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SF1898 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Fiscal analysis of the child welfare system requirement

Related bill: HF2135

AI Generated Summary

This bill, introduced in the Minnesota Senate (S.F. No. 1898), directs the Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to conduct a fiscal analysis and a comprehensive evaluation of the child welfare system in Minnesota.

Key provisions include:
1. Child Welfare Fiscal Analysis:
- The commissioner must contract an independent third-party consultant with national expertise in child welfare systems to assess funding, reimbursement processes, and financial management.
- The consultant must evaluate the state’s use of federal funding, administrative costs, claim processes, and integration of child welfare data systems.
- A final report with recommendations on state investments, federal reimbursement maximization, statutory changes, and administrative needs is due by June 30, 2027.

  1. Program and Practice Evaluation:

    • A separate third-party consultant will conduct a broad evaluation of child welfare programs, practices, and services to improve outcomes and address inequities.
    • Engagement with social service agencies, communities, advocates, and individuals with lived experience is required.
    • An initial report is due by July 1, 2027, with a final report containing legislative recommendations due by July 1, 2028.

  2. Advisory Task Force:

    • A task force will support the consultants by providing advice, assisting in data collection, and guiding the evaluation process.
    • It will include representatives from state agencies, county social services, ombudspersons for different ethnic communities, the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, and public members working in child welfare prevention.
    • The task force will expire 30 days after the final reports are submitted.

  3. Tribal Participation:

    • Minnesota's 11 federally recognized Tribal Nations may choose to participate while maintaining sovereignty over their data.

  4. Funding:

    • A one-time appropriation for fiscal year 2026 from the general fund is allocated to finance these evaluations.

This initiative aims to enhance Minnesota’s child welfare system by improving funding access, administrative efficiency, and service effectiveness while addressing disparities.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 26, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services
February 26, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references the Tribal consultation policy in the analysis of the child welfare fiscal system under section 10.65.",
      "modified": [
        "Includes the requirement for evaluating compliance with the Tribal consultation policy under Minnesota Statutes section 10.65."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10.65",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "15.059 section is referenced to define task force governance."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines the governance of the advisory task force related to the evaluation of the child welfare system.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "15.059",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors