MN SF1558

Allows commissioner to deny family foster care licenses or revoke them based on nondisqualifying background study information that reflects on an applicant's ability to safely provide care to foster children, effective July 1, 2022.

Establishes specific disqualification criteria for family foster settings in section 245C.15, subdivision 4a, including permanent bars for felony convictions involving violence, sexual conduct, child abuse, and controlled substance crimes within five years; creates separate 20-year bar for termination of parental rights.

Requires county or private agencies to conduct comprehensive review before recommending license denial or revocation for family foster settings, considering offense type, rehabilitation evidence, community input, child maltreatment history, and statements from the applicant and study subject.

Modifies fingerprint data retention policies to clarify that the Federal Bureau of Investigation does not retain background study subjects' fingerprints, and permits destruction of certain background study data after two years following an individual's death.

Directs the commissioner of human services to develop family foster setting licensing guidelines by July 1, 2023, in consultation with stakeholders including child advocates, youth with foster care experience, and representatives from diverse communities.