Rep. Bianca Virnig

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's definition of a "debt buyer" to clarify that businesses purchasing charged-off medical debts for collection purposes are considered debt buyers, while excluding nonprofits buying for charitable reasons. It appropriates $5 million from the general fund for a one-time grant to the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to relieve medical debt for eligible residents who couldn't pay after hospitals completed reasonable collection efforts. The grant must be used by June 30, 2028, and Undue Medical Debt must report recipient demographics to state agencies. The bill directly affects low-income Minnesotans with unpaid medical bills and hospitals that previously pursued collections.

Maddy summaryHF 2355 modifies Minnesota school district requirements for sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention programs. It mandates that all public school districts develop programs including medically accurate curriculum covering abstinence until marriage, updated prevention materials, coordination with health agencies, and parent/community involvement. The bill requires districts to collaborate with health departments and community organizations to target high-risk adolescents. These programs must align with existing health curriculum standards and be implemented by school districts across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 2147 exempts hot tubs or whirlpools on houseboats and single-unit rental properties from most public pool safety requirements in Minnesota. It requires property owners to ensure water temperature stays below 106°F, test chlorine/bromine, pH, and alkalinity before each rental, and provide renters with a specific notice about the exemption. The bill mandates a posted warning: "NOTICE: This spa is exempt from certain state and local sanitary requirements... USE AT YOUR OWN RISK." It directly affects rental property owners, resorts, and renters of these properties, while prohibiting local governments from adding extra requirements for qualifying hot water pools.

Maddy summaryHF 2944 clarifies that school boards in consolidated Minnesota school districts may renew expiring voter-approved funding referendums through board action alone, without requiring new voter approval. The bill specifies that renewed referendums must maintain the same per-pupil funding amount (adjusted for inflation if originally tied to it) and cannot exceed a 10-year term. This applies directly to school boards in districts formed by consolidation, streamlining the renewal process for referendums established under Minnesota Statutes sections 123A.73 and 126C.17. The changes apply retroactively to resolutions adopted on or after June 16, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 1984 creates a new grant program to support Minnesotans affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). It appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of health. The commissioner must award grants to a statewide organization focused solely on FASD prevention and intervention. The grantee must develop programming providing resource navigation, individualized support, education, and social connection opportunities for people with FASD and their families/caregivers. This bill directly affects Minnesotans living with FASD and their support networks through new state-funded services.

Maddy summaryHF 2860 allows Minnesota local health departments to obtain and distribute predosed epinephrine (pre-measured, single-use devices for severe allergic reactions) and specific vaccines under a standing order from the commissioner of health. The bill authorizes departments to distribute these items to community locations without individual prescriptions, with administration permitted in good faith during life-threatening allergic reactions. It specifically covers school-required vaccines, flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and other vaccines the department determines appropriate, administered by nurses under established protocols. This policy change directly affects local health departments and community health boards by streamlining access to critical allergy and immunization resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million from the state general fund for Minnesota's Lawns to Legumes program, which supports homeowners in replacing grass lawns with soil-enriching legume plants like clover. The funds, available until June 2029, are administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources and can be used to partner with local governments and organizations. The program aims to improve soil health and reduce fertilizer use by incentivizing legume-based lawn alternatives. This is a one-time funding allocation for fiscal year 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 341 amends Minnesota Statutes section 171.24 to establish minimum fines and enhance penalties for repeat driving without a valid license. It specifically targets individuals convicted of driving while license is suspended, revoked, or canceled who: (1) cause injury or death in a collision, or (2) have prior convictions for similar offenses within 10 years. The bill sets a minimum fine amount for these repeat violations, raising them to gross misdemeanor level when the specified conditions are met. This directly affects drivers with repeated license violations who operate vehicles without authorization. The changes apply to offenses under existing statutes related to license suspension, revocation, or disqualification.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies reimbursement rates for community support services, increasing them to 107.5% (effective now) and 112.5% (effective January 1, 2026) for providers serving clients needing 10+ hours daily. It requires providers to use all additional revenue solely for staff wages and related costs (like payroll taxes), not for benefits like health insurance. The bill also creates the Minnesota Caregiver Defined Contribution Retirement Fund Trust, a joint state-union retirement savings plan for union-represented direct support workers. These changes directly affect community support service providers, their employees, and Minnesota’s human services budget.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2.8 million for fiscal year 2026 and $2.8 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to the Minnesota Department of Health. The funds are designated as a grant to Greater Twin Cities United Way to support expanded services including call follow-up, operational support, outreach efforts, and increased assistance for callers. The bill directly affects the United Way organization by providing dedicated state funding for its existing service operations in the Twin Cities region. It is a straightforward funding measure with no new policy requirements or eligibility changes.