Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this Minnesota legislative bill is to allocate funds specifically for enhancements to the Social Services Information System (SSIS), which supports child welfare casework.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill appropriates $40,000,000 from the state’s general fund for the fiscal year 2026.
• Usage of Funds: The funds are intended to support the development and implementation of a modernization plan or potential replacement for the existing SSIS.
• Collaboration Requirement: The improvements and developments must involve collaborative planning with counties and Tribal Nations that use the SSIS system, ensuring the changes are beneficial and supportive of child welfare operations.
• Restriction: The funding is strictly reserved for the modernization or replacement of SSIS and cannot be used for any other information technology systems within the Department of Human Services or the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

Significant Changes

• The bill introduces a specific financial commitment aimed at advancing the technological framework of the SSIS to better serve child welfare needs.
• It mandates a collaborative approach with local and tribal entities to ensure the system updates meet the practical needs of its users in the framework of child welfare.

Relevant Terms

Social Services Information System, SSIS, modernization plan, child welfare, counties, Tribal Nations, information technology improvements, Department of Human Services, Department of Children, Youth, and Families.