Rep. Matt Norris

Maddy summaryHF 2881 appropriates $4.9 million from the general fund for the Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with the same amount continuing annually thereafter. This funding directly supports the task force's operations, enabling it to investigate and combat human trafficking within Minnesota. The bill provides specific, concrete financial resources without altering existing laws or creating new obligations.

Maddy summaryHF 3057 establishes a public option within MinnesotaCare, allowing Minnesotans to enroll in a government-run health plan alongside private insurers. It expands eligibility to more residents and sets income-based premiums for public option enrollees. The bill requires the commissioner of commerce to seek federal approval for a special waiver (Section 1332) and appropriates funding for implementation. This directly affects individuals purchasing health insurance in Minnesota's individual market, particularly low- and middle-income residents seeking affordable coverage options.

Maddy summaryHF 2860 allows Minnesota local health departments to obtain and distribute predosed epinephrine (pre-measured, single-use devices for severe allergic reactions) and specific vaccines under a standing order from the commissioner of health. The bill authorizes departments to distribute these items to community locations without individual prescriptions, with administration permitted in good faith during life-threatening allergic reactions. It specifically covers school-required vaccines, flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and other vaccines the department determines appropriate, administered by nurses under established protocols. This policy change directly affects local health departments and community health boards by streamlining access to critical allergy and immunization resources.

Maddy summaryHF 1978 creates a budget exception for Minnesotans with both a developmental disability and type 1 diabetes, allowing them to access additional home care nursing support through existing community-based services programs. The bill requires the state human services commissioner to establish a process where individuals with both documented diagnoses can receive up to nine hours per day of registered nurse home care, at the current waiver program rate. This exception applies specifically to those enrolled in home and community-based services waivers under Minnesota law. The provision takes effect January 1, 2026, or after federal approval.

Maddy summaryHF 1740 appropriates $X from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 to support community cable television programming. The funds will be distributed through the Minnesota Association of Community Telecommunications Administrators to public, educational, and governmental cable channels across the state. This grant program specifically aims to fund local programming that promotes community and civic engagement. The bill directly affects community cable providers by providing dedicated funding for locally produced content, with no changes to existing regulatory frameworks.

Maddy summaryHF 2965 requires the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to include specific information in annual assessment letters sent to manufactured home park owners. The letters must detail whether funds are being collected, explain the collection process, provide an invoice for each licensed lot, include a notice for residents, and offer a sample form for tracking resident information. This bill modifies existing requirements under Minnesota Statutes 327C.095, ensuring park owners receive clear, standardized communication about the $15 annual assessment per lot. It directly affects manufactured home park owners who must pay this assessment, and applies to all parks licensed under Minnesota law.

Maddy summaryHF 1914 appropriates state funds for three key human services programs in Minnesota. It provides emergency services grants for immediate crisis support, county grants to address homelessness gaps (prioritizing Tribal Nation partnerships and interventions like 24/7 shelters), and funding for provider capacity-building collaboratives. The capacity-building program helps service providers access stable funding streams, including Medicaid waivers and housing support programs. These funds are allocated for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with unspent first-year money rolling over to the second year. The bill directly affects counties, service providers, and people experiencing homelessness by expanding access to crisis support and housing-focused services.

Maddy summaryHF 2960 appropriates $25,000 from Minnesota’s arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 and $25,000 for fiscal year 2027 to provide a grant to "Fishing with Vets," a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The funding will support the organization in organizing and conducting guided fishing trips for veterans across Minnesota. This bill directly affects veterans by enabling access to recreational fishing programs through an existing nonprofit, with no new policy requirements or program changes. The appropriation is limited to the specified amounts and timeframes outlined in the bill.

Maddy summaryHF 2620 appropriates $5 million for fiscal year 2026 to address emerald ash borer infestations in the metro area and $5 million for community tree-planting grants statewide. The metro funds support local governments for ash borer response activities like waste facility planning, wood transportation, and disposal. The tree-planting grants, administered by the Department of Natural Resources under existing law, help communities replace lost trees. Both funds are one-time appropriations available until June 30, 2028.

Maddy summaryHF 2242 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Human Services to select a single state pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) through a competitive bidding process. This PBM will handle all prescription drug claims for Minnesota's Medicaid (medical assistance) and MinnesotaCare programs, replacing the current system where multiple PBMs might be used. The bill mandates a master contract with this single PBM, specifies rules for drug coverage and reimbursement, and requires the commissioner to report on the program's operation. It also includes strict transparency requirements during procurement, such as disclosing potential conflicts of interest and financial ties between the PBM and pharmacies or drug manufacturers.