughter of an unborn child in the first or second degree; 609.267 to 609.2672, assault of an unborn child in the first, second, or third degree; 609.268, injury or death of an unborn child in the commission of a crime; 609.27, coercion; 609.275, attempt to coerce; 609.324, subdivision 1, other prohibited acts, minor engaged in prostitution; 609.3451, repeat offenses of criminal sexual conduct in the fifth degree; 609.378, neglect or endangerment of a child; 609.52, theft; 609.521, possession of shoplifting gear; 609.561 to 609.563, arson in the first, second, or third degree; 609.582, burglary in the first, second, third, or fourth degree; 609.625, aggravated forgery; 609.63, forgery; 609.631, check forgery, offering a forged check; 609.635, obtaining signature by false pretenses; 609.66, dangerous weapon; 609.665, setting a spring gun; 609.67, unlawfully owning, possessing, or operating a machine gun; 609.687, adulteration; 609.71, riot; 609.713, terrorist threats; 609.749, harassment, stalking; 260C.301, termination of parental rights; 152.021 to 152.022 and 152.0262, controlled substance crime in the first or second degree; 152.023, subdivision 1, clause (3) or (4), or 152.023, subdivision 2, clause (4), controlled substance crime in third degree; 152.024, subdivision 1, clause (2), (3), or (4), controlled substance crime in fourth degree; 617.23, repeat offenses of indecent exposure; an attempt or conspiracy to commit any of these offenses as defined in Minnesota Statutes; or an offense in any other state or country where the elements are substantially similar to any of the offenses listed in this paragraph.

(d) Less than ten years have passed since the discharge of the sentence imposed for the offense and the person has received a gross misdemeanor conviction for one of the following offenses or the person has admitted to committing or a preponderance of the evidence indicates that the person has committed an act that meets the definition of a gross misdemeanor conviction for one of the following offenses: sections 609.224, fifth degree assault; 609.2242 to 609.2243, domestic assault; 518B.01, subdivision 14, violation of an order for protection; 609.3451, fifth degree criminal sexual conduct; 609.746, repeat offenses of interference with privacy; 617.23, repeat offenses of indecent exposure; 617.241, obscene materials and performances; 617.243, indecent literature, distribution; 617.293, disseminating or displaying harmful material to minors; 609.71, riot; 609.66, dangerous weapons; 609.749, harassment, stalking; 609.224, subdivision 2, paragraph (c), fifth degree assault against a vulnerable adult by a caregiver; 609.23, mistreatment of persons confined; 609.231, mistreatment of residents or patients; 609.2325, criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult; 609.2335, financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult; 609.233, criminal neglect of a vulnerable adult; 609.234, failure to report maltreatment of a vulnerable adult; 609.72, subdivision 3, disorderly conduct against a vulnerable adult; 609.265, abduction; 609.378, neglect or endangerment of a child; 609.377, malicious punishment of a child; 609.324, subdivision 1a, other prohibited acts, minor engaged in prostitution; 609.33, disorderly house; 609.52, theft; 609.582, burglary in the first, second, third, or fourth degree; 609.631, check forgery, offering a forged check; 609.275, attempt to coerce; an attempt or conspiracy to commit any of these offenses as defined in Minnesota Statutes; or an offense in any other state or country where the elements are substantially similar to any of the offenses listed in this paragraph.

(e) Less than seven years have passed since the discharge of the sentence imposed for the offense and the person has received a misdemeanor conviction for one of the following offenses or the person has admitted to committing or a preponderance of the evidence indicates that the person has committed an act that meets the definition of a misdemeanor conviction for one of the following offenses: sections 609.224, fifth degree assault; 609.2242, domestic assault; 518B.01, violation of an order for protection; 609.3232, violation of an order for protection; 609.746, interference with privacy; 609.79, obscene or harassing telephone calls; 609.795, letter, telegram, or package opening, harassment; 617.23, indecent exposure; 609.2672, assault of an unborn child, third degree; 617.293, dissemination and display of harmful materials to minors; 609.66, dangerous weapons; 609.665, spring guns; an attempt or conspiracy to commit any of these offenses as defined in Minnesota Statutes; or an offense in any other state or country where the elements are substantially similar to any of the offenses listed in this paragraph.

(f) The person has been identified by the child protection agency in the county where the provider resides or a county where the provider has resided or by the statewide child protection database as deleted text begin the person allegedlydeleted text end new text begin a person found by a preponderance of evidence under section 626.556 to benew text end responsible for physical or sexual abuse of a child within the last seven years.

(g) The person has been identified by the adult protection agency in the county where the provider resides or a county where the provider has resided or by the statewide adult protection database as the person responsible for abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult within the last seven years.

(h) The person has refused to give written consent for disclosure of criminal history records.

(i) The person has been denied a family child care license or has received a fine or a sanction as a licensed child care provider that has not been reversed on appeal.

(j) The person has a family child care licensing disqualification that has not been set aside.

(k) The person has admitted or a county has found that there is a preponderance of evidence that fraudulent information was given to the county for child care assistance application purposes or was used in submitting child care assistance bills for payment.

(l) The person has been convicted of the crime of theft by wrongfully obtaining public assistance.

(m) The person has a household member age 13 or older who has access to children during the hours that care is provided and who meets one of the conditions listed in paragraphs (b) to (l).

(n) The person has a household member ages ten to 12 who has access to children during the hours that care is provided; information or circumstances exist which provide the county with articulable suspicion that further pertinent information may exist showing the household member meets one of the conditions listed in paragraphs (b) to (l); and the household member actually meets one of the conditions listed in paragraphs (b) to (l).

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 245A.023, is amended to read:

245A.023 IN-SERVICE TRAINING.

new text begin (a) new text end For purposes of child care centers, in-service training must be completed within the license period for which it is required. In-service training completed by staff persons as required must be transferable upon a staff person's change in employment to another child care program. License holders shall record all staff in-service training on forms prescribed by the commissioner of human services.

new text begin (b) For purposes of family and group family child care, the license holder and each primary caregiver must complete eight hours of training each year. For purposes of this section, a primary caregiver is an adult caregiver who provides services in the licensed setting more than 30 days in any 12-month period. new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 245A.14, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 9a. new text end

new text begin Early childhood development training. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of child care centers, the director and all staff hired after July 1, 2006, shall complete and document at least two hours of early childhood development training within the first year of employment. Training completed under this subdivision may be used to meet the requirements of Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0035, subparts 1 and 4. new text end

new text begin (b) For purposes of family and group family child care, the license holder and each adult caregiver who provides care in the licensed setting more than 30 days in any 12-month period shall complete and document at least two hours of early childhood development training within the first year of licensure or employment. Training completed under this subdivision may be used to meet the requirements of Minnesota Rules, part 9502.0385, subparts 2 and 3. new text end

new text begin (c) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b), individuals are exempt from this requirement if they: new text end

new text begin (1) have taken a three-credit course on early childhood development within the past five years; new text end

new text begin (2) have received a baccalaureate or masters degree in early childhood education or school age child care within the past five years; new text end

new text begin (3) are licensed in Minnesota as a prekindergarten teacher, an early childhood educator, a kindergarten to sixth grade teacher with a prekindergarten specialty, an early childhood special education teacher, or an elementary teacher with a kindergarten endorsement; or new text end

new text begin (4) have received a baccalaureate degree with a Montessori certificate within the past five years. new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 245A.14, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12.

First aid training requirements.

new text begin (a) new text end deleted text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0035, subpart 2,deleted text end When children are present in a family child care home governed by Minnesota Rules, parts 9502.0315 to 9502.0445, deleted text begin or a child care center governed by Minnesota Rules, parts 9503.0005 to 9503.0170,deleted text end at least one staff person must be present in thedeleted text begin center ordeleted text end home who has been trained in first aid. The first aid training must have been provided by an individual approved to provide first aid instruction. First aid training may be less than eight hours and persons qualified to provide first aid training shall include individuals approved as first aid instructors.

new text begin (b) All teachers and assistant teachers in a child care center governed by Minnesota Rules, parts 9503.0005 to 9503.0170, and at least one staff person during field trips and when transporting children in care must satisfactorily complete first aid training within 90 days of the start of work, unless the training has been completed within the previous three years. The first aid training must be repeated at least every three years; documented in the person's personnel record and indicated on the center's staffing chart; and provided by an individual approved as a first aid instructor. This training may be less than eight hours. new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 245A.146, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

License holder documentation of cribs.

(a) Annually, from the date printed on the license, all license holders shall check all their cribs' brand names and model numbers against the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site listing of unsafe cribs.

(b) The license holder shall maintain written documentation to be reviewed on site for each crib showing that the review required in paragraph (a) has been completed, and which of the following conditions applies:

(1) the crib was not identified as unsafe on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site;

(2) the crib was identified as unsafe on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site, but the license holder has taken the action directed by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission to make the crib safe; or

(3) the crib was identified as unsafe on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site, and the license holder has removed the crib so that it is no longer used by or accessible to children in care.

(c) Documentation of the review completed under this subdivision shall be maintained by the license holder on site and made available to parents of children in care and the commissioner.

new text begin (d) Notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, part 9502.0425, a family child care provider that complies with this section may use a mesh sided playpen or crib that has not been identified as unsafe on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site for the care or sleeping of infants. new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 245A.146, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Crib safety standards and inspection.

(a) On at least a monthly basis, the license holder shall perform safety inspections of every crib used by or that is accessible to any child in care, and must document the following:

(1) no corner posts extend more than 1/16 of an inch;

(2) no spaces between side slats exceed 2.375 inches;

(3) no mattress supports can be easily dislodged from any point of the crib;

(4) no cutout designs are present on end panels;

(5) no heights of the rail and end panel are less than 26 inches when measured from the top of the rail or panel in the highest position to the top of the mattress support in its lowest position;

(6) no heights of the rail and end panel are less than nine inches when measured from the top of the rail or panel in its lowest position to the top of the mattress support in its highest position;

(7) no screws, bolts, or hardware are loose or not secured, and there is no use of woodscrews in components that are designed to be assembled and disassembled by the crib owner;

(8) no sharp edges, points, or rough surfaces are present;

(9) no wood surfaces are rough, splintered, split, or cracked;

(10) no tears in mesh of fabric sides in non-full-size cribs;

(11) no mattress pads in non-full-size mesh or fabric cribs exceed one inch; and

(12) no new text begin unacceptable new text end gaps between the mattress and any sides of the crib are presentnew text begin as follows:new text end

new text begin (i) when the noncompressed mattress is centered in the non-full-size crib, at any of the adjustable mattress support positions, the gap between the perimeter of the mattress and the perimeter of the crib cannot be greater than one-half inch at any point. When the mattress is placed against the perimeter of the crib, the resulting gap cannot be greater that one inch at any point; and new text end

new text begin (ii) when the noncompressed mattress is centered in the full-size crib, at any of the adjustable mattress support positions, the gap between the perimeter of the mattress and the perimeter of the crib cannot be greater than 11/16 inch at any point. When the mattress is placed against the perimeter of the crib, the resulting gap cannot be greater than 1-3/8 inch at any pointnew text end .

(b) Upon discovery of any unsafe condition identified by the license holder during the safety inspection required under paragraph (a), the license holder shall immediately remove the crib from use and ensure that the crib is not accessible to children in care, and as soon as practicable, but not more than two business days after the inspection, remove the crib from the area where child care services are routinely provided for necessary repairs or to destroy the crib.

(c) Documentation of the inspections and actions taken with unsafe cribs required in paragraphs (a) and (b) shall be maintained on site by the license holder and made available to parents of children in care and the commissioner.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 245C.22, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Classification of certain data.

(a) Notwithstanding section 13.46, upon setting aside a disqualification under this section, the identity of the disqualified individual who received the setnew text begin -new text end aside and the individual's disqualifying characteristics are public data if the setnew text begin -new text end aside was:

(1) for any disqualifying characteristic under section 245C.15, when the setnew text begin -new text end aside relates to a child care center or a family child care provider licensed under chapter 245A; or

(2) for a disqualifying characteristic under section 245C.15, subdivision 2.

(b) Notwithstanding section 13.46, upon granting a variance to a license holder under section 245C.30, the identity of the disqualified individual who is the subject of the variance, the individual's disqualifying characteristics under section 245C.15, and the terms of the variance are public data, when the variance:

(1) is issued to a child care center or a family child care provider licensed under chapter 245A; or

(2) relates to an individual with a disqualifying characteristic under section 245C.15, subdivision 2.

(c) The identity of a disqualified individual and the reason for disqualification remain private data when:

(1) a disqualification is not set aside and no variance is granted;

(2) the data are not public under paragraph (a) or (b);

(3) the disqualification is rescinded because the information relied upon to disqualify the individual is incorrect; or

(4) the disqualification relates to a license to provide relative child foster care. As used in this clause, "relative" has the meaning given it under section 260C.007, subdivision 27.

(d) Licensed family deleted text begin daydeleted text end new text begin childnew text end care providers and child care centers must deleted text begin notify parents considering enrollment of a child or parents of a child attending the family day care or child care center if the program employs or has living in the home any individual who is the subject of either a set aside or variancedeleted text end new text begin provide notices as required under section 245C.301new text end .

new text begin (e) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b), the identity of household members who are the subject of a disqualification related set-aside or variance is not public data if: new text end

new text begin (1) the household member resides in the residence where the family child care is provided; new text end

new text begin (2) the subject of the set-aside or variance is under the age of 18 years; and new text end

new text begin (3) the set-aside or variance only relate to a disqualification under section 245C.15, subdivision 4, for a misdemeanor level theft crime as defined in section 609.52. new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 245C.24, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Permanent bar to set aside a disqualification.

new text begin (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), new text end the commissioner may not set aside the disqualification of any individual disqualified pursuant to this chapter, regardless of how much time has passed, if the individual was disqualified for a crime or conduct listed in section 245C.15, subdivision 1.

new text begin (b) For an individual in the chemical dependency field who was disqualified for a crime or conduct listed under section 245C.15, subdivision 1, and whose disqualification was set aside prior to July 1, 2005, the commissioner must consider granting a variance pursuant to section 245C.30 for the license holder for a program dealing primarily with adults. A request for reconsideration evaluated under this paragraph must include a letter of recommendation from the license holder that was subject to the prior set-aside decision addressing the individual's quality of care to children or vulnerable adults and the circumstances of the individual's departure from that service. new text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 245C.301, is amended to read:

245C.301 NOTIFICATION OF SET-ASIDE OR VARIANCE.

deleted text begin Licenseddeleted text end new text begin (a) Except as provided under paragraph (b),new text end family child care providers and child care centers must provide a written notification to parents considering enrollment of a child or parents of a child attending the family child care or child care center if the program employs or has living in the home any individual who is the subject of either a set-aside or variance.

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), family child care license holders are not required to disclose that the program has an individual living in the home who is the subject of a set-aside or variance if: new text end

new text begin (1) the household member resides in the residence where the family child care is provided; new text end

new text begin (2) the subject of the set-aside or variance is under the age of 18 years; and new text end

new text begin (3) the set-aside or variance relate to a disqualification under section 245C.15, subdivision 4, for a misdemeanor level theft crime as defined in section 609.52. new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 256B.692, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Commissioner's authority.

The commissioner may:

(1) reject any preliminary or final proposal thatnew text begin :new text end

new text begin (a) new text end substantially fails to meet the requirements of this section, or

new text begin (b) new text end that the commissioner determines would substantially impair the state's ability to purchase health care services in other areas of the state, or

new text begin (c) new text end would substantially impair an enrollee's choice of care systems when reasonable choice is possible, or

new text begin (d) new text end would substantially impair the implementation and operation of the Minnesota senior health options demonstration project authorized under section 256B.69, subdivision 23; and

(2) assume operation of a county's purchasing of health care for enrollees in medical assistance and general assistance medical care in the event that the contract with the county is terminated.

Sec. 13.

new text begin [256K.45] RUNAWAY AND HOMELESS YOUTH ACT. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section. new text end

new text begin (b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services. new text end

new text begin (c) "Homeless youth" means a person 21 years of age or younger who is unaccompanied by a parent or guardian and is without shelter where appropriate care and supervision are available, whose parent or legal guardian is unable or unwilling to provide shelter and care, or who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The following are not fixed, regular, or adequate nighttime residences: new text end

new text begin (1) a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations; new text end

new text begin (2) an institution or a publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations; new text end

new text begin (3) transitional housing; new text end

new text begin (4) a temporary placement with a peer, friend, or family member that has not offered permanent residence, a residential lease, or temporary lodging for more than 30 days; or new text end

new text begin (5) a public or private place not designed for, nor ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings. new text end

new text begin Homeless youth does not include persons incarcerated or otherwise detained under federal or state law. new text end

new text begin (d) "Youth at risk of homelessness" means a person 21 years of age or younger whose status or circumstances indicate a significant danger of experiencing homelessness in the near future. Status or circumstances that indicate a significant danger may include: (1) youth exiting out-of-home placements; (2) youth who previously were homeless; (3) youth whose parents or primary caregivers are or were previously homeless; (4) youth who are exposed to abuse and neglect in their homes; (5) youth who experience conflict with parents due to chemical or alcohol dependency, mental health disabilities, or other disabilities; and (6) runaways. new text end

new text begin (e) "Runaway" means an unmarried child under the age of 18 years who is absent from the home of a parent or guardian or other lawful placement without the consent of the parent, guardian, or lawful custodian. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Homeless and runaway youth report. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall develop a report for homeless youth, youth at risk of homelessness, and runaways. The report shall include coordination of services as defined under subdivisions 3 to 5. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Street and community outreach and drop-in program. new text end

new text begin Youth drop-in centers must provide walk-in access to crisis intervention and ongoing supportive services including one-to-one case management services on a self-referral basis. Street and community outreach programs must locate, contact, and provide information, referrals, and services to homeless youth, youth at risk of homelessness, and runaways. Information, referrals, and services provided may include, but are not limited to: new text end

new text begin (1) family reunification services; new text end

new text begin (2) conflict resolution or mediation counseling; new text end

new text begin (3) assistance in obtaining temporary emergency shelter; new text end

new text begin (4) assistance in obtaining food, clothing, medical care, or mental health counseling; new text end

new text begin (5) counseling regarding violence, prostitution, substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy; new text end

new text begin (6) referrals to other agencies that provide support services to homeless youth, youth at risk of homelessness, and runaways; new text end

new text begin (7) assistance with education, employment, and independent living skills; new text end

new text begin (8) aftercare services; new text end

new text begin (9) specialized services for highly vulnerable runaways and homeless youth, including teen parents, emotionally disturbed and mentally ill youth, and sexually exploited youth; and new text end

new text begin (10) homelessness prevention. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Emergency shelter program. new text end

new text begin (a) Emergency shelter programs must provide homeless youth and runaways with referral and walk-in access to emergency, short-term residential care. The program shall provide homeless youth and runaways with safe, dignified shelter, including private shower facilities, beds, and at least one meal each day; and shall assist a runaway with reunification with the family or legal guardian when required or appropriate. new text end

new text begin (b) The services provided at emergency shelters may include, but are not limited to: new text end

new text begin (1) family reunification services; new text end

new text begin (2) individual, family, and group counseling; new text end

new text begin (3) assistance obtaining clothing; new text end

new text begin (4) access to medical and dental care and mental health counseling; new text end

new text begin (5) education and employment services; new text end

new text begin (6) recreational activities; new text end

new text begin (7) advocacy and referral services; new text end

new text begin (8) independent living skills training; new text end

new text begin (9) aftercare and follow-up services; new text end

new text begin (10) transportation; and new text end

new text begin (11) homelessness prevention. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Supportive housing and transitional living programs. new text end

new text begin Transitional living programs must help homeless youth and youth at risk of homelessness to find and maintain safe, dignified housing. The program may also provide rental assistance and related supportive services, or refer youth to other organizations or agencies that provide such services. Services provided may include, but are not limited to: new text end

new text begin (1) educational assessment and referrals to educational programs; new text end

new text begin (2) career planning, employment, work skill training, and independent living skills training; new text end

new text begin (3) job placement; new text end

new text begin (4) budgeting and money management; new text end

new text begin (5) assistance in securing housing appropriate to needs and income; new text end

new text begin (6) counseling regarding violence, prostitution, substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy; new text end

new text begin (7) referral for medical services or chemical dependency treatment; new text end

new text begin (8) parenting skills; new text end

new text begin (9) self-sufficiency support services or life skill training; new text end

new text begin (10) aftercare and follow-up services; and new text end

new text begin (11) homelessness prevention. new text end

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 626.556, subdivision 3c, is amended to read:

Subd. 3c.

deleted text begin Agencydeleted text end new text begin Local welfare agency, Department of Human Services or Department of Healthnew text end responsible for assessing or investigating reports of maltreatment.

deleted text begin The following agencies are the administrative agencies responsible for assessing or investigating reports of alleged child maltreatment in facilities made under this section: deleted text end

deleted text begin (1)deleted text end new text begin (a) new text end The county local welfare agency is the agency responsible for assessing or investigating allegations of maltreatment in child foster care, family child care, and legally unlicensed child care and in juvenile correctional facilities licensed under section 241.021 located in the local welfare agency's countydeleted text begin ;deleted text end new text begin .new text end

deleted text begin (2)deleted text end new text begin (b) new text end The Department of Human Services is the agency responsible for assessing or investigating allegations of maltreatment in facilities licensed under chapters 245A and 245B, except for child foster care and family child caredeleted text begin ; anddeleted text end new text begin .new text end

deleted text begin (3)deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end The Department of Health is the agency responsible for assessing or investigating allegations of child maltreatment in facilities licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.58, and in unlicensed home health care.

new text begin (d) The commissioners of human services, public safety, and education must jointly submit a written report by January 15, 2007, to the education policy and finance committees of the legislature recommending the most efficient and effective allocation of agency responsibility for assessing or investigating reports of maltreatment and must specifically address allegations of maltreatment that currently are not the responsibility of a designated agency.new text end

Sec. 15.

Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 4, article 8, section 84, is amended to read:

Sec. 84.

SOLE-SOURCE OR SINGLE-PLAN MANAGED CARE CONTRACT.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.692, subdivision 6, new text begin clause (1), paragraph (c), new text end the commissioner of human services shall deleted text begin not rejectdeleted text end new text begin approve new text end a county-based purchasing health plan proposalnew text begin , submitted on behalf of Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena Counties, new text end that requires county-based purchasing on a deleted text begin sole-source ordeleted text end single-plan basis new text begin contract new text end if the implementation of the deleted text begin sole-source ordeleted text end single-plan purchasing proposal does not limit an enrollee's provider choice or access to servicesnew text begin and all other requirements applicable to health plan purchasing are satisfiednew text end . deleted text begin The commissioner shall request federal approval, if necessary, to permit or maintain a sole-source or single-plan purchasing option even if choice is available in the area.deleted text end new text begin The commissioner shall continue single health plan purchasing arrangements with county-based purchasing entities in the service areas in existence on May 1, 2006, including arrangements for which a proposal was submitted by May 1, 2006, on behalf of Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena Counties, in response to a request for proposals issued by the commissioner.new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall consider, and may approve, contracting on a single-health plan basis with county-based purchasing plans, or with other qualified health plans that have coordination arrangements with counties, to serve persons with a disability who voluntarily enroll, in order to promote better coordination or integration of health care services, social services and other community-based services, provided that all requirements applicable to health plan purchasing, including those in Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.69, subdivision 23, are satisfied. By January 15, 2007, the commissioner shall report to the chairs of the appropriate legislative committees in the house and senate an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of using single-health plan purchasing to serve persons with a disability who are eligible for health care programs. The report shall include consideration of the impact of federal health care programs and policies for persons who are eligible for both federal and state health care programs and shall consider strategies to improve coordination between federal and state health care programs for those persons. new text end

Sec. 16.

new text begin RAMSEY COUNTY CHILD CARE PILOT PROJECT. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Authorization for pilot project. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of human services shall approve a pilot project in Ramsey County that will help teen parents remain in school and complete the student's education while providing child care assistance for the student's child. The pilot project shall increase coordination between services from the Minnesota family investment program, the child care assistance program, and area public schools with the goal of removing barriers that prevent teen parents from pursuing educational goals. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Program design and implementation. new text end

new text begin The Ramsey County child care pilot project shall be established to improve the coordination of services to teen parents. The pilot project shall: new text end

new text begin (1) provide a streamlined process for sharing information between the Minnesota family investment program under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 256J, the child care assistance program under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 119B, and public schools in Ramsey County; new text end

new text begin (2) determine eligibility for child care assistance using the teen parent's eligibility for reduced-cost or free school lunches in place of income verification; and new text end

new text begin (3) waive the child care parent fee under Minnesota Statutes, section 119B.12, subdivision 2, for teen parents whose income is below poverty level and whose children attend school-based child care centers. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Costs. new text end

new text begin Increased costs incurred under this section shall not increase the basic sliding fee appropriation and shall not affect funds available for distribution under Minnesota Statutes, sections 119B.06 and 119B.08. new text end

Presented to the governor May 22, 2006

Signed by the governor June 1, 2006, 9:35 p.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes