This bill seeks to enhance community first services and supports (CFSS) in Minnesota by modifying reimbursement rates, increasing budgets for consumer-directed community supports, and establishing the Minnesota Caregiver Defined Contribution Retirement Fund Trust. A new subdivision is added to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 179A.54, allowing the state and an exclusive representative to create a joint trust for retirement plans for direct support service providers, with the state contributing financially to this trust. The bill also introduces enhanced reimbursement rates for personal care assistance services and CFSS, increasing the rates to 112.5% effective January 1, 2026, or upon federal approval.

Additionally, the bill amends several sections of Minnesota Statutes to reflect changes in service budgets for budget model participants and requirements for support workers, with the service budget based on assessed units and payment methodologies effective January 1, 2026. It establishes new worker retention percentages based on cumulative hours worked and includes provisions for increasing consumer-directed community support budgets and implementing stipend payments for members of the SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa bargaining unit, ensuring these stipends are not counted as income for eligibility in various assistance programs. The bill also appropriates funds for various initiatives, including stipends for health insurance costs and training, with most provisions effective January 1, 2026, or upon federal approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 179A.54, 256B.0659, 256B.85, 256B.851
1st Engrossment: 179A.54, 256B.0659, 256B.85, 256B.851