The bill modifies the Northstar Care for Children benefits specifically for children under the age of six and those transferred into the program. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 142A.609 and 142A.611, to establish new requirements for financial assistance. Notably, children entering Northstar Care while under six years old will receive 50 percent 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. Additionally, the bill eliminates alternate rates for preschool entry into kinship assistance or adoption assistance.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes that the commissioner must ensure that state and local shares of maintenance payments are calculated based on historical expenditure trends, including the costs associated with the changes made by this bill. The language changes throughout the bill replace "shall" with "must," indicating a stronger obligation for compliance. The adjustments aim to align the financial responsibilities of the state and local agencies with the new provisions, ensuring that the costs of the Northstar Care for Children program are managed effectively.

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