Compiled by Mariel Carlson, Graduate Assistant

Today, Friday, April 8th, is the last day for committees to act favorably on bills of finance or appropriation. All week long, various committees in the House and Senate have put forward their omnibus bills for consideration and voting. At the conclusion of week 11, the legislature will take its break from April 9-17, returning on Monday, April 18th.

National: On the federal level, President Biden released the proposed budget for fiscal year (FY) 2023 that begins on October 1, 2022. Included are several large investments in mental health services supported by NAMI and money appropriated to early childhood mental health and child care, as praised by Zero to Three.

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).

Bills of Interest

Youth Intervention Program Funding

HF3304 / SF2989 [Rep. Edelson (DFL) and Sen. Lopez Franzen (DFL)]

This bill would appropriate $10,750,000 in fiscal year 2023 for youth intervention programs, and $14,300,000 in each fiscal year onward.

This bill was introduced in the House on 2/14 and heard in the Senate committee on 3/14. It was laid over for possible inclusion in the Senate omnibus bill.

Grant Authorization for Urgency Rooms for Mental Health Emergencies

HF4372 / SF3993 [Rep. Fischer (DFL) and Sen. Draheim(R)]

This bill establishes grants for “urgency rooms,” to be used by youths under the age of 25 as a first response for mental health crises rather than hospital emergency rooms.

In the Senate, the bill was heard by committee on 3/22 and laid over for possible inclusion in omnibus bill. No action in the House after introduction and referral to committee on 3/17.

African American-specialized Mental Health Center and Clinic Funding

HF3372 / SF3276 [Rep. Moran (DFL) and Sen. Abeler (R)]

This bill establishes grant funding through fiscal year 2027 to a licensed community mental health center that specializes in services for African American children and families. The bill specifies the types of services the center must offer, and requires the center to serve all ages, regardless of ability to pay or residency.

The bill was heard in the House committee on 3/24 and laid over for possible inclusion in the Human Services Finance and Policy Omnibus bill. In the Senate, it was introduced and referred to committee on 2/21.

Children’s Crisis Stabilization

HF4021 / SF3651 [Rep. Boldon (DFL) and Sen. Senjem (R)]

This bill specifies referral and assessment requirements for children to receive residential mental health crisis stabilization services for up to 30 days, separate from existing residential treatment admission and assessment requirements.

It was introduced and referred to committee in the Senate on 3/2. On 3/24, the bill was presented in House committee and testimony was heard from children’s mental health advocates, such as Sue Abderholden from NAMI-MN. It was laid over for possible inclusion in the Human Services Finance and Policy Omnibus bill.

Human Services Workforce, Free Supervision, Training

HF4447 [Rep. Schultz (DFL)]

This bill establishes grants for free mental health supervision in addition to on-site workforce support services at postsecondary institutions and behavioral health peer training.

In the House, the bill was introduced on 3/21 and heard in committee on 3/31. At this time, there is no Senate companion bill.

12-month Continuous Eligibility for Medical Assistance (MA) for Children and Young Adults Under the Age of 21

HF4615 / SF4421 [Rep. Huot (DFL) and Sen. Hoffman (DFL)]

This bill provides 12 months of continuous MA eligibility for children under age 21 in Minnesota.

In the House, the bill was heard in committee on 3/30, amended, and laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill. The Senate companion was introduced and referred to committee on 4/4.

Housing Support Countable Income Modified

HF3568 / SF3417 [Rep. Her (DFL) and Sen. Utke (R)]

For SSI recipients living in certain supportive housing, this bill would reduce the amount of their income that would be considered countable income for housing support eligibility purposes. Currently, 100 percent of the SSI benefit limit is counted as income; this would be reduced to 30 percent of SSI benefits received. SSI recipients include folks living with disabilities – which affects many parents involved in the child welfare system.

On 2/24, the bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to committee. The House companion bill was heard in committee on 3/29 and laid over for possible inclusion in the committee omnibus bill. 

Brief Updates

  • HF3274 / SF3120 – A bill that modifies children’s residential treatment was heard on 3/31 by the House Human Services Finance and Policy committee and laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill.HF3845 / SF4209 – A bill establishing the Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson awaits hearing by the House Ways and Means Committee. The Senate companion was passed as amended in committee on 3/31 and 4/4, and now awaits hearing by the Rules and Administration committee.HF2671 / SF2736 –  A bill that would establish a guardianship process for at-risk juveniles ages 18 to 21 has been indefinitely postponed in the House due to the bill not being identical. It was returned to the Senate on 4/5.
  • HF1943 / SF1729 – A bill that would allow family assessment rather than investigation in cases of child sexual trafficking by a non-caregiver, was passed by committee in the Senate and re-referred to the Human Services Reform Finance and Policy committee on 4/4.
  • HF4113 – A bill that provides funding for mental health professionals from communities of color and other underrepresented backgrounds, is now on the House General Register. This means that it has had two readings and been approved by a committee before a vote by the House body.
  • HF2665 – A bill permitting emancipated minors to seek harassment restraining orders remains on the House General Register. Its Senate companion SF3853 was introduced on 3/9 and is now on the Senate General Orders.

Important Timelines to keep in mind

  • Friday, April 8 – Committees must act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills
  • April 9-17 – 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.