Rep. Kristin Bahner

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how utilization review organizations in Minnesota handle prior authorization requests for healthcare services and establishes new enforcement mechanisms. It requires these organizations to contact physicians before denying requests and mandates that adverse determinations be communicated within five business days with clear explanations and appeal information. The legislation also authorizes the commissioner of commerce to impose fines on organizations that reverse more than 40 percent of appeals over a 12-month period and creates a cause of action for wrongful denials. Additionally, the bill restricts the ability to revoke previously authorized services unless fraud or legal conflicts are proven, while requiring oversight from health licensing boards.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies education and continuing education requirements for psychologists and marriage and family therapists in Minnesota. It requires psychology license applicants to complete graduate-level coursework in domestic violence and mandates that continuing education for both professions include specific training on cultural diversity and domestic violence. The changes directly affect individuals seeking licensure in these health occupations and those renewing their licenses, ensuring they receive training in areas related to domestic violence and cultural competence.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the sale of state bonds to raise up to $5 million for the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Forensic Science Laboratory. The funds will be used to design and renovate or expand the facility in Minneapolis to create a modern regional forensic science center. The appropriation comes from the bond proceeds fund and is directed to the commissioner of public safety for distribution to Hennepin County. The bill requires the commissioner of management and budget to issue the bonds according to existing state statutes and constitutional provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the city of Osseo in Minnesota to impose a one percent local sales and use tax if approved by voters in a special election. The tax revenue must be used to fund specific projects totaling $13 million, including renovations to Boerboom Park, City Hall, and Sipe Park, as well as costs for collecting and administering the tax. The legislation also allows the city to issue up to $13 million in bonds to finance these projects without counting toward the city's debt limits or requiring a separate voter approval for the bonds. The tax would expire after 20 years or when the city determines sufficient funds have been collected to cover all project costs and bond expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Minnesota Digital Choice Act to give users more control over their personal data on social media platforms. It directly affects social media companies and the users who interact with them by creating new data rights and interoperability requirements. Key provisions allow users to request deletion of their personal data and obtain copies in portable formats, while requiring companies to use open protocols that enable users to share their social connections and data across different platforms. The law also mandates that companies respond to data requests within five business days and maintain secure systems for handling user information.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurance plans and utilization review organizations in Minnesota from requiring prior authorization for drugs that have been continuously prescribed to an enrollee for at least six months. The law applies to health benefit plans offered, sold, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and directly affects patients who have been on stable medication regimens for half a year or longer. By removing this administrative requirement for ongoing prescriptions, the bill aims to reduce barriers to accessing medications that patients have already been using consistently. The provision is part of broader changes to Minnesota's health insurance laws that also limit prior authorization for emergency services, mental health treatment, cancer care, and preventive screenings.

Maddy summaryHF 2687 restricts corporate ownership of single-family homes in Minnesota by prohibiting corporate owners (including real estate investment trusts and corporations managing pooled investor funds) from owning 50 or more such homes. It increases the deed tax rate to 0.5% on transfers of single-family homes to corporate owners (up from the standard 0.0033%) and dedicates the state portion of this revenue to workforce and affordable homeownership programs. The bill also creates a statewide landlord database to track rental properties. These changes directly affect large corporate landlords and aim to increase housing affordability through targeted tax revenue.

Maddy summaryHF 2909 modifies Minnesota's medical assistance and MinnesotaCare coverage to require equal payment rates for pharmacists providing services within both pharmacists' and physicians' scopes of practice. It mandates that medical assistance programs and MinnesotaCare reimburse participating pharmacists for these services at the same rate paid to physicians for equivalent care. This applies to fee-for-service programs and managed care plans under sections 256B.69 and 256B.692. The changes take effect January 1, 2026, or after federal approval, whichever is later. The bill directly affects pharmacists and pharmacies providing covered services under these programs.

Maddy summaryHF 3646 modernizes Minnesota's business filing rules by updating payment procedures, lien notices, and financing statement systems. It clarifies consequences for rejected payments (like refusing future filings or deactivating entities), allows electronic lien filings with the Secretary of State, and requires better organization of financing statement data. The bill directly affects businesses, notaries, and trademark filers interacting with the Secretary of State's office. Key changes include standardizing payment enforcement, improving lien notice accessibility, and ensuring electronic filings are properly indexed across state systems.

Maddy summaryHF 3357 would prohibit the possession of dangerous weapons (including guns, ammunition, or explosives) in Minnesota's Capitol complex buildings, making it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The bill specifically applies to state buildings within the Capitol Area described in chapter 15B, excluding the National Guard Armory. Key exemptions include licensed peace officers on duty, permit holders who notify law enforcement, individuals displaying weapons as evidence with sheriff approval, and retired officers working in security roles under specific federal rules. The law would take effect on August 1, 2026, and directly affects anyone entering Capitol complex buildings, with limited exceptions for authorized personnel and specific lawful activities.