This bill amends the Northstar Care for Children program in Minnesota, specifically focusing on benefits for children under the age of six and those transitioning into the program. It introduces new provisions that require children who enter Northstar Care components while under six years old to receive 50% of the benefits they would typically be entitled to, unless they are in the care of a relative or placed according to specific preferences, in which case they will receive the full benefits. The bill also modifies the language regarding the state's financial responsibilities, ensuring that the state share includes costs associated with eliminating the alternate rates for preschool entry into kinship or adoption assistance.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the commissioner must calculate state and local shares of maintenance payments based on historical expenditure trends, while also considering the costs of the changes made by this legislation. The adjustments aim to ensure that expenditures for state and local assistance reflect the financial implications of the Northstar Care for Children program, particularly in relation to the new provisions regarding preschool entry and kinship assistance. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance support for young children in the Northstar Care system while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 142A.609, 142A.611