SF2575

SF2575 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Department of Human Services duties transferred to the Office of Administrative Hearings provision

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify the administrative structure of state hearings in Minnesota by transferring specific duties from the Department of Human Services (DHS) to the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). This structural change is intended to improve the management of administrative hearings and decisions regarding human services issues.

Main Provisions

Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH): The OAH will now handle certain hearings and appeals previously managed by the DHS.
Chief Administrative Law Judge: The Chief Judge of the OAH, appointed by the governor, will oversee these hearings, delegating cases as needed to other judges, including human services judges.
Human Services Judges: These judges will be tasked with conducting fair hearings related to public assistance, medical care, and related disputes.
Procedural Changes: The bill outlines how hearings will be conducted, specifying that they are not contested cases under chapter 14 unless stated otherwise. It provides guidelines on issuing subpoenas and scheduling hearings.
Transfer of Duties: The bill transfers specific responsibilities from DHS to the OAH, such as the assignment of human services judges for hearings.
Appeals Process: The bill details an appeals process for individuals aggrieved by decisions within the purview of human services, including protocols for requesting emergency assistance reviews.

Significant Changes to Existing Laws

Amendments to Statutes: Multiple sections within the Minnesota Statutes are amended, primarily those relating to administrative hearings, defining new roles, and setting new procedures.
Repeal of Sections: The bill repeals certain existing sections of the Minnesota Statutes deemed outdated or redundant due to the restructuring.
Appointment and Jurisdiction: Changes in the appointment criteria and jurisdictional reach of administrative law and human services judges.

Relevant Terms

Administrative Hearings
Chief Administrative Law Judge
Human Services Judges
Department of Human Services (DHS)
Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH)
Fair Hearings
Subpoenas
Public Assistance and Medical Care Appeals
Judicial Review

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 16, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
March 16, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	State and Local Government

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section relates to the restructuring of the Office of Administrative Hearings, detailing the appointment and duties of the chief administrative law judge.",
      "modified": [
        "Amends the structure under which administrative law judges are appointed and their responsibilities."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "14.48"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section outlines the provisions for appointing temporary administrative law judges.",
      "modified": [
        "Expands the conditions under which temporary administrative and compensation judges can be appointed."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "14.49"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section outlines the general provisions governing hearings before administrative law judges.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts the procedural requirements for hearings, specifying roles of different types of judges."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "14.50"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section mandates the procedural rules for hearings conducted by the Office of Administrative Hearings.",
      "modified": [
        "Bundles procedural rules relating to hearings, mediation sessions, and rule review."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "14.51"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Governs the process for appeals of orders by the commissioner of children, youth, and families.",
      "modified": [
        "Allows appeals processes and commissioners' reviews of county agency decisions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "142A.20"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Provides the definition of 'Fair hearing' or 'hearing' for the purpose of the services covered under section 142G.45.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the scope and application of fair hearings."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "142G.02"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section pertains to fair hearing procedures for caregivers facing sanctions or adverse actions.",
      "modified": [
        "Details appeal rights and fair hearing processes for caregivers under sanction or adverse action notices."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "142G.45"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Outlines the responsibilities of the state medical review team in determining disability.",
      "modified": [
        "Ensures timely processing and defines criteria for disability determination under the Social Security Act."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "256.01"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Subsection allowing for expanded involvement of human services judges."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Regulates the conduct of human services hearings and establishes the appeals process.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies appeal rights and process modifications in human services matters."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "256.045"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Sets forth the rules for appeals and agency summaries in fair hearings.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustments to timeframe and procedural requirements for appeals."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "256.0451"
  }
]