This bill proposes significant amendments to various provisions in Minnesota Statutes concerning economic assistance, child protection, early care and learning, and licensing. A notable change is the introduction of a new subdivision in section 142A.03, which exempts the commissioner from contract term limits for public benefits issued through an electronic benefit transfer system, allowing contracts to extend up to ten years. The bill also clarifies the definition of "individual who is related" in foster care contexts, requiring that related individuals must be licensed to provide foster care. Additionally, it establishes the African American Child and Family Well-Being Advisory Council to improve child welfare outcomes for African American children and mandates training for foster care providers on critical issues such as sudden unexpected infant death and abusive head trauma.

Further amendments focus on enhancing the child welfare system by emphasizing the importance of a child's heritage in juvenile protection proceedings and modifying the petition process for children in need of protection. The bill introduces new requirements for courts to consider a child's cultural background when making foster care placements and mandates timely filing of out-of-home placement plans by social services agencies. It also establishes a diaper distribution program to support under-resourced families and outlines new requirements for child care centers, including the installation of video security cameras. Overall, the bill aims to improve the welfare and support systems for children and families in Minnesota, particularly those from underrepresented communities, while ensuring transparency and accountability in child care services.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 127A.41, 127A.45, 142A.03, 142D.08, 142D.093, 142D.11, 260.810, 260.821, 142D.21, 142D.31, 142E.03, 142E.11, 142E.13, 142E.15, 142E.16
1st Engrossment: 142A.03, 142B.01, 142B.05, 142B.47, 142B.51, 142B.80, 245C.02, 260.65, 260.66, 260.691, 260.692, 260C.001, 260C.007, 260C.141, 260C.150, 260C.178, 260C.201, 260C.202, 260C.204, 260C.212, 260C.221, 260C.223, 260C.329, 260C.451, 260C.452, 260E.03, 260E.065, 260E.09, 260E.20, 260E.24, 260.810, 260.821, 518.68, 518A.34, 518A.46, 518A.75, 142A.42, 142D.21, 142B.18, 142D.23, 142D.31, 142E.03, 142E.11, 142E.13, 142E.15, 142E.16, 142E.17, 245.0962, 142B.10, 142B.16, 142B.171, 142B.30, 142B.41, 142B.65, 142B.66, 142B.70, 142C.06, 142C.11, 142C.12, 245A.18