The bill establishes a comprehensive child fatality and near-fatality review process in Minnesota, amending Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 256.01, subdivision 12b, to include reviews of child fatalities and near fatalities in licensed facilities. It introduces new coding in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 260E, to create local child mortality review teams and a state-level child mortality review panel, which will analyze incidents of child maltreatment, identify systemic issues, and recommend improvements for child safety. The bill also mandates annual public reports from the commissioner detailing reviewed cases, identified themes, and recommendations for systemic changes, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Additionally, the bill establishes a Child Mortality Review Panel and a Supreme Court Council on Child Protection, with the panel required to publish an annual report starting December 15, 2026, containing de-identified data and recommendations for enhancing the child protection system. The commissioner is tasked with providing training and support to local review teams. The bill appropriates $800,000 from the general fund for the Council's establishment and administration, with funds available until June 30, 2026, and it also repeals certain existing statutes related to child mortality review processes to streamline the framework.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 13.46
1st Engrossment: 256.01