This bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes to enhance the governance and oversight of child welfare and related services, particularly through the establishment of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Key changes include the addition of the commissioner of children, youth, and families to the state Indian Affairs Council and the expansion of definitions for "licensing agency" and "investigative data" to include this commissioner alongside the commissioner of human services. The bill also clarifies data handling procedures, ensuring confidentiality while allowing for necessary data sharing between the Departments of Human Services and Children, Youth, and Families to improve regulatory oversight.

Further amendments focus on improving the rights and protections for caregivers and youth, mandating written termination notices for maintenance payments, and establishing safety standards for family day care providers. The bill promotes collaborative efforts among state departments to enhance early preventive health initiatives and introduces provisions for background checks for guardians ad litem. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of school districts regarding the education of children with disabilities and emphasizes the need for active efforts to preserve family connections in the placement of Indian children. Overall, the bill aims to streamline processes, enhance accountability, and ensure the safety and well-being of children and families in Minnesota.

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