Rep. Bianca Virnig

Maddy summaryHF 2288 authorizes $210,000 in state funds to the University of Minnesota Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement to conduct a 2026 survey of Minnesota principals. The bill requires the Center to post survey results online, file a report with the legislature by January 15, 2027, and provide it to education committee chairs. This funding directly supports gathering data on Minnesota principals' experiences and challenges. The survey is intended to inform future education policy decisions based on principal input.

Maddy summaryHF 2489 modifies Minnesota school policies for epinephrine access, directly affecting students with severe allergies and school staff. The bill requires annual written authorization from parents and prescribing doctors for students to possess epinephrine auto-injectors or for schools to store them for immediate use. It mandates individualized health plans developed by parents, school staff, and medical professionals at the start of each school year, specifying whether a student can carry the device or needs it kept nearby during the instructional day. Schools must also keep additional epinephrine in first aid kits and define "instructional day" for implementation, while providing liability protection for good-faith actions.

Maddy summaryHF 2171 is a symbolic resolution, not a law. It asks Congress to recognize Minnesota's historical ratification of the Child Labor Amendment (ratified by Minnesota in 1933), which would authorize federal regulation of child labor for those under 18. The resolution has no legal effect, as the amendment remains unratified nationally (requiring 38 states, but only 27 have ratified) and federal child labor laws are already in place following the 1941 Supreme Court case *United States v. Darby Lumber Co.*

Maddy summaryHF 1999 restricts how people can request public data from Minnesota school districts. It requires requesters to provide their identity (no anonymous requests) and pay for costs if they fail to appear to inspect the data in person. The law applies to all public data requests to school districts under Minnesota's government data practices law, but does not affect requests made by students under separate privacy rules. These changes take effect 24 hours after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryHF 1124 allows Minnesota school districts to begin the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years before Labor Day, which is currently prohibited under state law. This temporary change applies only to those two specific school years and does not alter the standard start date requirement for other years. School districts choosing this option must report their start dates to the education commissioner, who will then compile and submit a list of participating districts to legislators by January 5, 2027. The bill directly affects public school districts in Minnesota for those two school years.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that current Minnesota state legislators (senators and representatives) may legally perform civil marriages. It directly affects legislators by explicitly adding them to the list of authorized marriage officiants under Minnesota law. The key provision amends Minnesota Statutes section 517.04 to include "a current member of the senate or the house of representatives" as an authorized person, alongside judges, ministers, and registered civil marriage officiants. This change removes ambiguity about legislators' ability to solemnize weddings without requiring additional registration or special permission.

Maddy summaryHF 1995 modifies Minnesota's substance use disorder treatment system by changing how courts handle assessment fees and improving accreditation pathways. It specifies that courts cannot require payment for substance use assessments if they qualify for reimbursement under state health programs (like chapters 254B or 256B), directly affecting people convicted of certain offenses. The bill also updates accreditation standards, allowing treatment providers to use recognized accreditations (e.g., The Joint Commission) if their standards align with state licensing requirements. Additionally, it requires the Human Services Commissioner to develop recommendations for transition support services - such as housing, food, and childcare - based on input from diverse stakeholders including people in recovery and community providers. These changes aim to streamline access to care and support continuity after treatment.

Maddy summaryHF 62 is a technical correction that moves references to existing student attendance laws from Minnesota Statutes Chapter 120A to their appropriate chapters elsewhere in the statutes. This bill does not change any attendance policies, rules, or requirements for students, schools, or families. It only reorganizes where these laws are codified in the state code for clarity and consistency. The bill has no substantive impact on education practices or student attendance.

Maddy summaryHF 1378 modifies Minnesota's election filing deadlines and campaign finance reporting rules. It requires candidates for state and local offices to file economic interest statements within 14 days after candidate filing ends (previously 60 days for some), adjusts municipal candidate filing periods to 56-70 days before March elections (previously 56-70 days), and updates campaign finance reports to include vendor details for payments over $100 and privacy protections for contributors who request address withholding. These changes affect candidates, elected officials, and campaign committees by altering when they must submit filings and what information they must disclose. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 1002 appropriates $15 million for the Head Start program in fiscal year 2026 and $15 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund. This funding directly supports Minnesota's Head Start program, which provides early childhood education and family services to low-income preschool children. The bill directs these funds to the commissioner of children, youth, and families for implementation under Minnesota Statutes section 142D.12. The legislation makes no changes to program eligibility or structure, solely providing dedicated state funding for existing Head Start services.