Rep. Bianca Virnig

Maddy summaryHF 2079 appropriates $21 million for fiscal year 2026 and $21 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Department of Health. This funding is distributed to community health boards (under Minnesota Statutes §145A.131) and Tribal governments (under §145A.14) for their "foundational public health responsibilities" as defined in state law. The bill does not create new requirements but allocates existing state funds to support core public health services provided by these entities. It directly affects community health boards across Minnesota and participating Tribal governments by providing dedicated financial resources for essential public health functions.

Maddy summaryHF 2031 removes an existing exclusion in Minnesota law that prevented people on probation or parole from accessing certain mental health services. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 245.50 to delete the provision barring contracts for services to individuals "on probation or parole." This change directly affects Minnesotans under community supervision (probation or parole) who need mental health care. The policy shift enables these individuals to access existing mental health services through state contracts, without creating new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryHF 2135 requires Minnesota's child welfare system to undergo a detailed fiscal analysis and comprehensive program evaluation. It mandates a third-party consultant to examine federal funding sources (like Title IV-E and IV-B reimbursements), budgeting processes, and system integration, while also engaging tribal nations, community advocates, and those with lived experience. The analysis must identify ways to maximize federal funding, address inequities, and recommend state investment or legislative changes by June 2027. The resulting report will guide improvements to child welfare services for children and families in Minnesota’s system.

Maddy summaryHF 2101 appropriates $450,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $450,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the YMCA of the North. The funds are specifically for workforce development services targeting underserved youth and young adults, including career exploration, job training, and a partnership with Beacons Community College. This one-time appropriation directly supports the YMCA's program delivery to this specific demographic. The bill focuses on funding a defined service program rather than creating new policy.

Maddy summaryHF 1582 modifies Minnesota's Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) benefits for educators. It allows teachers with 30 years of service to retire at age 60 without reduced annuity payments (previously requiring 35 years), adjusts early retirement penalties, and increases postretirement cost-of-living adjustments. The bill also raises employer contribution rates for school districts (from 13.3% to 17.3% for basic members) and increases pension adjustment revenue rates for school districts starting in 2026. These changes directly affect current and future TRA members, school districts funding retirement costs, and the state's retirement system budget.

Maddy summaryHF 2145 increases penalties for Minnesota employers who commit specific misconduct related to unemployment benefits. It amends statutes to set penalties at the greater of $500 or 100% of the financial harm caused - such as overpaid benefits, unpaid benefits, or unpaid employer taxes - when employers make false statements, fail to disclose material facts, or collude with applicants to fraudulently obtain benefits. Employers who misclassify employees as independent contractors (instead of employees) face an additional $10,000 penalty per misclassified worker. The bill directly affects employers who engage in these violations, making penalties stricter and more directly tied to the financial impact of their actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota counties to create random pools of registered voters for election judge positions, selecting individuals from the county's voter list. Counties and cities can require appointed registered voters from these pools to serve as election judges on absentee ballot boards and in polling places. The law mandates that appointed voters must serve if selected, while prohibiting exclusion based on race, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status. It amends Minnesota Statutes to establish this process, directly affecting registered voters who may be randomly chosen for service.

Maddy summaryHF 2137 requires Minnesota's education and health departments to develop and post online informational materials about type 1 diabetes by October 1, 2025. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, all public school districts and charter schools offering preschool programs must provide these materials to parents at least once annually. The materials must explain type 1 diabetes, its warning signs, screening processes, and treatment recommendations, including when to consult a healthcare provider. This bill directly affects preschool programs and parents of children in those programs across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 1166 creates a $500,000 annual grant program (for fiscal years 2026-2030) to expand access to assistive technology and remote support services for Minnesotans with disabilities. The grant is awarded to nonprofit organizations meeting specific criteria, requiring them to fund training for service providers, schools, and individuals with disabilities; support advocacy groups; and develop accessible resources. Recipients must submit annual reports by June 30 detailing training participants, impacts on quality of life and safety, and final evaluations after the grant period ends. This bill directly affects disability service providers, advocacy organizations, and people with disabilities by improving technology access and community participation.

Maddy summaryHF 2144 appropriates unspecified funds from the general fund for the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program under Minnesota Statutes § 462A.204, for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The bill directly affects families in Minnesota at risk of homelessness by providing funding for prevention and assistance services. Key provisions include directing the Housing Finance Agency to administer the program using these allocated funds. This is a funding bill with no new policy requirements, solely authorizing budget resources for an existing state program.