This bill proposes significant amendments to various provisions concerning disability services, aging services, and substance use disorder services in Minnesota. Key changes include the amendment of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services Act, the phasing out of subminimum wages for individuals with disabilities, and the expansion of blood-borne pathogen provisions to cover all state-operated treatment programs. The legislation aims to streamline regulations for assisted living facilities, particularly those with a licensed capacity of six or fewer, by exempting them from certain rental licensing regulations. Additionally, it introduces new requirements for assessments and service planning, emphasizing timely evaluations and the involvement of support teams in service delivery. Notably, the bill removes provisions that allowed for more restrictive zoning regulations on residential programs for individuals with disabilities and modifies staff qualifications for direct support services to ensure competency verification.

Further amendments enhance the Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) program, establishing a person-centered planning process and requiring detailed service delivery plans that reflect participants' needs. The bill also introduces new definitions and standards for culturally and linguistically affirmative services, particularly for individuals who are deaf, deafblind, or hard-of-hearing. In the realm of substance use disorder services, the bill expands eligible services for reimbursement, introduces new educational requirements for clients with opioid use issues, and establishes comprehensive assessment requirements. It also mandates that sober homes maintain specific policies and supplies related to opioid use disorder treatment. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve the quality of care and support for individuals with disabilities and those in need of aging and substance use disorder services while promoting inclusivity and reducing regulatory burdens.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 177.24, 245D.10, 245F.02, 245F.08, 245F.15, 245G.04, 252.44, 256B.0759, 256B.0911, 256B.4905, 256C.21, 256C.23, 256C.233, 256C.24, 256C.26, 256C.261
1st Engrossment: 144G.45, 245A.11, 245D.071, 245D.081, 245D.09, 245D.10, 256B.0911, 256B.092, 256B.49, 256B.4905, 256B.85, 256C.21, 256C.23, 256C.233, 256C.24, 256C.26, 256C.261, 256C.28, 177.24, 252.44, 256.975, 256B.69, 256R.08, 256R.18, 245F.02, 245F.08, 245F.15, 245G.04, 245G.22, 256B.0759, 246.71, 246.711, 246.712, 246.713, 246.714, 246.715, 246.716, 246.717, 246.72, 246.721, 246.722, 254A.03, 402A.16
2nd Engrossment: 144G.45, 245A.11, 245D.071, 245D.081, 245D.09, 245D.10, 256B.0911, 256B.092, 256B.49, 256B.4905, 256B.85, 256C.21, 256C.23, 256C.233, 256C.24, 256C.26, 256C.261, 256C.28, 177.24, 252.44, 256.975, 256B.69, 256R.08, 256R.18, 245F.02, 245F.08, 245F.15, 245G.04, 245G.22, 254B.03, 254B.05, 254B.12, 256B.0759, 246.71, 246.711, 246.712, 246.713, 246.714, 246.715, 246.716, 246.717, 246.72, 246.721, 246.722, 254A.03, 402A.16