1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to human services; requiring the commissioner of human services to 
1.3 	grant licenses to certain programs for youth with disabilities; requiring the 
1.4 	commissioner to recommend modifications to existing licensure standards; 
1.5 	requiring reports.
1.6 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.7 	Section 1. LICENSURE; SERVICES FOR YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES.
 1.8 	(a) Notwithstanding the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 245A, upon the 
1.9 	recommendation of a county agency, the commissioner of human services shall grant a 
1.10 	license with any necessary variances to a nonresidential program for youth which provides 
1.11 	services to youth with disabilities under age 21 during nonschool hours established 
1.12 	to ensure health and safety, prevent out-of-home placement, and increase community 
1.13 	inclusion of youth with disabilities. The nonresidential youth program is subject to the 
1.14 	conditions of any variances granted and with consumer rights under Minnesota Statutes, 
1.15 	section 245B.04, consumer protection standards under Minnesota Statutes, section 
1.16 	245B.05, service standards under Minnesota Statutes, section 245B.06, management 
1.17 	standards under Minnesota Statutes, section 245B.07, and fire marshal inspections under 
1.18 	Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.151, until the commissioner develops other licensure 
1.19 	requirements for this type of program.
1.20 	(b) By February 1, 2008, the commissioner shall recommend amendments to 
1.21 	licensure requirements in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 245A, to allow licensure of 
1.22 	appropriate services for school-age youth with disabilities under age 21 who need 
1.23 	supervision and services to develop skills necessary to maintain personal safety and 
1.24 	increase their independence, productivity, and participation in their communities during 
1.25 	nonschool hours. As part of developing the recommendations, the commissioner shall 
2.1 	survey county agencies to determine how the needs of youth with disabilities under age 21 
2.2 	who require supervision and support services are being met and the funding sources used. 
2.3 	The recommendations must be provided to the house and senate chairs of the committees 
2.4 	with jurisdiction over licensing of programs for youth with disabilities.