Subdivision 1. Implementation of Minnesota family investment program (MFIP). Except for section 256J.95, this chapter and chapter 256K may be cited as the Minnesota family investment program (MFIP). MFIP is the statewide implementation of components of the Minnesota family investment plan (MFIP) authorized and formerly codified in section 256.031 and Minnesota family investment plan-Ramsey County (MFIP-R) formerly codified in section 256.047.

Subd. 2. Implementation of temporary assistance for needy families (TANF). The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Public Law 104-193, eliminates the entitlement program of aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) and replaces it with block grants to states for temporary assistance for needy families (TANF). TANF provides cash assistance for a limited time to families with children and to pregnant women. Minnesota's TANF assistance will be provided through a statewide expansion of MFIP. The modifications specified in this chapter are necessary to comply with the new federal law and to improve MFIP. Eligible applicants and recipients of AFDC, family general assistance, and food stamps will be converted to the MFIP program. Effective January 1, 1998, any new application received for family cash assistance will be processed under the rules of this chapter. Case maintenance conversion for existing AFDC and FGA cases to MFIP-S as described in this chapter will begin January 1, 1998, and continue through March 31, 1998.

Subd. 3. Relationship to other statutes and rules. MFIP-S replaces eligibility for families with children and pregnant women under the general assistance program, governed by sections 256D.01 to 256D.21 and Minnesota Rules, parts 9500.1200 to 9500.1261.

Subd. 4. Changes to waivers. The commissioner of human services may negotiate and obtain changes in the federal waivers and terms and conditions contained in MFIP, MFIP-R, and MFIP-S. The commissioner may also terminate federal waivers by directing so in the applicable state plan.

Subd. 5. Compliance system. The commissioner shall administer a compliance system for the state's temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) program, the food stamp or food support program, general assistance, medical assistance, emergency general assistance, Minnesota supplemental aid, preadmission screening, child support program, and alternative care grants under the powers and authorities named in section 256.01, subdivision 2. The purpose of the compliance system is to permit the commissioner to supervise the administration of public assistance programs and to enforce timely and accurate distribution of benefits, completeness of service and efficient and effective program management and operations, to increase uniformity and consistency in the administration and delivery of public assistance programs throughout the state, and to reduce the possibility of sanction and fiscal disallowances for noncompliance with federal regulations and state statutes.

Subd. 6. Legislative approval to move programs or activities. The commissioner shall not move programs or activities funded with MFIP or TANF maintenance of effort funds to other funding sources without legislative approval.

History: 1997 c 85 art 1 s 1; 1999 c 159 s 77; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 10 s 66; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 1 s 8,106; 2004 c 288 art 4 s 28; 2007 c 147 art 2 s 22; 2016 c 158 art 2 s 105; 2017 c 40 art 1 s 85