This bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes to enhance the governance and oversight of child welfare and public assistance programs, 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 related to "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 introduces collaborative efforts among state departments to promote early preventive health initiatives and enhances the oversight of child care facilities and maltreatment investigations. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of service delivery authorities and local governments in managing public assistance programs, ensuring that employees remain represented by existing collective bargaining agreements. 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