Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to update and amend multiple sections of Minnesota's human services and criminal laws. It focuses on improving regulations related to background studies, childcare assistance program violations, and worker protections in the human services sector, as well as instituting criminal penalties for certain offenses.

Main Provisions

• Administrative Disqualification for Child Care Providers: Establishes procedures for disqualifying childcare providers accused of intentional program violations instead of pursuing criminal actions. This includes actions like making false statements or engaging in kickbacks.
• Prohibited Hiring Practices: Outlines restrictions on hiring practices that involve requiring employees to have children eligible for childcare assistance as a condition of employment if it is to gain financial benefits under the assistance program.
• Background Studies and Electronic Signatures: Introduces the use of electronic signatures for specific documentation in background studies. Expands access to arrest and investigative information for background checks.
• Disqualification Setaside: Modifies processes and conditions under which an individual's disqualification from providing services may be reconsidered or set aside, especially in the field of substance use disorder treatment.
• Wrongful Assistance and Penalties: Enhances penalties for obtaining state assistance through fraudulent means, including childcare and other public assistance programs.

Significant Changes

• Kickbacks and Program Violations: Defines "kickbacks" in the context of childcare assistance programs and ties them to program violations and wrongful assistance claims.
• Background Study Process Expansion: Expands the range of information accessible for background studies, including national criminal records.
• Criminal Penalties for Theft: Aligns wrongful obtaining of assistance with theft, prescribing penalties under existing theft statutes.

Relevant Terms

kickback, background studies, electronic signature, childcare assistance, disqualification setaside, wrongful assistance, fraud, child care provider, program violations, criminal penalties, theft.