Rep. Bianca Virnig

Maddy summaryHF 3344 creates a new "LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights" in Minnesota. It directly affects residents of long-term care facilities, home care clients, and home and community-based services recipients who are LGBTQIA2S+ or living with HIV. Key provisions require facilities to provide staff training in LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV cultural competency, prohibit specific discriminatory acts (like forcing clothing against gender identity or refusing chosen names/pronouns), mandate clear notices of residents' rights, and allow civil lawsuits if rights are violated. The bill appropriates funds to support these changes, aiming to prevent discrimination in care settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota's legal definition of "mental illness" to clarify criteria for determining serious mental health conditions. It changes reimbursement rates for medical transportation under public assistance programs and allocates new funding for two specific initiatives: a grant program supporting children at risk of bipolar disorder, and the Children's First Episode of Psychosis program. The bill also requires a report on mental health services but does not specify the report's content. These changes directly affect individuals seeking mental health care, medical providers, and state mental health programs in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (not a bill with policy changes), passed by the Minnesota House. It urges Congress to exercise its constitutional authority to oversee the Executive branch and defend the Constitution. The resolution specifically cites concerns about the Executive branch allegedly bypassing courts, impounding funds, and infringing on free speech, and asks Congress to "assert its constitutional oversight authority." It directs Minnesota's Secretary of State to send copies to Congress and Minnesota's federal representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's local welfare agencies to assess or investigate child maltreatment reports that occurred in another state or country if either the alleged perpetrator or the child resides in Minnesota. It clarifies that such cases are treated as if they occurred within Minnesota for reporting and investigation purposes. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes sections 256.045 (judicial review procedures) and adds a new provision to 260.14 (local welfare agency responsibilities). This change directly affects Minnesota welfare agencies and families involved in cross-state maltreatment cases where Minnesota residents are connected to the incident.

Maddy summaryHF 3313 appropriates $1 million from the general fund for the Dakota County Community Development Agency to support Minnesota's bid to host Expo 2031. The funds must be used for activities like licensing fees, development planning, and reimbursing agency costs, contingent on approval by two international bodies (International Association of Horticultural Producers and Bureau International des Expositions). If Expo 2031 is not approved, the money transfers to the Minnesota Investment Fund. This is a one-time appropriation with funds available for two years, allowing reimbursement of expenses up to 90 days before formal spending.

Maddy summaryHF 3304 repeals tax breaks for sustainable aviation fuel producers and data centers, including an income tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel and sales/use tax exemptions for data center operations and facility construction. The revenue generated from these repeals will be redirected to increase the state's renter's credit, providing additional tax relief to low-to-moderate-income renters. The bill also makes technical adjustments to various tax statutes to reflect these changes. This affects businesses in the sustainable aviation fuel sector, data center operators, and renters who qualify for the increased credit.

Maddy summaryHF 2341 allows teachers with 30 years of service to retire at age 60 without a reduced pension, modifying early retirement rules. It increases employer contributions to the Teachers Retirement Association from 13.3% to 13.5% for coordinated members and 17.3% to 17.5% for basic members after June 2025. The bill also raises postretirement adjustments and removes delays for these adjustments for early retirees. These changes directly affect Minnesota teachers and school districts, which will pay higher pension contributions starting July 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 3292 requires Minnesota to study how U.S. tariffs and retaliatory tariffs from other countries impact state households and businesses. The bill appropriates funds to the commissioner of management and budget to examine these economic effects, specifically breaking down impacts by household income level and business sector/size. The study must be completed and reported to legislative committees by February 1, 2026. This bill directly affects all Minnesotans and businesses through the mandated analysis of existing tariff policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HF 3262) removes the requirement for teacher candidates to complete the edTPA performance assessment (Section 1) and mandates that student teachers be placed within 30 miles of their preferred location or school site (Section 2). It directly affects teacher candidates, teacher preparation programs, and the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. The bill requires the Board to amend state rules to eliminate the edTPA requirement and to establish the 30-mile placement rule, with exceptions only if both the program and candidate agree to a different placement. These changes represent concrete policy shifts in teacher education requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 2922 appropriates $1.382 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2027 to fund community service grants for Minnesota's public educational radio stations, including emergency information dissemination in foreign languages. It also allocates $142,000 yearly for equipment grants covering repairs, rentals, and purchases under $500. Additional funds support the Association of Minnesota Public Educational Radio Stations for emergency equipment, cybersecurity, broadcast technology, and a diverse community news service. Unspent funds from the first year carry over to the second year, and grantees must be members of the radio association.