by Matthew Dooley
Check out the Bill Tracker for timely updates on these and related issues. While this is not an exhaustive list and issues often overlap, the tracker offers a helpful at-a-glance summary of specific issues related to child protection. We also encourage you to explore this handy glossary of legislative terms from the National Conference of State Legislatures. Additionally, if you don’t see a bill listed that you think should be, please send the bill and any additional information to Matthew Dooley, Outreach Graduate Assistant, at dool0068@umn.edu.
Legislative deadlines: The committee deadline was March 22 at 5pm. Bills may still be under consideration for inclusion in the omnibus bill and our Bill Tracker should capture this!
Legislative Updates
As a reminder, many organizations release annual legislative agendas based on particular advocacy work. For example, check out National Association of Social Workers-MN (NASW), Institute to Transform Child Protection, Foster Advocates, Safe Passages, AspireMN, and MSSA.
African American Family Preservation Act Progresses
On Tuesday, the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee heard testimony regarding HF912, also known as the Layla Jackson Act. The bill requires social service agencies to make active efforts to prevent out-of-home placement and promote family reunification. The bill’s author, Rep. Agbaje testified, “We know that kids do better when they’re with their families.” The bill was referred to the Ways and Means Committee.
House Children and Family Finance Committee Update
Multiple bills relating to child welfare were discussed at the committee on Tuesday April 9th hearing, including:
HF5267 authored by Rep. Pinto requires more thorough data collection in response to missing children and youth, as well as the creation of a child care weighted risk system, and updates child welfare and child care licensing provisions. The bill was laid over for inclusion in a possible omnibus bill.
HF3689 authored by Rep. Hassan received its second hearing today at the committee. The bill requires agencies to create and distribute a one- to two-page summary of placement plans to the parent or guardians in plain language, with the goal of helping families understand the steps required to achieve family reunification. The bill was placed on the General Register.
HF4727, authored by Rep. Pinto, received its first hearing today. It creates a Child Protection Advisory Council. The Council, which will include representatives from a range of stakeholders, will be required to issue reports regarding issues such as child mortality review processes, the Family First Prevention Services Act, and other topics. Dr. Traci LaLiberte testified to the importance of reviews and noted that it has been a decade since a 2014-2015 task force conducted a review of the front-end of child protective services. The bill was laid over.
In the News
Governor’s Budget Boosts Funding for SSIS; More Is Needed: The Star Tribune recently reported on recent efforts at the Legislature to modernize Minnesota’s Social Services Information System, including Governor Walz’s proposal to include $15 million for system updates as part of his supplemental budget. The Star Tribune reports that $80 to $100 million dollars will be needed to entirely replace the system.
Lawmakers Promise FIG Funding for 2024-2025: The Star Tribune reported that lawmakers reached an agreement to transfer funds from the North Star Promise Scholarship Program to the Fostering Independence Grant Program (FIG) to make good on the state’s promise to fully fund foster youth who apply for financial assistance to attend college. Foster Advocates had led the effort to find additional funding for the program. The program still requires additional funding to avoid moving to a wait-list system after the bridge funding is exhausted.
Upcoming Events
Greater Twin Cities United Way: Advocacy for Children Day
Monday, April 15, 9:30-11:30 am
From the event’s website: “For over 20 years, hundreds of young children, parents, early childhood professionals and advocates from across the state have come together to ask legislators to prioritize Minnesota’s youngest children. We’re excited to return to the Capitol with you and your family to urge policymakers to go “All In For Our Kids”!”
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