MN SF1418

Establishes an 18-member Council on Direct Support Professionals to address workforce shortages among workers who provide daily living assistance to seniors and people with disabilities

Council membership includes 6 state commissioners (or designees) from Human Services, Health, Employment, Higher Education, Labor, and Education, plus 12 non-executive members representing providers, unions, consumers, and disability advocates

Council duties include developing a statewide strategic plan to increase qualified direct support professionals, reduce job vacancies and turnover, create career ladder frameworks, and assess compensation and benefits improvements

Requires annual reports to the legislature beginning January 1, 2026, with recommendations on activities, proposed statutory changes, and workforce issues

Initial appointments and first meeting must occur by October 1, 2025; appropriates unspecified amounts from the general fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027