Rep. Patty Mueller

Maddy summaryHF 3687 modifies Minnesota's medical assistance and MinnesotaCare coverage for chiropractic services. The bill removes the previous age restriction (limiting coverage to those under 21) and establishes new rules: chiropractic care for spinal pain, chronic conditions, and related services is covered for all ages, but limited to 24 visits per year without prior authorization. It also restricts x-ray coverage to specific spine examinations necessary for diagnosing subluxation. This affects all MinnesotaCare and medical assistance recipients seeking chiropractic care, changing coverage from age-limited to broadly applicable with visit and x-ray restrictions. The changes take effect January 1, 2027, or after federal approval.

Maddy summaryHF 1434 requires commercial websites sharing material harmful to minors (defined as content with sexual depictions lacking artistic value for minors) to verify users are 18+ if 25% or more of the site’s pages contain such material. It mandates age verification using approved methods like commercial databases, prohibits retaining user identifying information, and creates a private right of action for parents to sue violators. The Minnesota Attorney General can enforce the law through civil actions, and commercial entities face $25,000 penalties per violation. This bill directly affects websites meeting the 25% harmful content threshold and targets operators of commercial platforms accessible to Minnesota residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota employers to offer employees a prorated amount of earned sick and safe time at the start of the year instead of waiting for it to accrue over time. Under the new provision, employers may provide up to 48 hours immediately if they pay out unused time at year-end, or up to 80 hours if they do not pay it out. The change applies to all employees covered by Minnesota's earned sick and safe time law, including those who start mid-year who would receive a prorated amount based on remaining workdays. Employers retain the option to continue the previous accrual system if they choose, and the bill does not alter other existing requirements for how sick time is earned or used.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how Minnesota employers can identify and address misuse of earned sick and safe time by adding specific definitions to state law. It allows employers to request reasonable documentation from employees when there is a pattern of suspected misuse, such as repeatedly taking time off on days surrounding holidays or using small increments at shift boundaries. The legislation also states that requiring such documentation is not considered retaliation against employees. These changes apply to all employers and employees covered by Minnesota's earned sick and safe time requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 3650 establishes a voluntary framework for Minnesota public schools to connect high school students with career-focused learning experiences like internships, job shadowing, and employer-engaged projects. It requires coordination between schools, workforce agencies, and colleges to align programs with job market needs, using personalized learning plans as a foundation for career exploration. Participation is optional for school districts and charter schools, with the state providing centralized resources and guidance to support implementation. A report on the framework’s progress must be submitted to the legislature.

Maddy summaryHF 2817 amends Minnesota law to extend service line of duty death benefits to part-time, paid on-call, and volunteer firefighters. The bill updates the definition of "public safety officer" to include these firefighters when performing specific duties like firefighting, emergency medical services, or hazardous material response. This change ensures that the families of these firefighters who die while on duty receive the same death benefits previously available only to full-time firefighters. The policy applies to firefighters working for local government fire departments or independent nonprofit firefighting organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensed health care professionals to perform cardiovascular prescreenings for student athletes and all students beginning in the 2028-2029 school year. The screenings must follow evidence-based guidelines and check for heart conditions such as abnormal blood pressure, known cardiac issues, and signs of structural heart disease, with positive results leading to cardiologist referrals. The Department of Health will publish annual reports on screening numbers and outcomes, while the Department of Education and Health will distribute educational materials to families about sudden cardiac arrest risks. Additionally, the bill mandates professional training for health care providers on conducting these screenings and establishing rules to implement the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Minnesota commissioner from treating an employer's good-faith report of fraud as retaliation against an employee who uses paid leave benefits. It directly affects employers who report suspected fraud and employees who might fear retaliation for using paid leave. The law distinguishes between good-faith reports, which are protected from being labeled retaliation, and intentionally inaccurate reports, which would still be considered retaliatory. This change aims to encourage employers to report fraud without fear of legal repercussions while maintaining protections against false accusations.

Maddy summaryHF 3421 requires Minnesota teacher preparation programs to provide a supervised early literacy field experience for teacher candidates who will teach early literacy, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. The field experience must align with evidence-based reading practices, be integrated with reading instruction, and occur primarily during school hours with structured feedback. The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board must develop rules defining which teaching areas require this experience and ensuring its effective implementation. The bill also appropriates funds for this rulemaking process, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 1490 clarifies Minnesota's high school graduation requirements for students entering grade 8 in the 2012-2013 school year and later. It requires schools to monitor students' progress in math, reading, and writing through continuous assessment, using data to identify academic needs and provide targeted support. The bill also mandates age-appropriate career exploration and planning activities to help students develop transition plans for college or careers without needing remediation. These changes apply directly to Minnesota public high school students and school districts implementing the requirements, effective July 1, 2025.