Rep. Kim Hicks

Maddy summaryHF 668 requires Minnesota's Medicaid program (medical assistance) to cover prescription drugs already covered by a patient's primary private insurance, eliminating gaps where Medicaid might otherwise deny coverage for such drugs. It also mandates that Medicaid cover in-network medical services without requiring referrals or network verification when the primary insurance has an in-network provider. This bill directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries and healthcare providers who bill Medicaid, streamlining access to care for patients with dual coverage. The law aims to reduce administrative barriers and ensure consistent coverage for services already authorized by primary insurance.

Maddy summaryHF 507 appropriates $1 million from state bond proceeds to fund planning and analysis for a carbon capture system at Olmsted County's waste-to-energy facility, along with designing a business incubator for carbon sequestration training. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $1 million in bonds to cover these costs, as outlined in Minnesota bonding statutes. This funding directly supports Olmsted County's efforts to explore carbon capture technology at its existing waste-to-energy facility and develop related workforce training. The bill focuses solely on the initial planning phase, not construction or operational costs.

Maddy summaryHF 352 appropriates $850,000 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund to Olmsted County Historical Society for the rehabilitation of the historic George Stoppel Farmstead. The funding will cover restoring the stone house and barn and building an accessible pathway, as the farmstead is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. All work must follow federal standards for historic property preservation. This bill directly provides financial support for the preservation of a specific historic site owned by Olmsted County.

Maddy summaryHF 657 appropriates $250,000 from Minnesota's general fund for the Rochester Area Foundation's Pamoja Women program in fiscal year 2026. The funding must be used to provide after-school enrichment activities and partner with a food bank to stock culturally specific foods. This is a one-time appropriation available until June 30, 2027. The bill directly affects the Pamoja Women program, which serves women and girls in Rochester through after-school support and food access. The measure focuses on direct funding allocation with specific program requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 508 appropriates $3.5 million from state bond proceeds to fund a food waste separation system at Olmsted County's organic materials management facility. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds to cover this cost and directs the Pollution Control Agency to provide a grant to Olmsted County for designing, constructing, and equipping the system. This system will prepare food waste for recycling, directly affecting Olmsted County residents and the county's waste management operations. The funding mechanism relies on state bond issuance under Minnesota law, with the project effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 670 appropriates $100,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2026 to the Direct Care and Treatment executive board for planning a locked psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF). This funding directly supports the board in developing a facility plan, which will serve patients requiring specialized psychiatric care. The bill requires the board to submit a detailed report by March 1, 2026, including location analysis, build-out costs, ongoing maintenance expenses, and potential revenue from medical assistance programs. The appropriation is one-time and expires June 30, 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 349 provides a refundable sales and use tax exemption for construction materials used in a water reclamation plant in Rochester, Minnesota. The exemption applies to materials purchased between August 31, 2024, and June 1, 2026, and covers construction, reconstruction, or upgrades of the facility. Purchasers pay the tax upfront but receive a refund through the same process used for other qualifying projects under state law. This directly affects contractors and the city of Rochester by reducing costs for the water reclamation plant project during the specified timeframe.

Maddy summaryHF 644 appropriates $44.8 million from state bond proceeds to fund a new regional wastewater treatment facility in Goodhue County. The funds will support the design, construction, and infrastructure connections for a facility serving the cities of Zumbrota, Goodhue, Pine Island, and Wanamingo, as well as connecting to the Prairie Island Indian Community's Elk Run settlement lands. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds up to $44.8 million under Minnesota's bond laws to cover these costs. This project aims to create a state-of-the-art regional wastewater facility that will replace outdated infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHF 509 allows the city of Rochester to issue an on-sale liquor license to the Historic Chateau Theater at 15 1st Street Southwest. The license permits alcohol sales during performances, exhibitions, or other events at the theater, overriding any conflicting local laws. This bill directly affects the Chateau Theater and requires approval by the Rochester City Council before taking effect. The license operates under Minnesota’s existing liquor laws (Chapter 340A) for this specific venue.

Maddy summaryHF 672 expands Minnesota's medical assistance program to cover room and board expenses for hospice patients receiving care in community-based settings, such as their homes or community facilities. This change specifically applies to Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled in hospice services who would otherwise pay out-of-pocket for lodging and meals. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 256B.0625 to explicitly include these costs, provided they are not already covered under other provisions of the medical assistance program. This policy update directly affects Minnesotans receiving hospice care outside institutional settings, reducing financial barriers to community-based end-of-life care.