The Minnesota Senate today approved the Human Services policy agreement, HF 2115, on a vote of 55 to 8. The final legislation, shaped by a bipartisan conference committee, reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Minnesota’s human services system.

“This final Human Services policy agreement represents the collaborative effort between both chambers to find common ground,” Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls), Republican lead of the Senate Human Services Committee, said. “We have strengthened protections for those in assisted living and reduced burdens on mental health and substance use providers. This bipartisan legislation protects taxpayers and Minnesotans receiving services by strengthening anti-fraud provisions.” 

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Protecting taxpayer dollars by penalizing illegal kickbacks in the Child Care Assistance Program, aligning enforcement with state theft laws, and prohibiting duplicative billing practices in DHS programs
• Establishing balanced regulations for safety and service in long-term care and hospice facilities through bipartisan compromise
• Streamlining paperwork and easing administrative requirements for mental health and substance use treatment providers
• Allowing individuals in assisted living or health care settings to designate a support person who may be physically present at times of their choosing
• Maintaining the Special Review Board’s role in the discharge process from the Minnesota Sex Offender Program under the Department of Human Services