Earlier this month, the House Research and Senate Counsel, Research, and Fiscal Analysis legislative offices published “side-by-side” comparisons of the House and Senate Health and Human Service Omnibus bills.
As of last week the Senate File (2039) has been absorbed by the House File (2294). Because of this, the following overview of the side-by-side comparison will be examining how the Senate’s bill differs from the House bill.
The House File proposes changing the name of the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) to the Minnesota Children and Family Investment Program. With this change in name and focus comes the following additions to the state welfare program (none of this language is in the Senate File):

  • Includes a definition of “child well-being.”
  • Requires MFIP employment and training providers and county agencies to post information regarding child development.
  • Requires job counselors to provide information to participants regarding early childhood development and resources for families at the time of the employment plan review.
  • Modifies the list of activities that count toward work under the MFIP program.

The Following are differences in Children and Family Services provisions between the two Omnibus bills, as it relates to child welfare:

  • The Hose File includes restrictions on where EBT cards can be used to withdraw cash.
  • The House File restricts the purchase of alcohol and tobacco with EBT.
  • The House File limits usage of EBT cash portion in states surrounding Minnesota.
  • The House File requires individuals who have been convicted of a felony drug offense within the past ten years to have benefits vendor paid and to submit to random drug testing.
  • The Senate File modifies the Maltreatment of Minors Act, requiring that a child under age three who is involved in a substantiated case of maltreatment be referred for screening under the Individuals with Disabilities Act, Part C.
  • The House File establishes the Minnesota visible child work group to identify and recommend issues that should be addressed in a statewide, comprehensive plan to improve the well-being of children who are homeless or have experienced homelessness.

All other bill components between the Senate and House Files are either the same or not directly pertaining to child welfare.
You can continue following all child welfare related legislation on our policy page!