Rep. Bianca Virnig

Maddy summaryHF 1838 prohibits health insurance companies in Minnesota from using artificial intelligence in the "utilization review" process. This process determines whether health insurance will cover specific medical treatments or services before they are approved. The bill directly affects insurers and the organizations they hire to review medical claims, banning AI use in all aspects of these reviews, including initial evaluations and appeals. The law amends Minnesota Statutes to add this specific prohibition, requiring human review for coverage decisions.

Maddy summaryHF 34, the "Fair Competition Act," regulates monopolies and monopsonies (when one buyer dominates a market) in Minnesota. It prohibits businesses from using monopoly or monopsony power to control prices, fix rates, or exclude competition, and bans price discrimination. The law applies to businesses operating in Minnesota or affecting Minnesota commerce, with civil penalties up to $5 million for large corporations per violation. Enforcement is provided through the Minnesota Department of Commerce, and criminal penalties apply for willful violations of price-fixing or collusion provisions. The bill amends existing antitrust statutes (Minnesota Statutes 325D.49-325D.66) to add these specific prohibitions and penalty structures.

Maddy summaryHF 1674 increases funding for dementia care programs by appropriating $750,000 for fiscal year 2026 and another $750,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund. The money will be administered by the Minnesota Board on Aging through existing regional and local dementia grant programs under Minnesota Statutes section 256.975, subdivision 11. This funding directly supports community-based services for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers across Minnesota. The bill makes no changes to eligibility or program requirements, only increasing the available financial support for these established services.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases funding for career and technical education (CTE) programs in Minnesota school districts by raising the reimbursement rate from 35% to 50% of eligible program costs. It establishes new annual funding caps ($17.85 million for 2012, $15.52 million for 2013, $20.66 million for 2014) and creates a revenue guarantee ensuring districts receive at least the previous year's funding or 100% of approved costs. For fiscal year 2026 and later, it sets a fixed $46.46 million annual funding target for CTE programs. The bill directly affects school districts operating approved CTE programs, ensuring stable funding for staff salaries, instructional supplies, and program development.

Maddy summaryHF 1470 adds two new members to Minnesota's existing opioids, substance use, and addiction subcabinet: the chair of the Interagency Council on Homelessness and the governor's director of addiction and recovery. The bill amends state law to include these positions, with the addiction recovery director designated as the subcabinet's chair. This change updates the membership structure of a state government group focused on coordinating responses to substance use disorders, directly affecting how this group operates and leads policy efforts. The bill does not create new programs or funding but adjusts who participates in this coordination body.

Maddy summaryHF 1386 appropriates $150,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $150,000 for fiscal year 2027. The funds are directed to the Bakken Museum through the Minnesota Humanities Center Board to support its interactive exhibits and community outreach programs focused on arts and cultural heritage. This bill directly provides financial support to the Bakken Museum for its educational programming. The appropriation is a straightforward funding allocation with no additional policy changes or requirements beyond the specified grant.

Maddy summaryHF 1543 appropriates $450,000 annually (2026-2027) to the Dyslexia Institute of Minnesota to provide free, evidence-based literacy interventions for students reading below grade level in public schools where most students qualify for free/reduced-price meals. The funds must cover tutor training, materials, program delivery, and administration. The Institute is required to submit annual reports to education committees by January 15 each year (until 2028), detailing how funds were used and progress in improving student literacy. This bill directly supports struggling readers in high-need school districts through targeted funding and accountability.

Maddy summaryHF 1350 modifies Minnesota's county veterans service office grant program by increasing funding based on each county's veteran population. Counties receive a base $7,500 grant plus supplemental amounts up to $20,000 depending on veteran population size (e.g., $10,000 for counties with 10,000-20,000 veterans). The bill appropriates $60,000 annually for fiscal years 2026-2027 to the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers, allocating $20,000 each for specialized coordinators focused on women veterans, suicide prevention, and justice-involved veterans. These funds support training, administrative costs, and technical assistance to enhance veteran services statewide. The bill directly affects counties with veterans service offices and the statewide association.

Maddy summaryHF 1408 establishes a $1 million annual grant program (for fiscal years 2026 and 2027) to support community literacy initiatives in Minnesota. It directly funds community organizations, schools, libraries, and families to develop and distribute literacy guides, family toolkits, and training on evidence-based reading practices aligned with the state's Read Act. Grant recipients must use funds for activities like creating grade-level reading guides, public awareness resources, and after-school pilot programs targeting students at risk of not meeting reading proficiency. The program requires competitive applications prioritizing proven literacy strategies and aims to enhance community-led literacy support for children and families.

Maddy summaryHF 1390 appropriates $500,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the 1854 Treaty Authority to study bear populations in the ceded area from the 1854 treaty between the Lake Superior Chippewa and the U.S. government. The bill requires the Authority to complete a study assessing current bear populations, factors affecting them, and future population trends by December 31, 2026. The study results must be submitted to the chairs and ranking members of the relevant legislative environment policy committees. This funding directly supports the 1854 Treaty Authority's work on wildlife management within the treaty area.