Rep. Steve Elkins

Maddy summaryHF 2013 limits certain local regulations on residential development in Minnesota. It prohibits municipalities from requiring specific building materials, designs, or aesthetic features beyond the State Building Code (chapter 326B), and bans minimum square footage requirements for residential projects. The bill directly affects developers and homeowners seeking building permits, as local governments can no longer impose these specific restrictions. It includes an exception for developments built by the municipality itself. The law takes effect the day after final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 161 allows Minnesota cities to establish land-value taxation districts, where property taxes are calculated primarily based on land value (excluding improvements) rather than total property value. This directly affects property owners within designated districts, as their tax burden would shift toward land value. Cities must adopt an ordinance describing the district boundaries, tax reallocation method (using uniform rates on land value or similar measures), and conduct public hearings with advance notice. The law requires cities to evaluate long-term economic impacts for at least 15 years and takes effect for 2026 property taxes.

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.

Maddy summaryHF 1309 prohibits Minnesota local governments (cities and counties) from requiring minimum parking spaces for new residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. The bill directly affects developers and property owners by removing a common zoning requirement that previously mandated a set number of parking spots. Key provisions state that political subdivisions cannot impose these minimums, though they may still require ADA-compliant disability parking or make non-binding parking space recommendations. This change aims to increase flexibility for development projects, potentially allowing more housing or commercial space without dedicated parking.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota health plans and pharmacy benefit managers to include lower-cost generic or biosimilar drugs in their drug lists (formularies) when equivalent options cost less than current choices. It mandates that formulary tiers and structure must prioritize the drug with the lowest out-of-pocket cost for patients (including co-pays and coinsurance), without restricting access to that option. Health plans must immediately add newly approved generic or biosimilar drugs to their formularies if they cost less than existing covered options. This directly affects patients by reducing their medication costs and health plans/carriers by changing how they manage drug coverage.

Maddy summaryHF 3074 creates legal rights for transportation network company (TNC) drivers in Minnesota to form and join labor organizations for collective bargaining. It directly affects "active drivers" who completed at least the median number of rides in the most recent two quarters, as defined by the bill. The law establishes a certification process where drivers can designate an exclusive representative (like a union) through the Bureau of Mediation Services, while prohibiting TNCs from controlling or dominating driver representation groups ("company unions"). Drivers gain the right to negotiate terms and conditions of work, including grievance procedures, with TNCs, and the bill defines "lockout" to prevent TNCs from restricting driver access to the platform during disputes.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $100,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $100,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities. The funding supports the Council's work to preserve and raise awareness about the history of Minnesotans with developmental disabilities. It will be used for activities like creating exhibits, videos, print materials, and traveling displays. The direct beneficiaries are Minnesotans with developmental disabilities and the Council's efforts to document their history. The bill makes no changes to eligibility or services, solely providing funding for historical preservation.

Maddy summaryHF 1010 establishes a new licensure process for certified midwives in Minnesota through the Board of Nursing, creating a specific "Minnesota Certified Midwife Practice Act" (Chapter 148G). It amends health occupation definitions to include "licensed certified midwife," expands Medicaid coverage to include services provided by these licensed midwives, and sets civil/criminal penalties for violations. The bill directly affects certified midwives (requiring national certification plus state licensure) and Medicaid recipients who can now access midwifery care under their coverage. Key provisions define midwifery scope (including pregnancy, birth, and women's primary care) and set licensure terms, moving midwifery from an unregulated status to a licensed profession with expanded coverage.

Maddy summaryHF 2973 increases Minnesota's state sales tax rate from 6.5% to 7%, effective after September 30, 2025. This change affects businesses collecting sales tax on retail transactions within the state, with the new revenue dedicated specifically to funding local government aid distributions. The bill also provides an expiration date for certain existing local sales tax laws. The measure amends Minnesota Statutes to redirect these tax revenues to local governments rather than the general fund, without altering the tax base or adding new exemptions.

Maddy summaryHF 1652 prohibits health plans in Minnesota from removing a drug from their formulary (list of covered drugs) or increasing a patient's cost for a previously prescribed drug during the same plan year. This directly affects patients enrolled in health plans who rely on specific medications, preventing unexpected disruptions to their treatment. Exceptions include removing drugs deemed unsafe by the FDA, withdrawn by the FDA or manufacturer, or when switching to a lower-cost FDA-approved generic or biosimilar drug with at least 60 days' notice to patients and providers. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, for health plans offered or renewed on or after that date.