Rep. Schomacker’s Human Services Finance and Policy Bill Passes Minnesota House

St. Paul – The Minnesota House of Representatives passed Senate File 4476, the Human Services Finance and Policy bill authored by Rep. Joe Schomacker, R-Luverne, co-chair of the House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee, on the final day of the 2026 legislative session.

The bill includes major oversight and accountability reforms for Minnesota’s human services system, with a focus on protecting vulnerable Minnesotans, strengthening program integrity, and making sure taxpayer dollars are used appropriately.

“Human services programs serve people who truly depend on them, and that means we have a responsibility to make sure the system is accountable,” Schomacker said. “This bill strengthens oversight, improves provider standards, and gives the state better tools to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.”

The legislation strengthens Medical Assistance program integrity by expanding provider enrollment and revalidation requirements, increasing oversight of high-risk providers, allowing stronger prepayment and post-payment reviews, and giving the Department of Human Services clearer authority to suspend billing privileges when necessary to protect public funds.

The bill also includes reforms related to assisted living licensure, behavioral health services, background studies, electronic visit verification, aging and disability services, and continuity-of-care planning for Minnesotans whose providers face serious operational or licensing problems.

“Accountability and compassion have to go together,” Schomacker said. “When fraud or poor oversight drains resources from these programs, it hurts the people who need care the most. These reforms help protect taxpayers while keeping the focus where it belongs: on seniors, people with disabilities, and Minnesotans receiving care in their communities.”