This bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes to enhance the structure and responsibilities of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families and the Department of Human Services, following a recodification in 2024. Key changes include the explicit inclusion of the commissioner of children, youth, and families in the state Indian Affairs Council and updates to the definitions and responsibilities of licensing agencies. The bill also clarifies the confidentiality and disclosure of investigative data, allowing for data sharing between the two departments to improve collaboration in safeguarding children and families. Additionally, it introduces new provisions for caregiver payments, swimming pool safety in family day care settings, and early dental care initiatives, emphasizing the importance of written termination notices for caregivers and parental consent for pool use.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a human services risk pool fund to provide insurance coverage for foster home providers and mandates that the board notify relevant commissioners regarding substantiated maltreatment cases. It also modifies background study requirements for guardians ad litem and other individuals affiliated with licensed programs, ensuring comprehensive checks are conducted. The amendments aim to streamline processes, enhance accountability, and improve the safety and welfare of children and families in Minnesota by fostering collaboration among various state agencies and clarifying the roles and responsibilities within the human services system.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 3.922, 13.41, 13.46, 13.598, 14.03, 116L.881, 125A.15, 125A.744, 127A.11, 127A.70, 142A.607, 142A.609, 142B.41, 144.061, 144.225, 145.895, 145.901, 145.9255, 145.9265, 174.285, 214.104, 216C.266, 241.021, 242.09, 242.21, 242.32, 245.697, 245.814, 245C.02, 245C.031, 245C.033, 245C.05, 245C.07, 256.88, 256.89, 256.90, 256.91, 256.92, 256G.01, 256G.03, 256G.04, 256G.09, 256G.10, 256G.11, 256G.12, 260.762, 260B.171, 260E.03, 260E.11, 260E.30, 260E.33, 261.232, 270B.14, 299C.76, 299F.011, 402A.10, 402A.12, 402A.16, 402A.18, 402A.35, 462A.2095, 466.131, 518.165, 524.5, 595.02, 626.5533
1st Engrossment: 3.922, 13.41, 13.46, 13.598, 14.03, 116L.881, 125A.15, 125A.744, 127A.11, 127A.70, 142A.607, 142A.609, 142B.41, 144.061, 144.225, 145.895, 145.901, 145.9255, 145.9265, 174.285, 214.104, 216C.266, 241.021, 242.09, 242.21, 242.32, 245.697, 245.814, 245C.02, 245C.031, 245C.033, 245C.05, 245C.07, 256.88, 256.89, 256.90, 256.91, 256.92, 256G.01, 256G.03, 256G.04, 256G.09, 256G.10, 256G.11, 256G.12, 260.762, 260B.171, 260E.03, 260E.11, 260E.30, 260E.33, 261.232, 270B.14, 299C.76, 299F.011, 402A.10, 402A.12, 402A.16, 402A.18, 402A.35, 462A.2095, 466.131, 518.165, 524.5, 595.02, 626.5533