MN HF4298

Establishes a family child care ombudsperson office within the Department of Human Services to provide one-stop access for information and assistance related to family day care and group family day care licensing, investigations, sanctions, and regulatory requirements.

Ombudsperson shall serve as a neutral, independent resource for dispute resolution between the department, counties, providers, and the public; gather information about department decisions and acts; provide information to providers and the public; promptly respond to inquiries and complaints; and facilitate discussions or arrange mediation when appropriate.

Commissioner of Human Services appoints the ombudsperson, who reports directly to the commissioner, must be selected without regard to political affiliation, cannot hold another formal position within the department, and cannot impose a complaint fee.

Appropriates an unspecified amount from the general fund in fiscal year 2019 to the commissioner of human services to establish and administer the family child care ombudsperson office.