Rep. Bianca Virnig

Maddy summaryHF 3188 modifies Minnesota's garnishment and bankruptcy exemptions by creating a new $1,000 exemption for funds in any debtor's depository account (e.g., checking or savings accounts), regardless of the money's source. This exemption applies to all individual debtors facing garnishment and requires financial institutions to protect up to $1,000 per account when processing garnishment orders. The bill also adds specific requirements for creditors to provide exemption notices to financial institutions and clarifies that this $1,000 exemption cannot be combined with another existing exemption. The changes take effect August 1, 2025, for new cases.

Maddy summaryHF 1502 establishes a new process to determine disability for Minnesota medical assistance (Medicaid) eligibility, creating a specific pathway for applicants under 65 who are blind or claim disability but haven’t been formally determined disabled by the Social Security Administration. The bill requires that such applicants be referred to the state medical review team for a disability determination if they don’t qualify under other eligibility categories. This change, effective July 1, 2025, directly affects Minnesotans applying for medical assistance who fall into this category. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes sections 256B.055 and 256B.056 to implement these provisions.

Maddy summaryHF 2903 appropriates $1 million from Minnesota's general fund for fiscal year 2026 to fund transitional housing projects. The commissioner of human services will distribute grants to eligible organizations to renovate existing facilities into transitional housing, improve current transitional housing sites, construct new sites, or enhance safety and accessibility at existing sites. This one-time funding directly supports housing providers and individuals experiencing homelessness by expanding access to safe, habitable transitional housing. The bill specifies concrete uses for the funds but does not create new eligibility requirements beyond existing statutory provisions.

Maddy summaryHF 2709 modifies access rules for census workers and political candidates in apartment buildings (multiple unit dwellings). It requires buildings to permit access between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily for both groups, mandates 24-hour prior notice for entry, and encourages owners to notify residents when census workers or candidates plan visits. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes sections 2.92 (census access) and 211B.20 (candidate access), updating existing provisions without changing who may enter or the core access hours. It directly affects apartment building managers, census workers, and political candidates seeking voter contact. The changes focus on standardizing notice requirements and operating hours, not altering eligibility for entry.

Maddy summaryHF 51 authorizes Minnesota school districts to use state education funds for roof repairs and replacements costing $100,000 or more per site as part of the long-term facilities maintenance program. School districts must develop a ten-year facility plan that includes a roof maintenance schedule, health and safety measures (like indoor air quality management), and provisions for gender-neutral restrooms at each school. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to explicitly include roof projects in eligible uses of the funding, effective for fiscal year 2027 and later. This legislation expands the types of maintenance projects that can be funded under the existing education finance program without changing the overall funding formula.

Maddy summaryHF 2523 appropriates $9 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to provide grants to community-based HIV/AIDS support services providers in Minnesota. This funding, available until June 30, 2027, directly supports organizations offering critical services to people living with HIV/AIDS. The bill establishes a base appropriation of $9 million for fiscal year 2028, ensuring ongoing funding for these services. It does not change eligibility or service requirements but provides dedicated state funding for existing community support programs.

Maddy summaryHF 3193 allows Minnesota municipalities to halt tax increment financing (TIF) payments to developers, contractors, or subcontractors who violate state or local labor laws. The bill requires municipalities to hold a public hearing with prior notice before stopping payments, including specific details about the alleged violation. Developers or contractors affected can challenge the decision in court within 30 days, with courts required to rule in their favor if proper procedures weren't followed or no violation occurred. This policy directly affects development projects using TIF funding and aims to enforce labor law compliance through financial consequences.

Maddy summaryHF 2554 designates a specific bridge on Burnsville Parkway over Interstate Highway 35W in Burnsville, Minnesota, as the "Elmstrand * Finseth * Ruge Heroes Memorial Bridge." The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 161.14 to formally name the structure and requires the transportation commissioner to adopt appropriate signage for it. This is a commemorative measure naming a physical location, not a policy change affecting residents or creating new laws. The bridge itself is the direct subject of the designation, with no broader legislative impact beyond the memorial name and signage.

Maddy summaryHF 1644 creates a grant program to fund family permanent supportive housing in Minnesota. It appropriates $1.5 million for fiscal year 2026 to provide $15,000 per family served to nonprofit organizations or Tribal governments operating housing for families facing barriers like homelessness, mental health challenges, or child protection referrals. The program requires grantees to offer specific services - including child-centered education, job training, counseling referrals, and 24/7 on-site staffing - to help families maintain stable housing and support children's well-being. Funding must serve 60% of families in the metro area, 40% outside it, and at least 10% from Minnesota Tribal Nations.

Maddy summaryHF 1943 transfers $200,000 from Minnesota's general fund to the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) account for fiscal year 2026. This transfer fulfills Minnesota's state matching requirement under the federal Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, ensuring the state qualifies for federal election funding. The bill directly affects Minnesota's election finance system by providing the necessary state funds to access federal resources for election administration improvements. It does not alter voting procedures or election rules, focusing solely on meeting federal matching obligations.