Rep. Bianca Virnig

Maddy summaryHF 3658 modifies Minnesota's process for extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), which are temporary court orders preventing individuals deemed a threat from accessing firearms. The bill expands who can file petitions - including law enforcement agencies, family/household members, and guardians - while clarifying definitions of "family or household members" and requiring specific evidence in petitions. Key changes include waiving court filing fees, mandating mental health professionals to report firearm-related suicide risks to law enforcement, and requiring courts to notify law enforcement and update background checks within 24 hours of issuing an order. These changes aim to streamline access to ERPOs for at-risk individuals and improve enforcement coordination.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million in state bond proceeds to fund the expansion and renovation of St. David's Center at 1130 Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis. The funds will support early childhood education, children's mental health services, pediatric therapy, and family support programs aimed at improving educational and health outcomes for children and families in Hennepin County. The state will issue bonds up to $10 million to cover these costs, with the project required to use the funds for specific services outlined in the bill. The appropriation is available until the facility project is completed.

Maddy summarySF 1750 modifies Minnesota laws governing common interest communities (like homeowners associations). It bans property managers from having financial ties to contractors without written disclosure, prohibits accepting kickbacks from contractors, and stops them from earning fees based on collected fines. The bill also limits automatic contract renewals (requiring 30 days' notice for nonrenewal) and mandates 60 days' notice for termination. These changes directly affect homeowners associations and their property management companies operating under Minnesota Statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a "Minnesota Vision of a Learner" to define the knowledge and skills students need to succeed after high school, affecting public schools, charter schools, and the broader education community. It creates a working group that must include diverse stakeholders such as students, parents, teachers, business leaders, and tribal representatives to develop this vision through public input. The group is required to submit a report by January 15, 2028, and the resulting vision will be posted on various state department websites, though local districts retain the choice to adopt, adapt, or ignore it. Additionally, the bill updates rules for developing academic standards in core subjects to ensure they are clear, measurable, and organized as coherent learning progressions. These changes take effect on July 1, 2026, and include funding for the working group members.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurance plans in Minnesota from covering conversion therapy for minors under 18 and vulnerable adults, effective January 1, 2027. It also requires the commissioner of human rights to take appropriate actions to protect Minnesotans from conversion therapy, including investigating complaints against mental health practitioners who engage in such practices. The legislation defines conversion therapy using existing state law definitions and directs the commissioner to prioritize investigating discriminatory practices related to this issue. Health plans offered, sold, issued, or renewed to Minnesota residents after the effective date must comply with these coverage restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a legal cause of action allowing individuals who were minors when they underwent conversion therapy to sue mental health professionals for harm caused by those practices. It defines conversion therapy as attempting to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, and specifies that psychological harm includes conditions like depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. If a lawsuit is successful, the court can award damages, order the professional to stop the practice, and require payment of at least $50,000 to the injured person or their guardian. The law also allows parents or guardians to file suits on behalf of minors or when the affected individual is deceased or unable to participate.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota municipalities from signing nondisclosure agreements that prevent them from sharing information about projects funded with public money. It directly affects local governments, including cities, counties, school districts, and other political subdivisions that manage public funds. The law makes any such restrictive contracts automatically unenforceable and requires municipalities to publicly disclose any agreements that violate this rule. The provision specifically covers projects involving land development, economic initiatives, tax revenues, bonds, and other debt obligations.

Maddy summaryHF 1338 creates an independent Office of the Inspector General in Minnesota to oversee state agencies and programs. The office will conduct audits and investigations into fraud, waste, and abuse of public funds, report findings publicly, and recommend improvements. It directly affects all state executive branch agencies and programs receiving taxpayer funding, requiring them to comply with oversight. Key provisions include establishing strict qualifications for the Inspector General, granting subpoena power, and mandating annual public reports. The bill also appropriates funding for the office's operations and staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Department of Transportation to study and implement suicide prevention barriers (like nets or physical structures) for new bridge construction and major reconstructions. It mandates a study by January 2026 to identify high-risk bridges, evaluate barrier options, assess costs, and develop implementation criteria, with input from health, safety, and nonprofit organizations. The department must begin requiring these barriers in bridge projects starting January 2026, report annually on progress, and has $750,000 allocated for study and planning in fiscal year 2026. The policy directly affects all major bridge projects managed by the state transportation department.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates January of each year as "Snow Professionals Appreciation Month" in Minnesota to honor individuals and businesses who clear snow, maintain road safety, and manage winter weather. It recognizes snow professionals - including residential shoveling services, commercial plowing companies, and municipal crews - who keep streets and paths safe during winter. The bill allows the governor to promote public awareness of this observance but does not create new regulations, funding, or obligations. It is a ceremonial designation focused solely on recognition, with no direct policy changes affecting residents or businesses.