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SF2937 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Child care assistance program requirements modifications

Related bill: HF3059

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

This bill seeks to revise the child care assistance program in Minnesota to better serve families. It aims to modify eligibility requirements, simplify the application process, establish grant programs, and address payment practices to improve access and efficiency.

Main Provisions

  • Grants and Contracts: Direct child care services will be offered through grants or contracts specifically for families in underserved areas, those with infants and toddlers, and families with children with disabilities.
  • Eligibility Redetermination: Changes to the process include extending eligibility determination to a maximum of every 12 months. Special provisions are made for young parents pursuing education.
  • Parent Fees: Adjustments to parent fees based on income levels using a predefined schedule. Families experiencing homelessness, with children with disabilities, or in programs like Head Start won't be charged parent fees.
  • Provider Payment: Adjustments ensure that providers cannot charge subsidized families a higher rate than private clients and allow counties to pay premium rates if necessary.
  • Background Study Requirements: Clarifies that activities requiring a background study may not commence until relevant notices are issued by the commissioner.

Significant Changes

  • Repeals the policy limiting reimbursement for absent child care days. This involves removing restrictions on the number of absentee days compensated, thus providing more flexibility for families facing medical or other challenges that lead to absences.
  • Introduces objectives to simplify the child care assistance application process and align eligibility criteria with other economic assistance programs.
  • Mandates the development of a new grant program to provide direct child care services, emphasizing aid to underserved families and those with specific needs, like disabilities.

Relevant Terms

  • Child care assistance
  • Redetermination process
  • Parent fees
  • Provider reimbursement
  • Grants and direct services
  • Absent day policy
  • Background checks

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services
April 01, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "The commissioner may now refuse authorization to providers or stop payments if false information is given."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill modifies activities pending completion of a background study under section 245C.13, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies the types of notices required before an individual can engage in activities requiring a background study."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "245C.13",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

Sponsors