Rep. Mike Freiberg

Maddy summaryHF 1579 establishes a new supplementary payment rate for specific housing providers serving vulnerable populations. It requires agencies to negotiate an additional $975 per month (capped at this amount, including inflation adjustments) for facilities providing 24/7 supervised housing to unsheltered individuals with complex health needs (including substance use, mental illness, or physical conditions). These facilities must offer private dwellings in the Twin Cities metro area (100 beds, operating since 2020) or central Minnesota (48 beds, opening after 2025), with all beds dedicated to this population. The rate applies starting July 1, 2025, and is supplemental to existing payment rates.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's HF 1146 establishes the "Minnesota SNAP Step Up for Seniors" program, which provides a state-funded supplement to federal SNAP benefits for Minnesotans aged 55 or older. The bill ensures that seniors receiving SNAP benefits below $50 per month receive additional state funds to bring their total monthly benefit up to at least $50. The supplement is added to existing SNAP benefits and is not counted as income for other programs. The bill appropriates state funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to cover this supplemental benefit.

Maddy summaryHF 2254 adds a $400 "baby bonus" to Minnesota's existing child credit for each qualifying child born during the tax year. This directly affects Minnesota taxpayers with newborn children, increasing their state income tax credit. The bill modifies the child credit calculation by adding the $400 per newborn (without reducing the minimum credit amount) and allows for potential advance payments. It takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 2069 creates new Minnesota license plates specifically for veterans of each U.S. military branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine). Eligible veterans who meet existing criteria (including having discharge papers) can apply for a free plate featuring "VETERAN" and their branch's emblem. The plates must be the same size as standard plates for the vehicle type (e.g., motorcycle) and can be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same veteran for a $5 fee. This bill, effective January 1, 2026, expands Minnesota’s existing veterans' plate program by adding branch-specific designs.

Maddy summaryHF 2073 makes multiple changes to Minnesota's election administration. It modifies election day voter registration by adding new proof of address options (like student fee statements) and limiting how many people a voter can vouch for on election day (max 8). The bill also updates absentee voting rules, election judge appointment requirements, and election-related timelines, while clarifying definitions of "residential facility" to include shelters, nursing homes, and other housing types. It repeals the voting equipment grant account and transfers its funds. These changes directly affect voters, election officials, and residential facilities participating in election day registration.

Maddy summaryHF 2144 appropriates unspecified funds from the general fund for the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program under Minnesota Statutes § 462A.204, for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The bill directly affects families in Minnesota at risk of homelessness by providing funding for prevention and assistance services. Key provisions include directing the Housing Finance Agency to administer the program using these allocated funds. This is a funding bill with no new policy requirements, solely authorizing budget resources for an existing state program.

Maddy summaryHF 2097 expands small business opportunities for the Metropolitan Council and specified state agencies. It allows direct negotiation of contracts (without competitive bidding) for projects under $161,320, and increases preference points for small targeted group businesses and veteran-owned small businesses on bids. The bill also requires agencies to set subcontracting goals for prime contractors to work with these small businesses, mandating that at least 75% of subcontract value must be performed by them. Additionally, it requires prime contractors to pay subcontractors within 10 days, with interest penalties for late payments.

Maddy summaryHF 35 requires all health insurance plans in Minnesota to create a maternal mental health program by January 1, 2026. The program must ensure comprehensive care for pregnant and postpartum individuals by mandating screenings during the perinatal period, requiring fair reimbursement for providers who conduct screenings or provide treatment, and ensuring timely referrals to mental health specialists when needed. This directly affects health insurance plans covering these services and aims to improve access to mental health care for this population. The bill prohibits unreasonable delays in referrals for clinically indicated cases, such as positive mental health screenings or reports of suicidal thoughts.

Maddy summaryHF 1478 amends Minnesota's public land survey monument grant program to adjust how funding is prioritized for counties and Tribal governments. It requires the chief geospatial officer to prioritize grants for counties with financial need that also preserve monuments at risk of destruction, have low survey corner certification rates, or support economic development. The bill appropriates $10 million for fiscal year 2026 (with $10 million annually for 2027-2028) for monument preservation and updates, plus up to $350,000 yearly for program administration. This law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1990 establishes the Minnesota Volunteerism Innovation Board to oversee grants supporting volunteer programs aligned with community indicators like Minnesota Compass. The board, composed of diverse members appointed by state leaders, administers grants for innovative volunteer efforts that address local challenges and track measurable results. It must submit annual reports to the legislature and governor detailing grant activities, outcomes, and financials, including regional impact. The board expires on June 30, 2028, and the program appropriates state funds for these volunteer-focused initiatives.