1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to homeless youth; modifying the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act; 
1.3 	appropriating money;amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256K.45, by 
1.4 	adding a subdivision.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256K.45, is amended by adding a 
1.7 	subdivision to read:
1.8 		Subd. 6.Funding. Any funds appropriated for this section may be expended 
1.9 	on programs described under subdivisions 3 to 5, technical assistance, and capacity 
1.10 	building. In addition, up to five percent of funds appropriated may be used for program 
1.11 	administration and up to eight percent of funds appropriated may be used for the purpose 
1.12 	of monitoring and evaluating runaway and homeless youth programs receiving funding 
1.13 	under this section. Funding shall be directed to meet the greatest need, with a significant 
1.14 	share of the funding focused on homeless youth providers in greater Minnesota.

1.15 	Sec. 2. DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER.
 1.16 	(a) The commissioner of human services shall offer a request for proposals to 
1.17 	identify a research and evaluation firm with experience working with:
1.18 	(1) homeless youth providers;
1.19 	(2) data; and
1.20 	(3) the topics of housing, homelessness, and a continuum of care for youth.
1.21 	(b) The research and evaluation firm identified under paragraph (a) shall monitor and 
1.22 	evaluate the programs receiving funding under Minnesota Statutes, section 256K.45.

2.1 	Sec. 3. APPROPRIATION.
 2.2 	$4,000,000 in fiscal year 2008 and $4,000,000 in fiscal year 2009 are appropriated 
2.3 	from the general fund to the commissioner of human services for the Runaway and 
2.4 	Homeless Youth Act under Minnesota Statutes, section 256K.45. Funds shall be spent in 
2.5 	each area of the continuum of care to ensure that programs are meeting the greatest need.