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HF 2213

Department of Human Services behavioral health policy provisions modified, Children's Mental Health Act updated, and intermediate school-linked behavioral health grant program codified.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Peter Fischer and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a school-linked behavioral health grant program for middle schools and updates DHS policies and the Children’s Mental Health Act to improve access and coordination of servi

Introduction and first reading, referred to Human Services Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 2213

Summary of HF 2213 (Minnesota) – 2025-2026 Session

Overview

HF 2213 proposes changes to Department of Human Services (DHS) behavioral health policy, updates to the Children’s Mental Health Act, and codification of an intermediate school-linked behavioral health grant program. The bill aims to strengthen access to behavioral health services for children, adolescents, and families, refine state policy governing DHS behavior health programs, and establish a dedicated funding/grant mechanism to support school-linked behavioral health initiatives at the intermediate (middle school) level.

Goals and Intent

  • Modernize and clarify DHS behavioral health policy to improve service delivery, accountability, and outcomes for Minnesotans receiving behavioral health supports.
  • Update statutory provisions within the Children’s Mental Health Act to reflect current best practices, funding structures, and program Administration.
  • Create and codify an intermediate school-linked behavioral health grant program to fund on-site or closely integrated behavioral health services in middle schools.

Key Provisions (Substance Focus)

1) DHS Behavioral Health Policy Revisions

  • Revisions to existing DHS policies related to behavioral health services, with the aim of improving access, coordination of care, and service quality.
  • Potential alignment with evidence-based practices, trauma-informed care, and integrated care models.
  • Possible changes to licensing, service delivery requirements, performance metrics, and reporting obligations for DHS-funded behavioral health programs.

2) Children’s Mental Health Act Updates

  • Updates to statutory framework governing children’s mental health programs and services.
  • Could address funding priorities, eligibility, service continuum (prevention, early intervention, treatment), and coordination with schools, counties, tribes, and community-based providers.
  • May introduce new program requirements or flexibility for counties or DHS to administer children’s mental health initiatives.

3) Intermediate School-Linked Behavioral Health Grant Program

  • Codification of a grant program dedicated to providing behavioral health services in or linked to intermediate (middle) schools.
  • Eligible applicants likely include school districts, charter schools, or collaborating community partners (e.g., county human services, local providers).
  • Grants may cover on-site counseling, school-based behavioral health staff, partnerships with local providers, training, and referral pathways.
  • Program expectations could include measurable outcomes (e.g., improved access to services, reductions in behavioral incidents, attendance improvements), reporting requirements, and possible multi-year funding horizons.
  • Emphasis on reducing barriers to access for students in the middle grades and integrating mental health supports within the school environment.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Students and Families: Direct access to enhanced and potentially expanded behavioral health services, particularly within schools and community settings.
  • School Districts and Schools (Intermediate Level): Access to grant funding to support school-linked mental health services; potential changes to how schools partner with DHS and local providers.
  • County and Tribal Partners: Coordination with DHS for children’s mental health services and implementation of updated act provisions; funding and program administration roles may shift or expand.
  • Behavioral Health Providers: Alignment with updated DHS policy requirements, reporting, and potential new contracted service opportunities through the school-linked grant program.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and First Reading: March 12, 2025. Referred to the House committee: Human Services Finance and Policy.
  • Next Steps (typical): Committee hearings, amendments, and passage at the House level before moving to the Senate. Potential conference committee if there are cross-chamber differences.
  • Implementation Considerations: If enacted, regulated timelines would depend on the final bill language, effective dates, funding appropriations, and any required rulemaking by DHS or the Department of Education to implement the school-linked grant program and updated policy provisions.

If you’d like, I can tailor this further to highlight fiscal implications, potential funding levels, or cross-references to existing Minnesota statutes within the Children’s Mental Health Act.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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