Minnesota Senate Bill SF2722

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/20/25
• Refer: 3/20/25

Caption

Child care assistance program integrity requirements establishment

Impact

The implementation of SF2722 is expected to lead to significant changes in how child care providers bill for and receive payments. Providers will be required to submit invoices within predefined timeframes, and the state will have the authority to refuse payments for services not compliant with program rules. Additionally, the introduction of video monitoring for large funding recipients marks a notable shift towards tighter oversight, aiming to increase transparency and ensure the safety of children in care. Any provider failing to adhere to the stipulations may face penalties or loss of funding.

Summary

SF2722, also known as the Child Care Assistance Program Integrity Act, seeks to enhance the integrity of the child care assistance program in Minnesota. The bill mandates the establishment of a statewide electronic record-keeping system intended to improve internal controls and ensure accurate real-time verification of children's enrollment and attendance in child care programs. This systematic approach is designed to mitigate fraud and ensure efficiency in how child care funds are managed and distributed.

Contention

While the bill aims to strengthen the integrity of child care programs, it raises concerns among child care advocates and providers about potential burdens associated with compliance. Critics argue that the added administrative requirements could strain smaller providers, particularly those serving vulnerable populations who may already be operating on thin margins. The bill also places significant responsibilities on the state and county agencies for monitoring and compliance, which may lead to implementation challenges and resource allocation issues.