HF2037

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to restructure the governance of state-operated direct care and treatment services in Minnesota by establishing a new Department of Direct Care and Treatment, headed by a commissioner. This bill aims to improve the management and operation of these services by transitioning powers and duties from the current executive board to a single commissioner.

Main Provisions

• Establishment of Department: A new Department of Direct Care and Treatment is created, with the commissioner as its head, responsible for the overall management and coordination of state-operated care and treatment services.
• Elimination of Executive Board: The bill repeals the existing Direct Care and Treatment Executive Board and transfers its responsibilities to the commissioner.
• Transfer of Authority: Effective July 1, 2025, all authority and responsibility for the care and custody of civilly committed persons will transfer from the commissioner of human services to the new commissioner of direct care and treatment.
• Advisory Committee: An advisory committee will be established to provide stakeholders, including state legislators and affected communities, an opportunity to advise the commissioner on the department’s operations and management.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Repeal of Existing Statutes: Several sections of Minnesota Statutes related to the functioning and duties of the direct care executive board are repealed, consolidating authority under the new Department.
• Custody Transfers: The bill allows for the transfer of custody of committed persons and operational control of state facilities from the Department of Human Services to the new department commissioner.
• Management Changes: The commissioner will have exclusive authority over the administration of all state hospitals and service programs for persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or substance use disorders.

Relevant Terms

direct care and treatment, commissioner, executive board, Department of Human Services, state-operated services, civil commitment, state hospitals, Minnesota statutes, advisory committee.