MN SF3895

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 matters.

Ombudsperson shall serve as a neutral, independent resource for disputes between the department, counties, family day care providers, and the general public; gather information about department decisions; provide information to providers and the public; promptly respond to complaints; and facilitate discussions or arrange mediation.

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

Ombudsperson must be qualified to perform specified duties and cannot impose a complaint fee on those seeking assistance.

Appropriates unspecified funding from the general fund in fiscal year 2019 to establish and administer the family child care ombudsperson office.