Rep. Liz Reyer

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $220,000 from the state's general fund to the Charities Review Council in fiscal year 2027 for software upgrades and outreach expansion. The funding will enable the council to update its cloud-based software for both internal operations and external use by nonprofit organizations receiving accreditation. These changes aim to improve the council's ability to conduct its accrediting process and extend accountability services to more organizations across Minnesota. The appropriation is designated as a one-time payment rather than recurring funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill classifies domestic assault by strangulation as a violent crime under Minnesota law. It achieves this by adding a specific reference to strangulation statutes within the state's definition of violent crimes, which determines how certain offenses are categorized and potentially punished. The changes apply to cases involving crimes committed on or after August 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens penalties for violating domestic violence protection orders in Minnesota by categorizing repeat offenses and those involving weapons as more serious crimes. Under the new rules, a first violation is a misdemeanor with a minimum three-day jail sentence, while a second violation within ten years becomes a gross misdemeanor with a minimum ten-day sentence. A third violation within that same period or any violation involving a weapon or a prior felony conviction is classified as a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. The legislation also clarifies arrest procedures, requiring officers to hold violators for at least 36 hours and granting immunity from civil lawsuits to officers acting in good faith.

Maddy summaryHF 2904 requires certain Minnesota school employers - including school districts, charter schools, and vocational education centers - to join the state's public employees insurance program. It establishes an "educator group insurance program" specifically for school employees, mandating coverage tiers that match existing school employee pool options and including high-deductible plans. The bill creates a labor management committee with 12 members (including seven from Education Minnesota and representatives from unions and school administrators) to study program issues like cost efficiency. It also requires mutual agreement between the commissioner and the committee before changing cost-sharing plans. This bill directly affects school employees and their employers by integrating them into the state's insurance framework with specific administrative structures.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $350,000 from the state's general fund to provide a one-time grant for a pilot program supporting families affected by substance use disorder. The funding will enable Thrive Family Recovery Resources to offer peer services, education, resource navigation, and general support to these families. By January 20, 2027, the commissioner of human services must submit a report evaluating the pilot program's results and recommending whether to continue funding through an ongoing grant. The legislation is a one-time appropriation that does not establish permanent funding for the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the operation of online sweepstakes games in Minnesota, which are defined as internet-based games that use a dual-currency system allowing players to exchange virtual currency for prizes or cash equivalents while simulating gambling. The law directly affects game operators, payment processors, financial institutions, and other entities that support these games by banning them from conducting or promoting such activities within the state. Key provisions require the commissioner of public safety and attorney general to deny licenses to anyone knowingly accepting revenue from these prohibited games and to enforce penalties for violations. The bill also establishes clear definitions for terms like "dual-currency" and "online sweepstakes game" to ensure consistent enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale and use of paraquat dichloride, a pesticide, in Minnesota. Starting January 1, 2027, no one can sell or distribute this product, and by January 1, 2028, its use is also banned. The commissioner of agriculture must collect and dispose of any remaining stock of this pesticide and submit a report on its historical use and current supply chain status by January 1, 2028. The law directly affects pesticide sellers, distributors, and agricultural users who currently handle or apply this chemical.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Minnesota to continue credentialed mental health providers from specific types of entities and to credential new providers meeting certain criteria. It directly affects health plan companies and mental health service providers, particularly those working with certified clinics, essential community providers, or entities authorized to bill under specific state programs. The law mandates that insurers cannot refuse to credential providers based on having enough providers in their network and must allow credentialing waivers for providers in underserved or rural areas to ensure timely patient access. Contracts with new providers must include payment rates that are usual and customary for the services provided, and the changes apply retroactively starting June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Minnesota state government to issue bonds and allocate funds for capital projects on state-owned forest lands. It directly affects the Department of Natural Resources by providing financial resources for forest management activities such as reforestation, planting native trees, and site preparation on over 50 designated state forests. The legislation defines key terms like "reforestation" and "state forest land" to establish clear guidelines for how the appropriated funds will be used. By enabling bond issuance, the bill allows the state to finance large-scale forestry infrastructure improvements without immediately drawing from the general fund.

Maddy summaryHF 3609 prevents drug manufacturers from restricting how 340B program drugs are delivered to participating hospitals and clinics. It adds enforcement by treating violations as deceptive trade practices, allowing the attorney general to take action. The bill permanently removes an expiration date (previously set for July 1, 2027), making these restrictions permanent. This directly affects safety-net healthcare providers that rely on the 340B program for discounted medications.