Rep. Liz Reyer

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the official title of "physician assistant" to "physician associate" in Minnesota law for licensed professionals. It clarifies that "physician associate," "physician assistant," and "PA" are synonymous terms, with no change to the scope of practice or rights for these professionals. The bill prohibits discrimination in employment, contracts, or healthcare relationships due to this title change and requires state agencies and documents to update all references to the new title. It directly affects licensed physician associates, healthcare facilities, employers, insurers, and government programs that interact with these professionals.

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 removes the legal authority for federal agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to make arrests under Minnesota state law. It directly affects these federal agencies by eliminating their ability to conduct warrantless arrests within the state, except when assisting local law enforcement. The change amends existing statutes to delete provisions that previously allowed these officers to arrest individuals for specific crimes like assault or felonies when on duty or with a warrant. This policy adjustment limits arrest powers to state-authorized peace officers and private citizens, while still permitting federal agents to aid in executing warrants when requested by local officers.

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 summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's law on concealing identity in public places. It adds "protection from smoke, gas, or other airborne toxin" as a valid exception for wearing masks or disguises, while clarifying that the law generally prohibits such concealment (except for religious, entertainment, weather, or medical reasons). The bill specifically creates two new exceptions for law enforcement: undercover officers may conceal identity when necessary for investigations or safety, and tactical team members may wear face masks to prevent facial disfigurement. The law would not apply to these officers while performing official duties under these specified circumstances. (Note: This is a proposed bill pending in committee as of February 2026.)

Maddy summaryHF 3622 prohibits nursing homes and assisted living facilities from requiring a guardian or conservator as a condition for admission or continued residence. It requires nursing homes to maintain automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in all resident-occupied buildings, with annual staff training on AED use, CPR, and emergency response protocols. The bill also mandates that assisted living facilities provide prospective residents with a standardized checklist disclosing services, facility inspections, complaint history, and complaint resolution data. These changes apply to facilities serving older adults and become effective on August 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 2771 regulates private equity company acquisitions of nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Minnesota. The bill updates definitions to specifically identify "controlling persons" and "controlling individuals" in these facilities, focusing on private equity firms that collect capital investments (excluding banks, government entities, and small shareholders). It requires a study on the impacts of such acquisitions and appropriates funding for this work. The law directly affects nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and private equity firms seeking to acquire them.

Maddy summaryHF 3414 creates a new legal pathway for Minnesotans to sue government officials who violate their civil rights under the U.S. or Minnesota Constitution. It allows individuals harmed by such violations to seek damages, injunctions, and attorney fees within six years of the incident. The bill also requires state and local law enforcement agencies to obtain written agreements from federal partners before collaborating, ensuring federal officers follow both U.S. and Minnesota constitutional standards and can be held liable under this new law. This directly affects people experiencing civil rights violations and law enforcement agencies entering federal partnerships.

Maddy summaryHF 46 requires dental insurance plans in Minnesota to pay dentists directly for services when a patient (enrollee) submits a written request, regardless of whether the dentist is in the insurance plan's network. This applies to all dental insurance organizations covered under Minnesota Statutes. The key provision mandates that upon written request, the dental organization must send payment directly to the dentist instead of the patient. This change gives patients more flexibility to choose any dentist without network restrictions.

Maddy summaryHF 3662 amends Minnesota's individual income tax code to require taxpayers to include certain employer-reimbursed travel expenses as taxable income. Specifically, it adds an "addition" for travel costs (like fares, meals, and lodging) paid by or reimbursed by an employer while traveling within Minnesota for immigration enforcement activities or supporting such activities. This provision applies only to expenses incurred in Minnesota and takes effect for tax years starting after December 31, 2025. The bill directly affects Minnesota taxpayers whose employers cover travel related to immigration enforcement within the state.