HF4453

Purpose

This bill changes how state funds for adult protection services are distributed to counties and to Tribal Nations that participate in vulnerable adult protection programs. It aims to tie funding more closely to how many reports and how many investigated or screened-in cases of vulnerable adult maltreatment are received in Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Applies to funds allocated under Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 256M.42, subdivision 1, and to Tribal Nations that voluntarily participate in vulnerable adult protection programs.
• Allocation formula (to counties and participating Tribal Nations):
  • After certain base amounts are distributed, 25% to 40% of the funds must go to the responsible agency based on the number of reports of suspected vulnerable adult maltreatment (under sections 626.557 and 626.5572), using the most recent data.
  • The remaining 60% to 75% must go to the responsible agency based on the number of screened-in reports for adult protective services or vulnerable adult maltreatment investigations (under sections 626.557 and 626.5572), using the most recent data.
• Minimum allocation:
  • The commissioner may require that no county receives less than a minimum allocation, as established by the commissioner.
• Tribal Nation requirements:
  • To receive money, a participating Tribal Nation must apply to the commissioner.
  • The commissioner must award $100,000 to each federally recognized Tribal Nation that has applied and has a Tribal resolution establishing a vulnerable adult protection program.
  • Funds awarded to a Tribal Nation must be used for its vulnerable adult protection program.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces a two-part funding formula that blends funding based on reports of suspected maltreatment with funding based on screened-in investigations.
• Adds a minimum funding floor for counties.
• Establishes a fixed grant amount ($100,000) for each federally recognized Tribal Nation that applies and has a qualifying Tribal resolution, ensuring Tribal Nations receive a baseline level of funding for vulnerable adult protection programs.

Practical Impact

• Counties and participating Tribal Nations may see funding shifts depending on local report and investigation activity.
• Counties have a guaranteed minimum funding, which could help stabilize budgeting.
• Federally recognized Tribal Nations that participate and apply will receive a defined base amount specifically for vulnerable adult protection.

Relevant Terms adult protection vulnerable adult maltreatment reports of suspected vulnerable adult maltreatment screened-in reports adult protective services vulnerable adult protection program 626.557 626.5572 Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 256M.42 subdivision 1 commissioner (state funding authority) county board Tribal Nations Tribal resolution federally recognized Tribal Nation minimum allocation applies and participates in vulnerable adult protection program