Minnesota advances human services technology with IT modernization bill signing

Minnesota took an important step toward modernizing the state’s human services technology yesterday as Governor Walz held a ceremonial signing of the IT Modernization bill, Senate File 334 / House File 4808. The signing took place September 14, 2026, at the Minnesota Department of Revenue in St. Paul, just ahead of the inaugural meeting of the Human Services Systems Modernization Advisory Council.

For counties across Minnesota, this legislation represents a long awaited opportunity to upgrade core human services systems that staff rely on daily, many of which are more than three decades old. The modernization effort aims to improve efficiency, support residents more effectively, and ensure human services staff have tools that reflect current technology standards.

Olmsted County Associate Director of Family Support and Assistance Dan Jensen has played an active role in shaping this legislation over the past two legislative sessions. He met with lawmakers, provided testimony in multiple committee hearings, and worked to ensure county needs were reflected in the bill language. Jensen also serves as one of four county representatives on the seven member Human Services Systems Modernization Advisory Council, which will guide the implementation of the modernization work.

“A bill of this magnitude, support for county voice, funding for the first steps toward modernization, and the unanimous house and senate vote has provided counties with a unique opportunity to both move modernization forward and to shape the tools our staff will have available to better serve our residents,” Jensen said.

The bill’s unanimous approval by all 201 Minnesota senators and representatives highlights the significance of this statewide initiative and the shared recognition of its potential. With the ceremonial signing complete, the Advisory Council now begins its work to bring the modernization vision into practice.

This milestone marks a new chapter for human services delivery across Minnesota and reflects the commitment at both state and county levels to improve technology and strengthen support for residents.