House passes bill to modernize county human‑services technology

Representative Torkelson, the bill’s author, told the House the measure is intended to replace decades‑old county systems used to administer Medicaid, SNAP and other human‑services programs and to reduce worker time spent on outdated "green screen" software. "This bill over time will spend, $90,000,000 or so in technology modernization," the author said, describing an "integration layer" to give counties a modern interface while legacy systems remain operational.

The bill creates a governance structure with an interagency group that includes county representatives and a legislative working group. Representative Torkelson said the Minnesota Information Technology (MNIT) office will serve as the financial holder: funds will flow to MNIT first, which will disperse money to agencies to purchase needed software. He also said the bill designates $15,000,000 to modernize technology for the Office of Inspector General so that office can analyze state transactions more effectively.

Several members spoke in support. Representative Repinski of Winona recounted recent cyberattacks on his county, saying, "We were hacked twice," and thanked the National Guard cyber team that assisted recovery. Representative Noor and others highlighted past efforts such as SSIS updates and MNLARS fixes as evidence modernization can succeed. Representatives emphasized county and tribal participation in oversight and a $10,000,000 competitive grant pool for counties with ideas to improve systems.

The clerk took the roll for the third reading; the bill passed on the recorded vote with 134 ayes and 0 nays and the title was agreed to. The bill now proceeds according to the legislative schedule for engrossment and final steps.