This bill seeks to modify Northstar Care for Children benefits in Minnesota, particularly for children under the age of six and children who transition into the program. Key changes include:

1. Benefit Adjustments for Young Children:

   • Children entering Northstar Kinship Assistance or Adoption Assistance while under six years old will receive 50% of the standard benefits.
     
   • However, children placed with relatives or within placement preferences under existing statutes will receive the full amount.
     

2. State Funding Changes:

   • The state's financial responsibility will include the cost of eliminating the reduced rate for children placed with relatives or within designated placement preferences.
     

3. Adjustment of State and Local Cost Shares:

   • The commissioner will set and periodically adjust the percentage of funds paid by the state and by financially responsible agencies.
     
   • These adjustments will account for historical spending and aim to maintain overall cost consistency while covering additional expenses from eliminating reduced rates for certain children.
     

In essence, the bill ensures that children placed with relatives or within preferred placements receive full financial support, shifts additional costs to the state, and modifies cost-sharing formulas accordingly.