This bill, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, establishes new program integrity requirements for the state's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and directs the Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to implement an electronic recordkeeping system for child care enrollment.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Enhancing Program Integrity:

   • Introduces new requirements to ensure the proper use of Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funds.
   • Directs the commissioner to strengthen fraud detection, prevention, and investigation efforts related to CCAP.
   • Requires the annual publication of a report detailing actions taken to prevent fraud and ensure compliance.

2. Electronic Recordkeeping System:

   • Directs the commissioner to create an electronic enrollment system for child care providers.
   • Establishes data classification policies for video footage and other records collected in child care facilities.

3. Administrative Duties & Oversight:

   • Amends duties of the commissioner to ensure state and federal compliance.
   • Requires biennial reports to the state legislature, detailing program objectives and performance measures.
   • Promotes coordination among agencies, Tribal Nations, and local governments for child welfare programs.

4. Accountability for Local Agencies:

   • Requires county agencies to comply with financial and statistical reporting deadlines.
   • Establishes penalties for noncompliance, such as withholding of state funds.
   • Ensures counties cannot reduce benefits or services to families due to state-imposed financial penalties.

5. Federal Compliance & Funding:

   • Enables the commissioner to apply for federal grants and funding to support child care and family assistance programs.
   • Establishes mechanisms for allocation of federal fiscal disallowances or sanctions to counties based on performance.

6. Interagency Coordination:

   • Ensures close collaboration between the Department of Children, Youth, and Families and the Department of Human Services.
   • Supports streamlined and simplified access to early learning, child welfare, and social assistance programs.

Appropriations:

• The bill appropriates funds to implement the new electronic recordkeeping system and fraud prevention measures.

Overall Goal:

This bill aims to improve transparency and accountability in Minnesota’s child care assistance programs, prevent fraud, and streamline the enrollment process for child care providers while ensuring local and state agencies meet compliance and reporting requirements.

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