SF3040

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to amend Minnesota's existing statutes related to human services programs, specifically addressing family support, consumer support grants, and community services for individuals with disabilities. The bill aims to expand the types of services covered and enhance the flexibility of service delivery to better support individuals with disabilities and their families.

Main Provisions

• Family Support and Consumer Support: The bill updates criteria for support grants used to purchase services and items specifically related to a dependent's disability. These grants help families prevent out-of-home placement of dependents and must be beyond normal care costs if the dependent did not have a disability.

• Consumer Support Grant Program: Counties can participate in providing consumer support grants, which can be used for services not covered by public or private funds. These grants are disbursed as cash, vouchers, or direct payments for eligible expenses, with limits based on whether they surpass normal care costs and address functional limitations due to disabilities.

• Community First Services and Supports (CFSS): The bill enumerates covered services under CFSS, which include assistance with daily activities, health-related tasks, and training to enhance skills. It introduces new services such as adaptive aids, swimming lessons for drowning prevention, and assistive technologies that foster independence.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Expansion of Covered Services: Includes new categories like swimming lessons specifically for individuals at a higher risk of drowning due to their disability.

• Grant Determination Flexibility: Modifies the way counties determine grant amounts and expands possible uses for these funds, stipulating that services or items must not be available through other funding sources.

• County Participation: Allows for contracting with third-party agencies if counties choose not to participate in the consumer support grant program, ensuring program access statewide.

Relevant Terms

• Family support programs
• Consumer support grants
• Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)
• Disability services
• Minnesota Statutes amendments
• Individual Service Plan
• Functional limitations
• Adaptive aids
• Drowning prevention
• Respite care