This bill introduces comprehensive amendments to various sections of Minnesota Statutes, focusing on enhancing human services, particularly for aging populations, individuals with disabilities, and those facing mental health and substance use challenges. Key provisions include the establishment of a task force to evaluate and recommend improvements to the disability waiver system, the introduction of new wage standards for nursing home workers, and the expansion of funding for senior nutrition programs. The bill also modifies the long-term services and supports loan program, allowing for ongoing applications and specifying eligibility criteria, while increasing the annual nursing home license surcharge significantly. Additionally, it mandates the inclusion of swimming lessons as a covered service under disability waivers for children at risk of drowning, and it introduces new definitions and requirements for recovery residences and certified community behavioral health clinics.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of compliance and oversight in service delivery, mandating background studies for providers and establishing new licensing fees for foster care and community residential settings. It also allocates funding for various community initiatives, including mental health services and workforce development, while ensuring that appropriations are managed effectively. The legislation aims to improve the quality of care and support for vulnerable populations, enhance financial sustainability for service providers, and ensure compliance with federal regulations, ultimately fostering a more responsive and accountable human services framework in Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 181.213, 256.4792, 256.9657, 256.9752, 256B.431, 256B.434, 256R.02, 256R.23, 256R.24, 256R.25, 256R.26, 256R.27, 256R.41, 256R.43, 256S.205, 179A.54, 245A.042, 245A.06, 245D.091, 252.32, 256.476, 256B.0659, 256B.0911, 256B.092, 256B.0924, 256B.49, 256B.4914, 256B.85, 256B.851, 256.01, 256B.766, 245.735, 245.91, 245F.08, 245G.01, 245G.02, 245G.07, 245G.11, 245G.22, 254A.19, 254B.01, 254B.02, 254B.03, 254B.04, 254B.05, 254B.052, 254B.09, 254B.19, 256.043, 256B.0625, 256B.0757, 256B.761, 256I.04, 325F.725, 254B.181, 246.54, 246C.07, 253B.10, 256G.08, 256G.09, 611.43, 245C.03, 245C.04, 245C.13, 245C.16, 256B.04, 256B.0949, 260E.14, 626.5572, 245C.10, 256B.051, 256B.0701, 256I.05, 144A.01, 144A.474, 144A.4799, 144G.08, 144G.31, 144G.52, 144G.54, 144G.55, 144.0724, 245A.03, 245A.04, 245A.043, 245A.10