Compiled by Mariel Carlson, Graduate Assistant

Two weeks remain in this legislative session before adjournment on Monday, May 23. This means that the House and Senate must reconcile their party differences in order to pass omnibus bills. Currently, the House is led by the DFL and the Senate has a GOP majority. Governor Tim Walz (DFL) met with legislators to review the budget surplus of $9.25 billion.

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 find information on House and Senate hearings (all streamed virtually).

Brief Updates

  • HF4706 / SF4410– This Health and Human Services omnibus bill provides funding to support the health workforce, including behavioral health employees and loan forgiveness. The House companion includes extended respite care for foster parents and crisis stabilization services for children and youth residential treatment and shelters.
    It was heard on Thursday 5/12 by the HHS Finance Bill Conference Committee. Senate conferees include Senators Abeler (R), Utke (R), Benson (R), Koran (R), and Hoffman (DFL). Conferees from the House include Representatives Liebling (DFL), Schultz (DFL), Pinto (DFL), Gomez (DFL), and Albright (R). The House will have the gavel. The House companion was heard by the Ways and Means Committee on 4/27/2022.
  • HF3894 / SF2673 – This is the omnibus public safety bill. It contains $1 million appropriation for crossover and dual-status youth model grants. Crossover youth are involved in both juvenile justice and child protection systems.
    The Senate version was heard by conferees on 5/10-12. 
  • HF3845 / SF4209 — A bill that would establish the Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson.
    It passed as amended in the House on 5/06 and after being reconsidered in the Senate, it re-passed on its third reading. 

Important Timelines to keep in mind

  • Monday, May 23 – Last day of session

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