Rep. Bianca Virnig

Maddy summaryHF 2500 prohibits health insurance companies (health carriers) in Minnesota from using algorithms or artificial intelligence to approve or deny prior authorization requests for medical treatments. This applies to all health plans offered, sold, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. The bill directly affects insurers by requiring human review for these coverage decisions, rather than automated systems. It amends Minnesota Statutes section 62A.59 to explicitly ban AI/algorithm use in this specific process.

Maddy summaryHF 3240 establishes a two-year grant program administered by Minnesota's Department of Health to address outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (like measles) in communities with low vaccination rates. It appropriates funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support community health boards and nonprofit organizations working in these high-risk areas. Grant funds must cover culturally appropriate vaccine education, combating misinformation, and helping individuals access vaccines, with materials provided in primary languages of affected populations. The program directly targets geographic areas or populations experiencing or at risk of outbreaks due to low vaccination coverage.

Maddy summaryHF 2295 appropriates $3.4 million from the general fund for Dakota County's mental health crisis services in fiscal year 2026. The funds will directly support mobile crisis response teams, crisis follow-up and stabilization services, and social workers embedded with local public safety agencies. This is a one-time appropriation, meaning the funding is provided only for the 2026 fiscal year. The bill does not change existing laws but allocates specific state funds to expand these crisis services in Dakota County.

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 requirements for Metropolitan Council programs and adjusts reporting obligations to the state legislature. It removes the requirement for the Metropolitan Council and regional development commission to review certain city housing finance programs, allowing cities more autonomy in managing their housing initiatives. The legislation also updates language in state statutes regarding solid waste management planning, requiring the Pollution Control Agency to revise its metropolitan long-range policy plan every six years and clarifying how the plan must address recycling and hazardous waste management. These changes affect local governments in the metropolitan area and state agencies responsible for regional planning and environmental oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how the Metropolitan Council and related agencies in Minnesota handle contracts with small businesses, veteran-owned small businesses, and small targeted group businesses. It changes requirements for subcontracting goals, preference awards, and direct solicitation thresholds while repealing certain compliance plan rules for contracts above a specific dollar amount. The legislation also mandates that agencies report their compliance with these small business contracting rules to the legislature and allows for financial incentives or penalties for contractors meeting or missing subcontracting goals. These changes apply to public contracts for construction, goods, and services, except those funded with federal money that already have similar regulations.

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 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 3469 extends the deadline for using $2,387,000 allocated to Minnesota's two-year county correctional facility support pilot program. The pilot program, established under the original 2024 law, directly affects county correctional facilities by providing education on involuntary mental health medication protocols, technical assistance to expand access to injectable psychotropic medications, and surveys on facility capacity and barriers. This bill specifically changes the appropriation's availability period from June 30, 2026, to June 30, 2027, without altering the program's core provisions or funding amount. The extension ensures counties have an additional year to implement the pilot's requirements before funds expire.

Maddy summaryHF 3798 amends Minnesota ballot language for school district referenda, directly affecting school districts holding votes on capital projects or revenue increases. It requires clearer ballot text stating whether a vote is renewing an existing project (e.g., "renew an existing capital project referendum that is scheduled to expire") and specifies required details like project cost, commissioner review status, and tax rate impact. The bill modifies sections 123B.63, 126C.17, and 275.60 to standardize voter information while maintaining existing funding mechanisms. This change aims to improve voter clarity without altering how referenda are conducted or funded.