1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to human services; requiring a study on why traditional two-parent 
1.3 	families are disproportionately underrepresented in Minnesota's social services 
1.4 	programs.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. STUDY OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE OUTCOMES FOR 
1.7 	TRADITIONAL TWO-PARENT FAMILIES.
 1.8 	(a) The commissioner of human services, in consultation with the commissioners of 
1.9 	commerce and health, shall study why traditional two-parent families, especially families 
1.10 	with children, are disproportionately underrepresented in Minnesota's social services 
1.11 	programs, including but not limited to MFIP, general assistance, MinnesotaCare, and 
1.12 	MNsure. The commissioner shall report findings and make legislative recommendations 
1.13 	on the following:
1.14 	(1) barriers to traditional two-parent families to access social services programs;
1.15 	(2) specific ways social services programs can support traditional two-parent families;
1.16 	(3) methods by which local social service agencies can provide support to traditional 
1.17 	two-parent families;
1.18 	(4) incentives for social service recipients to transition out of social services 
1.19 	programs;
1.20 	(5) the development of programs that support traditional two-parent families;
1.21 	(6) the development of programs that reduce the need for social service programs;
1.22 	(7) area-specific pilot programs to support traditional two-parent families; and
1.23 	(8) federal waivers identified as necessary to implement any recommendation.
2.1 	(b) The commissioner shall submit the report and recommended legislation to 
2.2 	the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate 
2.3 	committees with jurisdiction over health and human services policy by January 15, 2017.