Human services reports aim to help lawmakers understand issues

At times, legislators ask state departments and agencies to help with their decision-making by preparing certain topical reports.

The Department of Human Services prepares over 70 such reports on topics that range from the state sex offender program to homeless youth. Rep. Joe Schomacker (R-Luverne), the committee chair, asked staff to highlight the report process Thursday for the House Health and Human Services Reform Committee. Some of the reports are required to be put together every two years, while others are an annual request, said Amy Dellwo, the department’s director of the government relations.

Overall, in 2016, the Legislature mandated 57 reports to be prepared by the various state departments.

WATCH Full video of Thursday's House Health and Human Services Reform Committee meeting