Bill would fund Minnesota human services technology upgrades and oversight

State officials would consult an advisory council before certain major human services technology projects. This applies to major projects or purchases that would materially affect counties or federally recognized Indian Tribes in Minnesota. Officials must consider the council's recommendations. If they reject a recommendation that materially affects counties or Minnesota Tribal Nations, they must explain why in writing within ten business days. Consultation must happen before work begins on a covered project or purchase.

The bill text would establish an advisory council, a legislative commission, and a fund for human services technology modernization. The council and fund concern systems used by state human services agencies, counties, Minnesota Tribal Nations, providers, and others to run human services programs. The commission would oversee those systems. The fund could pay for major, multiyear system upgrades, but not unrelated agency work or routine maintenance. The commission section would take effect the day after final enactment and the commission would expire on December 31, 2033. The legislative commission section would take effect the day after final enactment. The council's first meeting would be due by September 15, 2026.

The bill text would set aside money for county and Tribal technology projects, state system upgrades, and oversight. The county project money would support technology used by counties and Tribal Nations. Other listed funds would go to state agencies and the legislative commission for specified projects and oversight work. The one-time $10 million county project appropriation would support projects including shared tools, online forms, and system upgrades; counties could apply for grants. Any unspent or uncommitted amount would move to the modernization fund as of June 30, 2031. Other listed appropriations include money for state system upgrades, fraud prevention technology, and the council and commission. The county project appropriation is for fiscal year 2027 and would remain available until June 30, 2031.