Rep. Steve Elkins

Maddy summaryHF 1133 exempts certain housing development proposals from temporary city restrictions called "interim ordinances." It applies to housing projects (like new apartment buildings or single-family homes) that were already submitted or pending before a city adopted such a temporary rule, and that align with the city's existing long-term development plan. The bill requires cities to hold a public hearing and give written notice to affected developers before adopting these temporary rules, but ensures projects meeting the exemption criteria cannot be blocked by the rule. This change aims to prevent delays for housing projects already in the approval process.

Maddy summaryHF 2875 extends Minnesota's existing crime statute for damaging telecommunications equipment to specifically include broadband and cable services. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes § 609.593 by adding "broadband services" and "cable services" to the list of protected infrastructure, which previously covered only traditional telecommunications. This means intentional damage to equipment like routers, cables, fiber lines, or poles used for broadband or cable services would now be punishable under the same criminal penalties. The change directly affects individuals who damage such infrastructure, making these acts subject to criminal prosecution.

Maddy summaryHF 2231 modifies Minnesota's requirements for publishing public notices. It allows local governments (political subdivisions) to post notices online via their website and the Minnesota Newspaper Association's statewide site when a qualified newspaper discontinues publication. The bill requires immediate online posting until a qualified newspaper can be identified, eliminating the need to wait for a new newspaper to become available. This change applies to all public notices mandated by law, rule, or ordinance, ensuring notices remain accessible to the public during newspaper disruptions.

Maddy summaryHF 683 allows Minnesota cities and counties to adopt ranked choice voting (RCV) for local elections, such as mayoral or city council races. It establishes rules for how RCV would work, including counting votes by voter preferences and reallocating votes when candidates are eliminated. The bill permits local jurisdictions to use electronic voting systems that automatically handle vote reallocation, and it appropriates funds for implementation. This bill directly affects local governments choosing to implement RCV and voters in those jurisdictions participating in local elections. It does not change state or federal election rules.

Maddy summaryHF 2714 modifies Minnesota's rules for contracting with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and technology platforms that manage state prescription drug programs. It requires the state commissioner to use a reverse auction process to select PBMs and mandates that the selected technology platform must automate claim adjudication, ensure data security (with SOC 2/NIST certification), and enable direct comparison of bid prices using standardized metrics like NADAC. The bill directly affects the state government (through the commissioner of management and budget), PBMs, and technology vendors by setting specific contractual terms, data access requirements, and annual market check obligations. Key provisions include prohibiting unilateral contract changes by PBMs, requiring fee-based payments to technology vendors, and ensuring automated payment validation through the platform.

Maddy summaryHF 320 allows auto dealers in Minnesota to participate in designated auto shows. The bill amends state law to establish specific criteria for "auto shows" where dealers may legally exhibit vehicles, clarifying which events qualify under the new rules. It directly affects auto dealers seeking to showcase vehicles at public events and the organizers of those shows. The key mechanism creates a defined framework for permissible participation, removing prior restrictions that may have limited dealer involvement in such events. This is a procedural change focused on enabling dealer participation under clear, established conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 958 requires Minnesota's medical assistance program to cover psychiatric collaborative care services for eligible clients. This model, defined as an evidence-based integrated approach involving primary care teams with psychiatric consultants, must be billed using specific codes (99492-99494, G2214, G0512). The bill mandates coverage for this service delivery method, which includes structured care management and regular clinical assessments. It takes effect July 1, 2025, or upon federal approval, whichever is later.

Maddy summaryHF 1458 modifies Minnesota's requirements for becoming a certified public accountant (CPA). It extends current standards (150 college credits plus one year of relevant work experience) until July 1, 2030, after which new applicants will need either a master's degree plus one year of experience or a bachelor's degree plus two years of experience. The bill also establishes reciprocity, allowing CPAs licensed in other states with comparable requirements to practice in Minnesota without additional exams. This directly affects current and future CPA applicants in Minnesota and out-of-state CPAs seeking to practice in the state.

Maddy summaryHF 2007 establishes a 15-member work group to improve spoken language health care interpreter services in Minnesota. The group, including interpreters, limited English proficiency (LEP) patients, health systems, and interpreter agencies, must develop recommendations on interpreter standards, reimbursement, rural access gaps, and telehealth requirements. It requires the work group to submit reports by October 2026, including survey findings and evidence-based research on current interpreter services. The bill directly affects healthcare interpreters, LEP patients, and healthcare providers by aiming to address barriers in language access and improve service quality statewide.

Maddy summaryHF 1175 requires Minnesota public school districts and charter schools to develop written cardiac emergency response plans by the 2026-2027 school year. These plans must include specific steps for responding to cardiac arrests, such as placing automatic defibrillators in accessible locations, training staff in CPR and defibrillator use, and conducting annual emergency simulations. The bill appropriates $2 million from the general fund to help schools implement these plans, covering costs for defibrillators, training, and related equipment. It directly affects all Minnesota schools, ensuring they are prepared for cardiac emergencies during school activities.