This bill aims to enhance children's mental health services in Minnesota by directing the commissioner of human services to seek federal approval for various mental health initiatives. Key provisions include addressing funding gaps in children's residential facilities, establishing crisis stabilization facilities, and creating a legislative task force to develop licensing standards for these facilities. The bill also introduces a licensing requirement for facilities serving youth with sexual behavior concerns and mandates comprehensive financial studies to ensure effective implementation. Notably, it changes the terminology from "mental health" to "behavioral health" in the duties of county boards and introduces new requirements for mental health screenings for children in the juvenile justice system.

The bill establishes a task force focused on children's mental health services, which will include legislators, commissioners, county employees, and community representatives. This task force is required to meet monthly, invite public input, and submit a report with recommendations to legislative committees by January 15, 2027, after which it will expire on January 31, 2027. Members will receive a per diem, with community members compensated according to existing statutes. Additionally, the bill outlines initiatives to improve mental health services for children and juveniles, including updates on crisis stabilization benefits, a medical assistance reentry demonstration for detained juveniles, and a financial study of residential children's facilities, with appropriations allocated for various initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 245.4874, 245A.03