Minnesota funds human services technology updates and creates oversight

The law establishes an advisory council to recommend plans and priorities for updating human services technology. The council includes state agency leaders, county representatives, and a representative of Minnesota's federally recognized Tribes. Before major modernization work or a purchase that would materially affect counties or Minnesota Tribal Nations, state commissioners must present the proposal to the council and consider its advice. If commissioners reject advice that materially affects those groups, they must explain why in writing within ten business days. The council must meet at least quarterly and report annually beginning February 1, 2027.

The law establishes a state fund for multiyear modernization of human services technology and sets rules for its use. The fund supports technology used by state human services agencies, counties, Minnesota's federally recognized Tribes, providers, and people receiving services. Money may support major system updates and shared technology, including automation in a multiyear project, subject to privacy, security, accessibility, data, procurement, and program integrity rules. The fund cannot pay for unrelated ordinary agency work, routine maintenance, or minor day-to-day technology improvements. Allocation decisions require consultation with named state commissioners and the advisory council. The information technology commissioner must prepare a preliminary modernization plan by March 1, 2027. Annual fund reports begin February 1, 2027.

The law sets aside money for county technology grants and specified state human services modernization projects. Funding goes to state agencies and legislative support, and to counties for technology projects involving county and Tribal human services systems. The $10 million for county projects is available until June 30, 2031. Counties must apply, and multiple counties applying together must choose one county to act as the fiscal agent. Other appropriations fund state technology projects, council and commission support, and fraud prevention work. Some are one-time, while specified amounts continue as funding bases in later years. The county grant money is available until June 30, 2031. Other appropriations have their own end dates, including June 30, 2029, or June 30, 2031.