MN SF2845

Creates a new Department of Behavioral Health as a state department effective July 1, 2022, with a governor-appointed commissioner subject to salary limits of 133 percent of the governor's salary.

Transfers administration of behavioral health services under medical assistance and MinnesotaCare programs, mental health and chemical dependency services, and related data collection initiatives from existing departments to the new Department of Behavioral Health.

Adds the Department of Behavioral Health to applicable sections of Minnesota Statutes governing state departments, including provisions for commissioner positions and additional unclassified positions.

Allows the Commissioner of Administration to issue reorganization orders to effectuate the transfer of duties, waiving the normal one-year existence requirement for receiving agencies.

Preserves employee seniority from former agencies and directs the revisor of statutes to prepare implementing legislation for the 2023 legislative session.