Rep. Bianca Virnig

Maddy summaryHF 2867 appropriates $1,760,000 from state bond proceeds to fund the predesign and design of a combined city hall and public safety facility for Mendota Heights, Minnesota. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds up to that amount to cover these costs, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. This funding directly supports Mendota Heights' planning for a new facility housing its police department and city administrative operations. The appropriation is specific to the city's facility planning phase, not construction or operational costs.

Maddy summaryHF 487 appropriates $600,000 total ($300,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027) from the state general fund to provide a grant to Wellness in the Woods. The funding supports daily peer support and special sessions for three specific groups: individuals in substance use recovery, people transitioning out of incarceration, and those who have experienced trauma. The grant is administered through the commissioner of human services. This is a direct funding mechanism for community-based mental health and recovery services.

Maddy summaryHF 2586 extends cost-of-care exemptions for counties and clients during transfers for certain committed individuals in Minnesota. It specifically delays county payment responsibility for up to 30 days for people awaiting transfer to another state facility or program (expiring June 30, 2025), and maintains full exemption for those committed as mentally ill and dangerous to the public (expiring March 31, 2025). The bill also establishes a Priority Admission Review Panel, requires a Direct Care and Treatment admissions dashboard, and mandates a report on the program. These changes apply to individuals under civil commitment who are waiting for transfer to correction facilities or other state-operated treatment programs. The policy adjustments aim to streamline transitions while ensuring financial responsibility during interim periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies two key aspects of Minnesota's housing stabilization program. It requires the state commissioner to process provider applications within two weeks (up from previous timelines) and reduces payments to housing stabilization service providers by half over two years, with a one-year suspension of this reduction starting July 1, 2025. These changes directly affect housing stabilization service providers and the individuals receiving these services, particularly those also eligible for supplemental housing support under other programs. The bill aims to streamline provider enrollment while adjusting payment structures, with the rate reduction applying only to non-duplicative services.

Maddy summaryHF 1352 modifies Minnesota's definition of "residential generator" for solid waste management billing. It clarifies that multi-unit properties like apartment buildings, condos, or manufactured home parks where residents aren't separately billed for waste services (and the owner/association pays directly) are explicitly included as residential generators. This directly affects property owners, associations, and waste service providers managing such properties. The change ensures consistent billing responsibility for waste services in these multi-residence settings, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 2060 extends funding for Minnesota's supported-decision-making programs, which help people with disabilities make their own choices with support instead of relying on guardianship. The bill requires the state commissioner to submit an interim report by December 2024 and a final report by December 2026, detailing grant usage, how programs increased supported decision-making, and reduced reliance on more restrictive options like guardianship. It reallocates unspent funds from fiscal year 2024 to fiscal year 2026 for these programs. The bill directly affects organizations providing these services and the people with disabilities who use them.

Maddy summaryHF 2618 requires Minnesota condo associations and homeowners associations (HOAs) to provide plain-language explanations of governing laws to unit owners upon request. The bill mandates that board members review these explanations when elected and share them with owners seeking help understanding their rights or responsibilities. It appropriates funding to create a statewide guide explaining laws governing common interest communities, including key provisions in Minnesota Statutes sections 515B.4-102, 515B.4-1021, and 515B.4-107. The requirements become effective August 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 381 modifies how Minnesota calculates rates for home and community-based waiver services and increases room and board rates for individuals receiving these services. It requires service providers to submit detailed data (like staffing hours, ratios, and transportation miles) to a central rates management system, with lead agencies required to approve rates within 30 business days or pay a 10% late penalty. The bill also creates an exception process for individuals with "exceptional needs" that cannot be met under standard rate formulas, allowing for alternative payment rates. These changes directly affect service providers, lead agencies (like county human services departments), and individuals receiving home and community-based care, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 683 allows Minnesota cities and counties to adopt ranked choice voting (RCV) for local elections, such as mayoral or city council races. It establishes rules for how RCV would work, including counting votes by voter preferences and reallocating votes when candidates are eliminated. The bill permits local jurisdictions to use electronic voting systems that automatically handle vote reallocation, and it appropriates funds for implementation. This bill directly affects local governments choosing to implement RCV and voters in those jurisdictions participating in local elections. It does not change state or federal election rules.

Maddy summaryHF 1412 appropriates $202,600 from the general fund to the Minnesota Department of Health for a one-time grant to the Division of Indian Work. The bill directs this funding to develop and pilot culturally specific suicide prevention curriculum for Native American youth in Minnesota. The curriculum must cover mental health, emotional intelligence, depression, and suicide, providing practical tools for students to support themselves and others. It specifically targets Native American youth and is not intended for general school use.