This bill amends various sections of the Minnesota Statutes to integrate the newly established Department of Children, Youth, and Families into existing legal frameworks, enhancing the oversight and regulation of services related to vulnerable populations, particularly children and youth. Key amendments include the addition of the commissioner of children, youth, and families to the state Indian Affairs Council and the expansion of the definition of "licensing agency" to include this commissioner. The bill also clarifies the sharing of information between the Department of Human Services and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, ensuring effective collaboration in regulatory roles. Additionally, it introduces 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 safety standards for children.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a human services risk pool fund to support licensed foster homes and care providers, ensuring adequate coverage in the absence of commercial liability insurance. It mandates background checks for guardians ad litem and updates regulations regarding the social welfare fund, ensuring funds are managed collaboratively by both departments. The bill also emphasizes the need for active efforts to preserve family connections in the placement of Indian children and outlines the responsibilities of service delivery authorities and local governments in managing public assistance programs. Overall, these amendments aim to streamline processes, improve inter-agency collaboration, and enhance the protection and welfare 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