This bill proposes the transfer of specific responsibilities from the Department of Human Services to the newly established Office of Administrative Hearings, which will function as an independent agency within Minnesota's executive branch. Key amendments include the addition of human services judges to the Office, alongside administrative law judges and compensation judges. The bill outlines the chief administrative law judge's responsibilities, including the appointment of judges and the delegation of powers, while also amending various sections of Minnesota Statutes to reflect these changes. Notably, it replaces references to "state" judges with "human services judges" and clarifies their roles in hearings and appeals, streamlining the legal framework governing administrative hearings.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the processes surrounding fair hearings and appeals related to public assistance and health services. It specifies that fair hearings will be conducted by human services judges rather than the department and mandates that the commissioner or executive board request the assignment of a human services judge within ten days of a hearing request. The bill also revises the appeals process for disability determinations and prepaid health plans, ensuring timely processing and clear communication of rights to recipients. Additional provisions include the introduction of mediation services for case management appeals and a temporary order provision for staying proposed dismissions from residential facilities. The bill aims to improve the efficiency, transparency, and clarity of the appeals process within the human services system, with an effective date set for July 1, 2026, or upon notification of readiness from the Office of Administrative Hearings.

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