This is a Minnesota House of Representatives bill (H.F. No. 2260), authored by Representative Curran, which has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary Finance and Civil Law. The bill makes policy changes related to the Department of Human Services and includes provisions regarding background studies, Department of Corrections reconsiderations, kickback crimes, appeals division worker protections, and criminal penalties.

Key provisions of the bill include:

1. Administrative Disqualification for Child Care Providers: Establishes procedures for disqualifying child care providers from participating in the child care assistance program if they commit intentional violations, such as providing false information, misrepresenting facts, or engaging in kickbacks. A first offense results in a three-year disqualification, while subsequent offenses lead to a permanent ban.

2. Prohibited Hiring Practices: Prohibits hiring practices that require employees to have children eligible for child care assistance as a condition of employment if done to fraudulently obtain program funds. Also criminalizes receiving or providing kickbacks related to child care assistance benefits.

3. Background Studies and Electronic Signatures: Expands permissible sources for background checks and allows the use of electronic signatures for documentation.

4. Reconsideration of Disqualifications: Updates procedures for reconsidering disqualifications of individuals in various healthcare and human services programs, including provisions for automatic set-asides under certain circumstances.

5. Fraud and Criminal Penalties: Expands definitions of fraud involving public assistance programs, including Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Medicaid (256B), and child care assistance, emphasizing fraudulent claims and kickbacks. Provides that individuals knowingly participating in fraudulent claims for child care benefits will face legal consequences.

6. Prosecution for Wrongful Payments: Clarifies that the Attorney General or county attorneys can independently prosecute fraud cases related to public assistance and child care assistance programs.

7. Judicial Privacy Protection: Expands protections for judges and judicial employees by restricting access to their personal information, including family members' details and residential addresses.

Overall, the bill aims to enhance oversight in human services programs, prevent fraud, improve worker protections, and safeguard judicial officials' privacy.