Rep. Kim Hicks

Maddy summaryHF 2838 appropriates unspecified funds from the general fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for Minnesota's vocational rehabilitation services program (under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268A). The bill directly affects individuals with disabilities who rely on these state-funded services to gain employment skills and secure jobs. It provides dedicated funding for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, though the exact dollar amounts are not specified in the text. This is a straightforward funding measure without new policy provisions, solely allocating resources to an existing program.

Maddy summaryHF 862 requires all public Minnesota colleges and universities (including the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges) to maintain a supply of naloxone (an opiate antagonist used to reverse overdoses) on every campus building. Specifically, institutions must have at least two doses of nasal naloxone available onsite at each building and follow established protocols for storage and administration. The bill also directs the state health commissioner to provide training resources, including videos, to help campuses implement these emergency response measures. This requirement takes effect for the 2025-2026 academic year. The bill does not change who can administer naloxone but ensures campuses are prepared to respond to opioid overdoses.

Maddy summaryHF 1993 modifies Minnesota's requirements for substance use disorder (SUD) assessments and treatment provider qualifications. It specifies that comprehensive SUD assessments must be conducted face-to-face within five days (excluding the service initiation day) by qualified staff like alcohol and drug counselors, certain mental health professionals, or licensed nurses with addiction training. The bill also updates qualifications for treatment coordinators, requiring specific training, education, or certification, plus 2,000 hours of supervised experience working with SUD clients. Additionally, it mandates a study and report on limitations in SUD treatment practices. These changes directly affect SUD treatment providers and the clients receiving services under Minnesota's behavioral health system.

Maddy summaryHF 1655 appropriates $627,000 from Minnesota's general fund for fiscal year 2026 to provide technical assistance grants through Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA). The bill directly supports small rural Minnesota communities that cannot afford economic development services, prioritizing those with the greatest need. Key provisions include funding for CEDA to design and administer tailored community development programs, with up to $270,000 of the appropriation available for implementing specific economic development projects alongside technical assistance. This is a one-time appropriation to enhance local capacity for economic growth in underserved rural areas.

Maddy summaryHF 2690 modifies Minnesota's medical assistance dental coverage by requiring the state commissioner to contract with a dedicated dental administrator starting January 1, 2026, if current managed care and county plans fail to meet performance benchmarks for dental access in 2024. This administrator will handle provider networks, claims processing, and ensure recipients have choice of dental providers meeting state payment rates, with a specific requirement that at least 55% of continuously enrolled medical assistance or MinnesotaCare recipients receive a dental visit by 2029. The bill also establishes a Health Services Advisory Council with a dental subcouncil to advise on evidence-based dental policies, coverage, and delivery models. These changes directly affect medical assistance and MinnesotaCare recipients (including low-income populations), dental providers, and managed care plans.

Maddy summaryHF 2060 extends funding for Minnesota's supported-decision-making programs, which help people with disabilities make their own choices with support instead of relying on guardianship. The bill requires the state commissioner to submit an interim report by December 2024 and a final report by December 2026, detailing grant usage, how programs increased supported decision-making, and reduced reliance on more restrictive options like guardianship. It reallocates unspent funds from fiscal year 2024 to fiscal year 2026 for these programs. The bill directly affects organizations providing these services and the people with disabilities who use them.

Maddy summaryHF 1581 appropriates $553,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $553,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Diaper Bank of Minnesota. The funds are designated for its diaper distribution grant program, which provides diapers to low-income families in need. This bill directly supports families facing diaper insecurity by expanding access to essential supplies through the existing program. The funding is added to the program's base budget and requires no new policy changes or administrative processes.

Maddy summaryHF 683 allows Minnesota cities and counties to adopt ranked choice voting (RCV) for local elections, such as mayoral or city council races. It establishes rules for how RCV would work, including counting votes by voter preferences and reallocating votes when candidates are eliminated. The bill permits local jurisdictions to use electronic voting systems that automatically handle vote reallocation, and it appropriates funds for implementation. This bill directly affects local governments choosing to implement RCV and voters in those jurisdictions participating in local elections. It does not change state or federal election rules.

Maddy summaryHF 2737 appropriates funds from the state general fund to support Minnesota's Hunger-Free Campus grant program. The bill allocates unspecified amounts for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to the Office of Higher Education commissioner. This funding directly supports Minnesota colleges and universities participating in the program, which provides grants to help campuses address student hunger through initiatives like food pantries and meal programs. The program operates under Minnesota Statutes section 135A.137.

Maddy summaryHF 2707 appropriates $11.125 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to support sexually exploited youth or youth at risk of sexual exploitation under Minnesota Statutes §256K.47. At least $9 million annually must fund street outreach, emergency shelter, regional navigators, and housing services for these youth. The bill directly affects vulnerable youth in Minnesota by providing dedicated funding for critical safe harbor resources and housing support. It establishes concrete funding mechanisms without altering existing statutes or creating new requirements.