This bill amends the Northstar Care for Children program in Minnesota, specifically addressing benefits for children under the age of six and those transferred into the program. It establishes that children entering components of Northstar Care while under six years old must receive 50% of the benefits they would otherwise 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 amount. The bill also modifies the state share of payments related to Northstar Care, ensuring that the costs associated with eliminating alternate rates for preschool entry into kinship or adoption assistance are included.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the commissioner must calculate the state and local shares of maintenance payments based on historical expenditure trends, while also considering the costs of eliminating the alternate rates for preschool entry. The language changes throughout the bill emphasize the requirement for the commissioner to act, replacing "shall" with "must," which strengthens the obligations outlined in the law. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the support provided to young children in the Northstar Care system while ensuring equitable financial contributions from the state and local agencies.

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