Rep. Bianca Virnig

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates funding from the general fund to the Minnesota Department of Human Services for technology upgrades to MAXIS and the Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS). The money must be used specifically to create and implement modernization plans or replacements for these systems, with input from counties, Tribal Nations, and health plans. Funds are restricted to direct improvements for public assistance casework and health care claims processing, cannot be used for other IT systems, and are designated as a one-time appropriation for fiscal year 2026. The legislation takes effect the day after final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts medical assistance reimbursement rates for dental services in Minnesota and provides additional funding for critical access dental providers. It establishes specific payment increases for different service types and provider categories, including higher rates for rural areas, children under 21, and state-operated dental clinics. The legislation also requires managed care plans to reimburse providers at rates equal to or greater than fee-for-service amounts for covered dental services. These changes directly affect dental providers, managed care organizations, and MinnesotaCare recipients by modifying how much they are paid for dental care.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Minnesota counties contribute to administrative costs for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It adjusts the state's financial responsibility for covering county administrative expenses related to SNAP operations. The legislation directly affects county agencies that manage SNAP benefits and the state Department of Human Services that oversees the program. By changing the cost-sharing structure, the bill aims to clarify financial obligations between state and local governments for administering this federal assistance program.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the operation and promotion of online sweepstakes games in Minnesota, which are defined as internet-based games that use a dual-currency payment system allowing players to exchange currency for prizes or cash equivalents while simulating gambling. It directly affects game operators, payment processors, financial institutions, and other service providers by banning them from supporting these activities within the state. The bill also requires the commissioner of public safety and attorney general to deny operations to anyone accepting revenue from these prohibited games and to enforce penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryHF 3691 adds "emergency managers" to the statutory definition of "essential employees" in Minnesota law. This means emergency managers - professionals who coordinate responses to crises like natural disasters or public safety incidents - will now be officially classified as essential employees, alongside firefighters, police dispatchers, and correctional guards. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes § 179A.03, specifically adding "emergency managers" to the list of roles considered essential during emergencies. This change ensures emergency managers receive the same legal protections and operational status as other designated essential workers during critical events.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota legislative resolution (HF 2688) requests Congress to seek a constitutional amendment overturning the *Citizens United v. FEC* Supreme Court decision. It asks Congress to clarify that constitutional rights apply only to natural persons (not corporations or other artificial entities) and that campaign spending is not protected speech under the First Amendment. The resolution specifically proposes an amendment requiring governments to regulate campaign contributions and expenditures to ensure equal political access for all citizens, regardless of wealth, and to mandate public disclosure of all political spending. It does not create new laws but formally urges federal action through a constitutional amendment process.

Maddy summaryHF 2136 appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide grants for forensic interview training scholarships. The funds will support nationally recognized organizations that offer scholarships to law enforcement, child protection workers, prosecutors, health professionals treating child maltreatment cases, and forensic interviewers at children's advocacy centers. These scholarships cover basic, advanced, and specialized forensic interview training. The bill directly affects Minnesota professionals working with child abuse cases by expanding access to specialized training through state-funded scholarships.

Maddy summaryHF 729 expands Minnesota's medical assistance program to cover face-to-face care evaluations for home care planning, directly benefiting seniors and disabled residents needing home care services. The bill modifies payment rates for homemaker services, home health agencies, and home care nursing, while establishing a grant program to train home care professionals. It requires counties to report on implementation and appropriates funding for these changes. These updates aim to improve access to personalized home care assessments and support service providers through revised reimbursement structures.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program to fund early childhood mental health consultations for children five years old and younger, primarily benefiting child care professionals, mental health clinics, and community service providers. The grants will support activities such as diagnosing mental health conditions, training clinicians in evidence-based practices, and providing specialized care to young children with significant mental health needs. Eligible recipients include certified mental health clinics, community mental health centers, Indian health facilities, and therapeutic service providers who help children remain in their families and communities. The legislation also modifies existing requirements for home and community-based services, day treatment programs, and intensive rehabilitative mental health services while mandating additional reporting.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota housing and redevelopment agencies to invest their funds in specific types of long-term equity investments, expanding their investment options beyond traditional state board investments. The legislation permits these agencies to invest in index mutual funds tied to broad U.S. equity markets and in shares of companies registered with the SEC that focus on investment-grade fixed income securities and hold at least 80 percent of their assets in federally insured or guaranteed securities. To use this authority, local governing bodies must adopt a resolution or investment policy acknowledging the risk of loss, understanding the specific funds being invested, and certifying that all designated funds meet state board requirements. The changes apply to housing and redevelopment authorities in counties or cities that meet existing qualification criteria and take effect immediately upon enactment.