This bill creates two new financial aid programs in Minnesota to help hospitals struggling with money problems and high levels of unpaid medical care. The first program provides relief to specific hospitals that meet strict criteria, such as having negative operating margins for several years or serving a high percentage of public patients, while explicitly excluding Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester. To receive funds, eligible hospitals must submit detailed reports on unpaid care episodes, and the state will distribute money proportionally based on the volume of care provided, with a cap of ten percent per hospital per reporting period. The legislation also requires the state management and budget commissioner to submit an annual report analyzing the financial stability of all Minnesota hospitals. Additionally, the bill sets aside a specific stabilization grant program for the Hennepin Healthcare System, Inc.
This bill creates a new criminal offense in Minnesota for intentionally altering or generating images to make them appear nude when the original photo did not show nudity. It directly affects individuals who digitally modify pictures of others without their permission, specifically targeting deepfakes that realistically depict intimate body parts. Under the proposed law, a person convicted of this act faces up to two years in prison, a fine of $4,000, or both, provided they knew or should have known the subject did not consent to the change. The legislation will only take effect on August 1, 2026, and applies to any crimes committed on or after that date.
This bill authorizes the state of Minnesota to issue up to $5,000,000 in bonds to fund a project at the Hormel Institute in Austin. The funds will be used to design, construct, and equip a renovated space dedicated to STEM and bioimaging education, as well as workforce development and K-12 engagement. The money will be provided through a grant to the Austin Port Authority, which will oversee the renovation and setup of the facility. Once passed, the state will immediately begin the process of selling these bonds to raise the necessary capital.
This bill modifies Minnesota's school calendar rules to allow districts to start the school year before Labor Day for specific construction projects. The change raises the minimum project cost threshold from $400,000 to $500,000 and clarifies that the expense must apply to a single school facility. Additionally, the law requires that any qualifying construction or remodeling work be completed only when students are not present on the site. These provisions directly affect school districts in Minnesota that are planning major facility improvements.
This bill modifies procedures for investigating deaths in Minnesota that may involve domestic violence, directly affecting coroners, medical examiners, and law enforcement agencies. It requires officials to review records for a history of domestic abuse in cases initially classified as suicide, overdose, or accidents, and mandates training on identifying concealed homicides. The legislation also establishes a process for determining a "predominant aggressor" in cases involving intimate partners and ensures family members can access investigative records within one year of the case closing.
This bill authorizes the issuance of up to $5 million in state bonds to fund the Bioimaging Center at the Hormel Institute in Austin. The money will be used to design, build, and equip a renovated space dedicated to STEM and bioimaging education, workforce training, and K-12 engagement. The Austin Port Authority will manage the project, while the state's commissioner of management and budget handles the bond sale process. Once enacted, the funds will come from the state's bond proceeds fund to support these educational and training initiatives.
This bill updates Minnesota's laws to allow for the electronic handling of motor vehicle titles, registrations, and lien releases, aiming to modernize how dealers and the state process vehicle documents. Starting October 1, 2027, the Department of Public Safety must accept electronic transfers and will send title documents directly to lenders rather than mailing them to owners. The legislation also requires the state to set security standards for private companies that provide the software for these electronic services and changes how duplicate titles are issued when a vehicle has a loan on it.
This bill appropriates $4 million from the state airports fund to the Duluth Airport Authority for construction projects at the Duluth International Airport. The funding is specifically designated to design and build a new air traffic control tower and base building, including site preparation and utility installations. The legislation mandates that a portion of the funds serve as a match for federal contributions and restricts spending to exclude administrative costs. This one-time appropriation remains available for use until June 30, 2028.
This bill requires health insurance plans in Minnesota to cover cancer screenings for breast, colorectal, prostate, cervical, and lung cancers in accordance with current American Cancer Society guidelines. The law mandates that these plans provide coverage for all recommended examinations and follow-up tests without imposing any cost-sharing requirements, such as co-pays, deductibles, or coinsurance. Effective January 1, 2027, the provisions will apply to any health plan that is offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.
This bill expands health insurance coverage for Minnesota peace officers and firefighters who are disabled in the line of duty, even in cases where they do not qualify for traditional duty disability benefits. It requires employers to continue paying the employer portion of health insurance premiums for eligible officers and firefighters and their dependents until the individual reaches age 65 or passes away. The legislation also clarifies eligibility criteria, including provisions for members of local police or firefighter relief associations, and establishes a formal process for requesting coverage and appealing denial decisions through administrative hearings.
This bill modifies how Minnesota funds youth intervention programs by requiring nonprofit agencies to receive grants directly from the commissioner rather than as grants-in-aid. It mandates that each grant not exceed $75,000 and requires agencies to secure matching funds from their local communities equal to the grant amount, except for the Minnesota Youth Intervention Programs Association which receives a separate allocation for administrative support. The legislation also updates reporting requirements to include detailed data on participants, funding distribution, and program outcomes, with reports due annually to legislative committees. These changes aim to strengthen community-based early intervention services while ensuring local investment and accountability in how state funds are used.
This bill updates Minnesota's tax laws to align with recent federal changes regarding how businesses can deduct research and development expenses. It directly affects Minnesota businesses by allowing them to claim these deductions under state law in the same way they are treated under federal rules. The legislation amends existing tax statutes to include specific federal provisions about expensing research expenditures and ensures the state's rules match federal timelines for these changes.
