Rep. Bianca Virnig

Maddy summaryHF 2591 establishes a new fifth tax bracket for Minnesota individual income tax, targeting high earners to replace revenue lost from federal Medicaid funding changes. The bill amends tax law to create a top income bracket (applying to income over $1.667 million for married couples filing jointly) with a rate set by the commissioner of revenue. This rate must be calculated to generate revenue equal to the amount of federal Medicaid funds Minnesota lost, as certified by the commissioner of management and budget. The new tax rate applies to taxable years 2026 and 2027, affecting only taxpayers in the highest income bracket.

Maddy summaryHF 2172 extends Minnesota's medical assistance (Medicaid) coverage to include audio-only telehealth services for Medicaid enrollees from July 1, 2025, through July 1, 2028. The bill requires health care providers to document that audio-only communication was used and meet existing telehealth documentation standards, including specifying the mode of transmission and service details. This change directly affects Medicaid recipients who use phone-based telehealth appointments and the providers delivering these services. The policy update does not alter coverage for in-person services but expands telehealth options during the specified three-year period.

Maddy summaryHF 2428 modifies Minnesota's election laws to update absentee voting procedures, requiring that nongovernment entities sending absentee ballot applications must include a notice and sample ballots. The bill sets specific deadlines for absentee ballot applications (requiring them to be received at least seven days before an election if not submitted in person) and adjusts election administration timelines. It also changes the filing period for candidates seeking certain local government offices. These changes directly affect voters, election officials, and organizations distributing absentee ballots, aiming to standardize processes while improving voter information access.

Maddy summaryHF 1678 expands access to essential community supports for older Minnesotans and people with dementia by lowering the age threshold from 65 to 60 and removing asset limits for eligibility. The bill increases annual funding for caregiver respite services grants by $2 million each year (fiscal years 2026-2027) and maintains a $400 monthly service cap. It directly affects individuals needing community-based care who don’t qualify for nursing facilities, allowing access to services like adult day care, homemaker support, and respite care. The changes require no asset assessment and mandate annual reassessment for continued eligibility.

Maddy summaryHF 1584 requires healthcare providers to obtain written informed consent before performing pelvic, breast, urogenital, or rectal exams on patients who are anesthetized or unconscious. It directly affects patients under anesthesia/unconscious during medical procedures and healthcare professionals, including students and residents. The law allows exceptions when consent was already given for related surgery/diagnostic exams, the exam is medically necessary during unconsciousness, or a court orders it for evidence. Violations are classified as gross misdemeanors and may lead to disciplinary action by health licensing boards. The bill takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 2321 appropriates $2.225 million from the arts and cultural heritage fund for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This funding is designated for grants to public educational radio stations in Minnesota through the Association of Minnesota Public Educational Radio Stations. The money will support production and acquisition activities as outlined in Minnesota Statutes section 129D.19. The bill directly affects Minnesota's public educational radio stations by providing dedicated state funding for their operations.

Maddy summaryHF 2425 provides one-time funding from the state general fund for Minnesota counties to implement new human services systems and modernize information technology. It allocates money for counties to cover costs related to service delivery transformation (Section 1) and IT infrastructure projects, including systems that interface with the Department of Human Services (Section 2). The bill also funds specific improvements to the social services information system for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (Section 3), with funds available until June 30, 2027. Counties will receive grants based on factors like the number of people served, and the commissioner must consult with county associations when distributing funds. This bill directly affects all Minnesota counties operating human services agencies.

Maddy summaryHF 1989 increases funding for Minnesota school districts by raising the "local optional revenue" allowances used to calculate state aid. It sets the first-tier allowance at $550 for fiscal year 2027 (up from $300) and maintains the second-tier allowance at $424 through 2027, with future increases tied to the general education funding formula. School districts receive more state aid when they levy less than the maximum allowed under these new formulas, which include specific "equalizing factors" for different fiscal years (e.g., $626,450 for second-tier in 2025). The bill appropriates funds to cover this increased aid, effective for fiscal year 2027 and later.

Maddy summaryHF 2195 proposes adding a new constitutional section to Minnesota's state constitution, specifically stating "Marriage is a fundamental right and shall not be restricted based on gender or race" (Sec. 18). If approved by voters, this amendment would prohibit legal restrictions on marriage based on gender or race. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, with potential implementation starting January 1, 2027, if ratified. This bill directly affects marriage rights and legal protections for all Minnesotans, requiring voter approval rather than legislative passage alone.

Maddy summaryHF 1485 requires Minnesota health insurers and medical assistance programs to cover over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptive drugs, devices, and products without cost-sharing (like co-pays or deductibles). It applies directly to health plans and enrollees, mandating coverage of all FDA-approved OTC contraceptives at the point of sale without prescription requirements or quantity limits. The bill also requires health plans to list covered contraceptive services accessibly and cover provider-recommended methods based on medical necessity. This law takes effect January 1, 2026, for health plans offered, issued, or renewed after that date.