Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to improve child protection services in Minnesota by reducing paperwork associated with child protection cases. It also seeks to enhance the technology systems that manage these services.

Main Provisions

• Paperwork Reduction: The bill directs the Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to develop a plan to minimize the paperwork required in child protection cases. This plan must be prepared by January 15, 2026.

• Collaboration: The development of the paperwork reduction plan will involve collaboration with counties, local social service agencies, and consultation with Minnesota's Tribal governments.

• Implementation Plan: The plan should include proposed changes to current practices, a timeline for implementing these changes, and procedures for obtaining and incorporating feedback from relevant stakeholders, including counties and Tribal governments.

• Appropriation for System Improvements: The bill provides a one-time appropriation of $40,000,000 for the fiscal year 2026. This funding is intended to support improvements to the Social Services Information System.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill mandates active solicitation and incorporation of ongoing input from counties and Tribal governments to ensure that the changes in child protection services maximize benefits for all involved parties, including children in placement, foster care providers, Tribes, and private child-placing agencies.

Relevant Terms

• Child protection
• Paperwork reduction
• Social Services Information System
• Appropriation
• Tribal governments
• Foster care