Rep. Bianca Virnig

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota law to clarify and limit optometrists' authority to prescribe or administer certain drugs. It specifically sets new time limits: oral antivirals may not be prescribed for more than 10 days, oral steroids for more than 14 days (requiring physician consultation), and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors for more than seven days. These changes apply directly to licensed optometrists in Minnesota who prescribe medications for eye conditions under the Board of Optometry's rules. The bill maintains existing restrictions on intravenous injections, invasive surgery, and Schedule II/III oral drugs.

Maddy summaryHF 1299 amends Minnesota law to allow emergency shelter facilities as a permitted use in zoning districts designated for multifamily housing, commercial, or industrial development. It defines an "emergency shelter facility" as one providing safe, sanitary shelter for homeless individuals or families, regardless of operating hours. The bill directly affects homeless shelters seeking to operate in these zoning areas by removing a barrier to their establishment where local zoning already permits such uses. It does not require new construction but ensures shelters can operate in specified zones without needing special permits. The change applies to existing zoning regulations in Minnesota communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7 million from state bond funds to fund flood prevention projects for the Rice Creek Watershed District. It directly affects residents and infrastructure in New Brighton, St. Anthony Village, and Roseville by authorizing construction of water storage basins and improvements to water flow systems along Interstate Highway 35W. The funding mechanism involves the state issuing bonds up to $7 million under existing bond laws, with the money delivered as a grant to the watershed district. The projects aim to reduce flooding in the specified corridor, with the bill effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 1607 modifies Minnesota's requirements for school instruction hours. It specifies the minimum annual hours all public schools must provide: 425 hours for kindergarten, 935 for grades 1-6, and 1,020 for grades 7-12 (not including summer school), with additional requirements for all-day kindergarten and prekindergarten. The bill clarifies what counts as "hours of instruction" (e.g., must earn credit, be available to all students, and be supervised by a qualified teacher) and allows up to five days of online instruction during weather-related closures. This bill directly affects Minnesota public schools and their compliance with state education standards.

Maddy summaryHF 1379 creates a formal "nonopioid directive" process in Minnesota, allowing patients (or their health care agents) to submit written instructions stating they must not receive opioids from health professionals or prescribers. Health care providers must include these directives in patient records and follow them, except in emergency hospital settings where a prescriber deems opioid use medically necessary. The bill also grants legal immunity to health professionals, facilities, and emergency medical services providers who comply with these directives in good faith. The Minnesota Department of Health will develop a standard form for these directives and post it online. This directly affects patients seeking opioid avoidance and all healthcare providers interacting with patient records.

Maddy summaryHF 2924 appropriates $5,207,000 from state bond proceeds to fund a water main looping and pressure reduction system in Mendota. The city of Mendota will receive this grant to cover property acquisition, design, and construction costs for the project. The state will issue bonds to generate the required funds, as authorized under Minnesota law. This bill directly provides concrete financial support for Mendota's water infrastructure upgrade.

Maddy summaryHF 1472 appropriates $1,995,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $2,071,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Board on Aging. This funding creates specific staff positions to support aging services, including one role for federal compliance, one for Older Americans Act policy, two for Senior LinkAge Line operations, and 18 additional positions for area agencies on aging contact centers. The bill directly affects seniors in Minnesota and the service providers who deliver aging-related programs through the Senior LinkAge Line and area agencies. These concrete staffing additions aim to meet growing service demands and ensure compliance with federal requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 2187 removes a 48-hour admission requirement for crisis services at community-based program locations, giving service providers more flexibility in scheduling. The bill also makes technical changes to support the creation of the Direct Care and Treatment agency, which will manage certain human services programs. These changes directly affect community-based crisis service providers and the new agency’s operational structure. The bill does not alter eligibility criteria for services but streamlines administrative processes for providers and the agency.

Maddy summaryHF 1993 modifies Minnesota's requirements for substance use disorder (SUD) assessments and treatment provider qualifications. It specifies that comprehensive SUD assessments must be conducted face-to-face within five days (excluding the service initiation day) by qualified staff like alcohol and drug counselors, certain mental health professionals, or licensed nurses with addiction training. The bill also updates qualifications for treatment coordinators, requiring specific training, education, or certification, plus 2,000 hours of supervised experience working with SUD clients. Additionally, it mandates a study and report on limitations in SUD treatment practices. These changes directly affect SUD treatment providers and the clients receiving services under Minnesota's behavioral health system.

Maddy summaryHF 2004 clarifies billing rules for disability waiver services when participants travel out of state. The bill requires Minnesota's human services commissioner to propose changes by December 2025 to include "individualized home supports without training, respite, and night supervision" under "direct care staff services" in waiver plans. This specifically allows billing for these services when waiver participants are temporarily traveling outside Minnesota or attending out-of-state postsecondary school. The policy change directly affects individuals receiving disability waiver services who need support during such out-of-state activities.