The bill establishes the Department of Direct Care and Treatment in Minnesota, replacing the previous executive board structure with a commissioner-led department. It amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes to insert the Department of Direct Care and Treatment into definitions and designations of state departments while deleting references to the executive board. The bill also transfers responsibilities for civilly committed individuals from the commissioner of human services to the new commissioner of direct care and treatment, effective July 1, 2025. Additionally, it creates the Advisory Council on Direct Care and Treatment, which will consist of up to 15 members from diverse backgrounds and is tasked with providing guidance to the commissioner, with its first meeting required by September 15, 2025.

Furthermore, the bill outlines significant changes to the governance and operational structure of the department, including the appointment process for the chief executive officer, who will now be appointed by the commissioner rather than the executive board. The bill also establishes various accounts for facilities management and appropriates funds for maintenance and development projects. It clarifies the roles of the commissioners of direct care and treatment and human services, streamlining decision-making processes and enhancing accountability. Overall, the bill aims to improve the operational efficiency of mental health services in Minnesota, ensuring that the needs of individuals receiving care are prioritized while enhancing the department's effectiveness in delivering care.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 10.65, 15.01, 15.06, 246C.01, 246C.015, 246C.02, 246C.04, 246C.07, 246C.09, 246C.091, 15A.0815, 15A.082, 43A.08, 245.021, 245.073, 246.13, 246B.01, 252.021, 252.50, 253.195, 253B.02, 253B.03, 253B.041, 253B.09, 253B.18, 253B.19, 253B.20, 253D.02, 254B.05, 256.045, 256G.09, 352.91, 524.3, 611.57
1st Engrossment: 10.65, 15.01, 15.06, 246C.01, 246C.015, 246C.02, 246C.04, 246C.07, 246C.09, 246C.091, 15A.0815, 15A.082, 43A.08, 245.021, 245.073, 246.13, 246B.01, 252.021, 252.50, 253.195, 253B.02, 253B.03, 253B.041, 253B.09, 253B.18, 253B.19, 253B.20, 253D.02, 254B.05, 256.045, 256G.09, 352.91, 524.3, 611.57
2nd Engrossment: 10.65, 15.01, 15.06, 43A.241, 246C.01, 246C.015, 246C.02, 246C.04, 246C.07, 246C.08, 246C.09, 246C.091, 15A.0815, 15A.082, 43A.08, 245.021, 245.073, 246.13, 246B.01, 252.021, 252.50, 253.195, 253B.02, 253B.03, 253B.041, 253B.09, 253B.18, 253B.19, 253B.20, 253D.02, 254B.05, 256.045, 256G.09, 352.91, 524.3, 611.57