This bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes concerning human services, particularly focusing on children's licensing within the Department of Human Services. It introduces new definitions and requirements for licensing data, including the addition of certification holders and email addresses (excluding family child foster care) in public data. A new subdivision mandates annual program evaluations for family child foster care using electronic licensing inspection checklists. The bill also modifies adoption agency requirements by replacing the need for a certified audit with a financial review by an accountant. Additionally, it emphasizes alternative regulatory methods, requires licensed child-placing agencies to have designated personnel for casework oversight, and includes provisions for the use of reusable water bottles in licensed child care centers.

Further amendments address child care centers' operational requirements, including the development of risk reduction plans and clarifications on age group definitions. The bill establishes new background study requirements for individuals affiliated with child care programs and ensures confidentiality for reporters of suspected fraudulent activity. It also outlines a process for conditional orders related to violations, allowing the commissioner to issue correction orders through the provider licensing and reporting hub. Staffing requirements, group size limits, and training mandates for child care centers are clarified, ensuring all staff complete child development training before unsupervised contact with children. The effective dates for these changes are set between July 1, 2024, and October 1, 2024, indicating a phased implementation of the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 245A.04, 245A.09, 245A.16, 245A.66, 245E.08, 245H.01, 245H.08, 245H.14, 260E.30
1st Engrossment: 245A.04, 245A.09, 245A.14, 245A.16, 245A.52, 245A.66, 245E.08, 245H.01, 245H.08, 245H.14, 260E.30
2nd Engrossment: 245A.04, 245A.09, 245A.14, 245A.16, 245A.52, 245A.66, 245C.08, 245E.08, 245H.01, 245H.08, 245H.14, 260E.30