Purpose

• Create a state diaper distribution grant program to provide diapers and wipes to underresourced families statewide.
• Establish a sole-source grant to the Diaper Bank of Minnesota to carry out diaper distribution.
• Promote equitable access to diaper resources and support statewide awareness and advocacy on diaper need.

Main Provisions

• Establishment of the program

  • The commissioner of children, youth, and families must establish a diaper distribution grant program.
  • A sole-source grant will be granted to the Diaper Bank of Minnesota to provide diapers statewide.

• Eligibility

  • The Diaper Bank of Minnesota must prove it can distribute diapers across the state.
  • Demonstrate a network of well-established partners for diaper distribution.
  • Show the infrastructure needed to procure and distribute diapers efficiently.
  • Maintain connections with national organizations that support the work.
  • Build community awareness about diaper need and advocate at local, state, and federal levels.
  • Commit to working with organizations across different political and ideological viewpoints.
  • Demonstrate ability to address diaper need from birth through early childhood.
  • Implement an equity framework to ensure access via culturally specific services or in communities with high poverty.

• Application

  • The Diaper Bank of Minnesota must apply using forms and timelines set by the commissioner.

• Eligible uses of grant money

  • Grant funds must be used to purchase diapers and wipes.
  • Up to 10% of the grant may be used for administrative costs.

• Enforcement and oversight

  • Grantees must keep records of how the money is spent.
  • Grantees must report to the commissioner on how the money is used.
  • Grantees must comply with additional requirements set by the commissioner.
  • The commissioner can require an independent audit in the reporting process.

Relationship to Existing Law

• The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 142A.42 to add and define the Diaper Distribution Grant Program and the role of the Diaper Bank of Minnesota in statewide diaper provision.

Significant Changes to Law

• Introduction of a statewide diaper distribution grant mechanism.
• Creation of a sole-source grant to a specific nonprofit (Diaper Bank of Minnesota) alongside the broader grant framework.
• Formalized eligibility criteria emphasizing statewide capacity, partnerships, infrastructure, national ties, community advocacy, cross-ideological collaboration, early childhood focus, and an equity framework.
• Specific allowance for administrative costs up to 10% of grant funds and mandatory financial reporting with potential independent audits.

Implementation Considerations

• The combination of a competitive grant process (for eligible applicants) and a sole-source grant (to the Diaper Bank of Minnesota) requires clear guidance to ensure transparency and appropriate oversight.
• Ongoing application timelines and reporting requirements will shape how quickly and effectively diapers reach families statewide.

Summary of Key Intent

• Expand and fund a statewide diaper distribution program.
• Ensure diaper access for underresourced families from birth onward.
• Center equity and culturally competent service delivery.
• Establish rigorous oversight and accountability for how grant funds are used.

Relevant Terms diaper distribution grant program; Diaper Bank of Minnesota; diaper need; underresourced families; statewide distribution; birth through early childhood; equity framework; culturally specific services; networks of partners; infrastructure; procurement and distribution; national organizations; community awareness; advocate; competitive grants; sole-source grant; administrative costs; independent audit; records; reporting; commissioner.