This bill amends several sections of Minnesota Statutes concerning children's mental health programs and nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT). Key changes include provisions that enable grant activities to assist families in accessing mental health services for caregiving. It mandates that NEMT providers offer assisted transport to clients aged 20 and younger who qualify for unassisted transport, unless declined by the client or their guardian. Additionally, the bill establishes new reimbursement rates for NEMT services for clients under 21, set at 125% of standard rates, and includes requirements for managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans to comply with operating standards for special transportation services, including fuel adjustments when fuel prices exceed $3 per gallon. The effective date for these changes is January 1, 2026.

Moreover, the bill introduces new definitions and service components related to children's therapeutic services and supports, including the definition of "transition to community living services," which focuses on maintaining contact between providers and clients, facilitating discharge from institutions, and supporting community integration. It updates the list of covered service components to include "children's day treatment" and "transition to community living services," while removing the previous standalone mention of children's day treatment. The bill also appropriates funds for school-linked behavioral health grants for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, aimed at enhancing access to mental health services for children in educational settings.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 245.4901, 256B.0625, 256B.0943