HF1287 Summary

• Commissioner may deny foster care license applications based on nondisqualifying background study information that reflects on applicant's ability to safely provide care to children, effective July 1, 2022.

• Establishes specific disqualification criteria for licensed family foster settings (section 245C.15, subdivision 4a) including permanent bars for serious felonies and time-based bars (5-20 years) for other offenses, effective July 1, 2022.

• Requires county and private licensing agencies to conduct comprehensive review of nondisqualifying background information before recommending denial or revocation of family foster setting licenses, including consideration of rehabilitation evidence, offense details, and community knowledge.

• Authorizes commissioner to grant variances and set-asides for individuals under 18 in family foster settings but prohibits set-asides for adults 18+ disqualified under the most serious offense categories, effective July 1, 2022.

• Appropriates $115,000 in fiscal year 2022 and unspecified amount in fiscal year 2023 for implementing family foster setting background study requirements, with assumption of $37,000 federal financial participation annually.