Rep. Heather Keeler

Maddy summaryHF 1083 amends Minnesota law to prohibit domestic abuse advocates (such as counselors or shelter staff) from disclosing certain client information without consent. The bill specifically states that these advocates cannot share information acquired during professional services, except when the client provides written consent, a crime is involved, or the client sues the advocate. This directly affects domestic abuse survivors seeking help and the advocates who support them. The change updates Minnesota Statutes 595.02 to add this restriction, aligning with existing confidentiality rules for other professionals like social workers and counselors.

Maddy summaryHF 1265 amends Minnesota Statutes section 241.80 to require the Commissioner of Corrections to develop a policy providing cultural programming services to American Indian inmates in all state correctional facilities and community-based programs. The bill mandates services including spiritual/cultural education, work training for post-incarceration employment, development of cultural pride, and partnerships with Tribal Nations to address unique needs. Key provisions require programming that teaches American Indian history, traditions, and spiritual practices, fosters mutual respect between staff and inmates, and facilitates rehabilitation and community reentry. The policy must be implemented within available funding, with the option to contract with American Indian nonprofit organizations. This directly affects American Indian inmates across Minnesota's correctional system.

Maddy summaryHF 862 requires all public Minnesota colleges and universities (including the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges) to maintain a supply of naloxone (an opiate antagonist used to reverse overdoses) on every campus building. Specifically, institutions must have at least two doses of nasal naloxone available onsite at each building and follow established protocols for storage and administration. The bill also directs the state health commissioner to provide training resources, including videos, to help campuses implement these emergency response measures. This requirement takes effect for the 2025-2026 academic year. The bill does not change who can administer naloxone but ensures campuses are prepared to respond to opioid overdoses.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $6.4 million for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund Minnesota's Small Business Assistance Partnerships Program under Minnesota Statutes §116J.682. It directly supports small businesses by providing two-year grants through local partnerships, with funding administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development. The bill specifies that all grants must be awarded in the first year of funding, and up to 5% of the appropriation may cover administrative costs. This is a one-time funding measure, not an ongoing program.

Maddy summaryHF 1878 requires Minnesota's human services commissioner to seek a federal waiver by October 1, 2025, to cover traditional health care practices under the state's medical assistance program. It would allow coverage for these services when received from qualified providers at Indian Health Service facilities, tribal clinics under the Indian Self-Determination Act, or urban Indian organizations. Reimbursement would follow existing Indian Health Service outpatient rates, limited to one visit per day per enrollee. The coverage would begin on January 1, 2026, or after federal approval, whichever is later. This bill directly affects medical assistance enrollees seeking traditional health care through these specific tribal or urban Indian health providers.

Maddy summaryHF 2004 clarifies billing rules for disability waiver services when participants travel out of state. The bill requires Minnesota's human services commissioner to propose changes by December 2025 to include "individualized home supports without training, respite, and night supervision" under "direct care staff services" in waiver plans. This specifically allows billing for these services when waiver participants are temporarily traveling outside Minnesota or attending out-of-state postsecondary school. The policy change directly affects individuals receiving disability waiver services who need support during such out-of-state activities.

Maddy summaryHF 2586 extends cost-of-care exemptions for counties and clients during transfers for certain committed individuals in Minnesota. It specifically delays county payment responsibility for up to 30 days for people awaiting transfer to another state facility or program (expiring June 30, 2025), and maintains full exemption for those committed as mentally ill and dangerous to the public (expiring March 31, 2025). The bill also establishes a Priority Admission Review Panel, requires a Direct Care and Treatment admissions dashboard, and mandates a report on the program. These changes apply to individuals under civil commitment who are waiting for transfer to correction facilities or other state-operated treatment programs. The policy adjustments aim to streamline transitions while ensuring financial responsibility during interim periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies two key aspects of Minnesota's housing stabilization program. It requires the state commissioner to process provider applications within two weeks (up from previous timelines) and reduces payments to housing stabilization service providers by half over two years, with a one-year suspension of this reduction starting July 1, 2025. These changes directly affect housing stabilization service providers and the individuals receiving these services, particularly those also eligible for supplemental housing support under other programs. The bill aims to streamline provider enrollment while adjusting payment structures, with the rate reduction applying only to non-duplicative services.

Maddy summaryHF 2707 appropriates $11.125 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to support sexually exploited youth or youth at risk of sexual exploitation under Minnesota Statutes §256K.47. At least $9 million annually must fund street outreach, emergency shelter, regional navigators, and housing services for these youth. The bill directly affects vulnerable youth in Minnesota by providing dedicated funding for critical safe harbor resources and housing support. It establishes concrete funding mechanisms without altering existing statutes or creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 1412 appropriates $202,600 from the general fund to the Minnesota Department of Health for a one-time grant to the Division of Indian Work. The bill directs this funding to develop and pilot culturally specific suicide prevention curriculum for Native American youth in Minnesota. The curriculum must cover mental health, emotional intelligence, depression, and suicide, providing practical tools for students to support themselves and others. It specifically targets Native American youth and is not intended for general school use.