This bill proposes the establishment of the Office of Administrative Hearings as an independent agency within Minnesota's executive branch, transferring specific duties from the Department of Human Services. It introduces "human services judges" to the existing roles of administrative law judges and compensation judges, outlining the responsibilities of the chief administrative law judge, including the appointment and delegation of powers to judges, all of whom will adhere to the Code of Judicial Conduct. The bill also amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes to reflect these changes, streamlining the procedural rules governing hearings and clarifying the roles of judges involved in administrative hearings.

Additionally, the bill enhances the appeals process for human services matters by replacing references to the "department" with "human services" or "human services judge," ensuring a more efficient and timely response to appeals. It introduces provisions for caregivers and participants in fair hearings, allowing for the introduction of new evidence and requiring county agencies to reimburse reasonable expenses for appellants. The bill also modifies the process for conducting hearings, permitting telephone conferences and interactive video technology, and mandates that the commissioner of human services can issue temporary orders to stay proposed demissions from residential facilities. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, or upon notification that the Office of Administrative Hearings is ready to implement the changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 14.48, 14.49, 14.50, 14.51, 142A.20, 142G.02, 142G.45, 256.01, 256.045, 256.0451