Rep. Kim Hicks

Maddy summaryHF 3634 expands the list of human services requiring electronic visit verification in Minnesota. It adds three new categories: services provided by "high-risk" providers (based on Medicare criteria), "high-risk" services designated by the commissioner, and any other program or service the commissioner designates. This affects home care and community-based service providers, requiring them to document service details (like time, location, and recipient) electronically through a system compliant with the 21st Century Cures Act. The change broadens verification requirements beyond current personal care, community first services, and home health services.

Maddy summaryHF 2381 establishes new rules for manufactured home parks in Minnesota. It requires park owners to charge uniform rent (with limited exceptions for lot size/location), caps late fees at 8% of rent, and prohibits fees based on family size, home size, or guests. The bill mandates itemized utility billing, requires safety inspections for hazardous trees within 14 days of notice, and requires 60 days' written notice for rent increases. These changes directly affect park residents and owners by standardizing fees, improving transparency, and enhancing safety protections.

Maddy summaryHF 3799 adds a new provision to Minnesota's Human Rights Act, clarifying that failing to engage in a good-faith process to determine reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities may constitute discrimination. The bill specifically amends Section 363A.02(3), which prohibits discrimination in public accommodations like restaurants, stores, and services. It directly affects businesses and organizations providing public services by requiring them to actively work with individuals to find suitable accommodations. This change strengthens existing protections by explicitly stating that refusal to seek accommodations can violate anti-discrimination law.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota law enforcement officers from detaining or transporting suspects in vehicles not specifically designed for human transport, such as standard patrol cars. It requires all such vehicles to be owned/leased by a law enforcement agency, clearly marked with the agency's identification, and equipped with seats and seat belts for each person transported. Exceptions apply during emergencies threatening life/safety or for undercover operations. The law directly affects police departments and officers who transport detainees, aiming to standardize safe transport conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 3796 requires Minnesota employers to provide suitable seating (such as chairs, stools, or benches with back support) in reasonable proximity to work areas when the nature of the work reasonably permits sitting. This law directly affects employers in Minnesota who have employees performing tasks where seating would be practical, such as in retail or assembly line roles. Violations are enforced by the commissioner under existing occupational safety laws, with administrative penalties applied as specified in Minnesota Statutes section 182.666. The bill aims to improve workplace safety by ensuring employees have access to appropriate seating during tasks that allow for it.

Maddy summaryHF 2376 establishes a state-funded pilot program starting in 2025-2026 to improve educational outcomes, safety, and accountability for students with disabilities in Minnesota schools. It requires school districts to apply for grants with detailed plans for inclusive classroom models, addressing accessibility, reducing overrepresentation of students of color in restrictive settings, and incorporating neurodiversity-affirming practices. The program mandates collaboration with students, families, and experts to redesign inclusion frameworks and measure success beyond test scores, including disciplinary data and family engagement. The Department of Education must submit two reports to the legislature (2026 and 2027) evaluating the pilot’s effectiveness and developing best practice guidelines for broader implementation.

Maddy summaryHF 3623 modifies Minnesota's North Star Promise scholarship program by raising the income eligibility threshold to $80,000 for students attending non-state-college public institutions (like universities), while exempting students at state colleges and Tribal colleges from this income limit. The bill also adjusts funding amounts for the program, with specific transfers of $2.5 million annually for spinal cord injury programs and $3.132 million for dual training programs. These changes apply to students enrolled in fall 2026 and beyond. The bill directly affects low-to-moderate-income students seeking tuition support at Minnesota's public higher education institutions.

Maddy summaryHF 3610 modifies Minnesota's law on concealing identity in public places. It makes it generally illegal to hide one's identity using a robe, mask, or disguise in public (except for religious reasons, entertainment, weather protection, smoke/gas protection, or medical treatment), with a misdemeanor penalty. The bill specifically adds two exceptions for law enforcement: undercover officers may conceal their identity when necessary for investigations or safety, and tactical team members may use face masks to prevent facial disfigurement during operations. This change affects the public generally and law enforcement officers performing specific duties under defined circumstances.

Maddy summaryHF 3627 increases the maximum family income limit for Minnesota's North Star Promise scholarship program from $80,000 to $100,000 annually, expanding eligibility to more students from middle-income households. The bill also increases funding transfers for the program, requiring $49.5 million annually from the general fund (starting fiscal year 2026) to support scholarships. This change affects students attending eligible Minnesota colleges who meet other standard requirements like FAFSA submission and academic progress. The adjustments take effect for the fall 2026 academic term.

Maddy summaryHF 3665 modifies Minnesota's foster care placement plans to require agencies and guardians ad litem to include information about early childhood education and child care programs for children in foster care. This applies to children subject to compulsory school attendance who are enrolled in school, receiving home instruction, or in independent study programs. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 260C.212 to add this requirement, ensuring placement plans address educational stability and access to early learning resources. It directly affects children in foster care, foster care agencies, and legal representatives by mandating this new information be included in their case planning.