Compiled by Mariel Carlson (she/her/hers), Graduate Assistant

Since our previous blog post, in national news, there was the passage of anti-Trans legislation in Texas, disguised as safeguarding child well-being. As a child welfare organization, CASCW condemns this legislation and supports initiatives that give ALL children the most opportunity to have the best health outcomes.

We completed week six of the legislative session and have highlighted several bills that have been introduced in 2022 or are being heard in committees since our previous post. Please follow CASCW’s curated bill tracking account on the Minnesota State Legislature website to keep tabs on what’s happening specifically related to child welfare. You can also watch the House and Senate hearings (all streamed virtually).

Bills of Interest

Conversion Therapy Prohibited

HF2156 / SF1871 (Rep. Hollins and Sen. Dibble)

This bill would prohibit conversion therapy for vulnerable adults and children under the age of 18 and any conversion therapy program that misrepresents itself.

Supporters of this bill include: Children’s Minnesota, Minnesota Medical Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Minnesota, Minnesota Social Services Association (MSSA), and Minnesota Chapter of American Academy for Pediatrics.

HF2156 was heard on 03/02/22 and cleared in the Preventive Health Policy Division. No action on Senate companion SF1871 since introduced in 2021.

Homeless Youth Act

HF3661 / SF3263 (Rep. Keeler and Sen. Dibble)
This bill provides further guidelines and money appropriation, and grants to the Homeless Youth Act originally passed in 2006. It was designed to create street and community outreach as well as drop-in programs, emergency shelters, supportive housing, and transitional living programs. This version would also require the commissioner of Human Services to look into the prevalence of parenting and pregnancy in homeless youth or those at-risk of homelessness.

HF3661 cleared the House division and returned to the Human Services Finance and Policy Committee on 02/23/22. Companion SF3263 has been introduced in the Senate and referred to committee.

Right of a juvenile to consult with an attorney before interrogation

HF 2749 (Rep. Feist)

This bill would require that before questioning by a police officer, an attempt to notify juveniles’ parents or guardians must be made. Questioning cannot occur until the juvenile has had a consultation with an attorney. Statements made by a juvenile cannot be used as evidence if it is made (1) before consultation with an attorney; and (2) to staff from a school, corrections department, or social services provider.

HF2749 was heard in the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Committee on 03/01/22 and will possibly be laid over and included in the House omnibus bill. 

Children’s Mental Health Grants

HF1929 / SF 933 (Rep. Bahner)

This bill would fund mental health grants that could be used to provide intensive treatment and support for adolescents or adults experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, a first psychotic episode. It also amends current legislation to provide for developmentally and culturally appropriate mental health services to youth.

As of 02/16/22, HF1929 was to be adopted as amended and referred to the Human Services Finance and Policy Committee, where it was heard on 03/01/22. There has been no current action on its companion, SF933, since it was amended and laid over in 2021.

Home and Community-based Respite Services

HF 3163 / SF 3128 (Rep. Moller and Sen. Hoffman)

This bill requires specific certification of respite services for children in licensed out-of-home care. These requirements include background studies for licensed staff and that case managers have approved the respite option as appropriate to meet the needs of the child. Unlicensed respite care is an option if approved by the case manager.

On 02/17/22, SF3128 was heard in the Human Services Reform Finance and Policy Committee,  testimony was presented, followed by discussion. No further action.

On 3/3/22, HF3163 was heard in the Human Services Finance and Policy Committee. Testimony was heard from the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota and discussion was held. Bill will be laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill.

Home and Community-based Services Workforce Provisions

HF3268 / SF2968 (Rep. Boldon and Sen. Utke)

This bill provides relief grants and programs to support frontline child care and direct support professionals. It also exempts community residential settings from meeting licensing variance requirements in order to utilize alternate overnight supervision.

HF3268 was heard on 03/03/22 in the Human Services Finance and Policy Committee, testimony given, and discussion was held. SF2968 was discussed on 02/17/22 in the Human Services Licensing Policy committee.

Brief Updates

  • Juvenile court guardianship established for at-risk youth HF2671 / SF2736 — This bill is now on the House General Register after its second reading on 03/03/22 and has been reported out of a House committee.

Important Timelines to keep in mind

  • Friday, March 25 – Committees must act favorably on bills in the house of origin
  • Friday, April 1 – Committees must act favorably on bills, or companions of bills, that met the first deadline in the other body
  • Friday, April 8 – Committees must act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills
  • April 9-18 – Legislative Break
  • Monday, May 23 – Last day of session

Upcoming Events

Stay tuned for more legislative updates as we gather information and track what’s happening at the Capitol.