This bill, H.F. No. 2191, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives by Representative Gillman, proposes changes to licensing and certification regulations for programs and services related to children and families.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Modification of Licensing Rules:

   • Establishes conditions under which the commissioner may issue or extend licenses, including requirements for operational programs and compliance with laws.
   • Clarifies restrictions on issuing licenses if applicants have past disqualifications, license revocations, or non-compliance with required application information.
   • Allows exceptions for licensing decisions in cases where not renewing a revoked or denied license would significantly impact community services.

2. Delegation of Authority:

   • Defines the responsibilities of county and private agencies in issuing and recommending changes to licenses.
   • Limits local agencies’ authority to issue specific variances, including child foster care age requirements and licensing for programs with household members who have chemical use issues.
   • Requires annual unannounced inspections for family child care programs and mandates county agencies to publish their variance policies online.

3. Child Passenger Restraint Training:

   • Requires programs transporting children under nine years old (previously under eight) to provide training on the proper use of car seats and boosters.
   • Specifies that training must be completed during initial orientation and repeated every five years.
   • Allows emergency variances for relatives providing foster care under certain conditions, including child seat safety check-ups by approved trainers.

4. Data Coordination:

   • Directs the Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to coordinate with the Commissioner of Human Services to enforce licensing provisions and share data.

Purpose of the Bill:

This legislation aims to improve the licensing process for child care and foster care programs, enhance safety measures for transporting children, and clarify the delegation of licensing authority among agencies. It also ensures greater accountability, particularly in cases of past license revocations or denials.

Would you like a more detailed breakdown of any specific section?