Purpose of the Bill

This bill is aimed at establishing a Council on Direct Support Professionals in Minnesota. The main goal of this council is to address the shortage of direct support professionals in the state, improve the availability of direct support services, and develop strategies for enhancing the workforce in this sector.

Main Provisions

• Establishment and Structure: The council will have 18 members, including representatives from several state departments, labor organizations, and various service providers. It will focus on strategic planning to increase and improve direct support services.
• Duties of the Council: The council is tasked with developing a statewide strategic plan, promoting pathways for recruitment and training, assessing educational and employment opportunities, and advocating for better working conditions and compensation for direct support professionals.
• Operations: The council will meet at least quarterly, and its meetings can be conducted electronically. It will also produce an annual report detailing its activities and recommendations to relevant legislative committees.
• Executive Leadership: An executive director will be appointed by the council to provide leadership and administrative support.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The creation of the council introduces a new structured body responsible for managing and improving direct support services across the state. This includes providing policy recommendations and implementing changes in existing statutes as necessary.
• The council will receive its own funding, allowing it to operate independently from other state departments.

Relevant Terms

• Direct support professionals
• Statewide strategic plan
• Human services
• Workforce development
• Recruitment and training
• Labor and industry
• Economic assessment
• Legislative committees