MN HF13

Establishes permanent funding priorities for child care assistance when inadequate funding requires waiting lists, prioritizing non-MFIP families pursuing education or high school equivalency, families with veteran parents, and families transitioning from MFIP or DWP programs.

Changes maximum child care reimbursement rates to the greater of the 75th percentile of the most recent provider rate survey or current rates, effective August 7, 2023, replacing previous 40th and 30th percentile thresholds for different age groups.

Expands commissioner authority to prohibit or disqualify providers, vendors, and individuals across all Department of Human Services programs if they are excluded from any program, and permits similar action against associated entities and individuals under certain conditions.

Clarifies that child care providers cannot charge subsidized families higher rates than private full-paying clients, and prohibits activity fees or additional charges for nonstandard hours.

Appropriates $56.2 million for fiscal year 2024 and $147.2 million for fiscal year 2025 for MFIP child care assistance, and $62.8 million for fiscal year 2024 and $86.8 million for fiscal year 2025 for basic sliding fee child care grants, plus funding for technology, staffing, and appeals adjudication.