This bill seeks to strengthen child protection measures in Minnesota by revising the structure and responsibilities of the child mortality review panel and introducing new review processes for child fatalities and near fatalities linked to maltreatment. Key provisions include the establishment of multidisciplinary local child mortality review teams in each county, which will collaborate with the state panel to conduct comprehensive reviews of critical incidents. The bill specifies the composition of the child mortality review panel, which will consist of various state commissioners, a judge, and other appointed experts. It also mandates that the panel and local teams produce detailed reports and recommendations aimed at enhancing child safety and well-being.

Additionally, the bill introduces a critical incident public information portal that will provide real-time updates on incidents involving children, including essential details such as the date of the incident, the child's age and sex, and the status of investigations. It requires the child mortality review panel to publish an annual report starting December 15, 2026, featuring de-identified data, conclusions, and recommendations for improving the child protection system. The bill also repeals certain outdated statutes and rules related to child mortality review panels, specifically Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256.01, subdivisions 12 and 12a, and Minnesota Rules, part 9560.0232, subpart 5. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256.01
1st Engrossment: 256.01