MN HF310

Establishes the Cultural and Ethnic Communities Leadership Council within the Department of Human Services to advise the commissioner on reducing racial and ethnic disparities.

Council membership consists of 15-25 members appointed by the commissioner, representing racial and ethnic minorities, tribal service providers, advocacy groups, program participants, parents, faith communities, DHS employees, and legislative committee chairs.

Commissioner must maintain the council, supervise policies for underserved communities, identify problematic rules or statutes, investigate cost-effective service delivery models, and submit legislation to reduce disparities based on council recommendations.

Council duties include recommending policy changes to eliminate disparities, identifying disparity issues, providing technical assistance to counties and service providers, developing culturally appropriate services, and facilitating information-sharing across the human services community.

Council members receive no compensation, serve one or two-year terms, must attend meetings, maintain communication with constituents, and collaborate on disparity reduction efforts; council does not expire unless directed by the commissioner.