Rep. Bianca Virnig

Maddy summaryHF 2799 appropriates $3 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to establish the Minnesota Age in Place Network through a grant to Age Well at Home. This funding directly supports low- to moderate-income older homeowners by covering home modifications and safety renovations (like grab bars or ramps) at their owner-occupied properties, with each project capped at $20,000. Up to 10% of the grant can cover administrative costs for the network’s setup and maintenance. The bill provides concrete funding for specific home safety improvements, targeting vulnerable older residents in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 2377 requires all Minnesota public, private, and charter school staff - including teachers, administrators, and support personnel - to have access to annual, evidence-based relationship-building and de-escalation training. The training focuses on fostering inclusive school cultures, preventing conflicts, and responding appropriately to escalated situations, with specific components covering positive student relationships, restorative discipline, and recognizing escalation stages. The bill appropriates $ for fiscal year 2026 to fund grants for school districts and charter schools implementing this training, prioritizing districts that meet state requirements. Schools adopting the training may receive priority for state professional development funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework in Minnesota to create an interstate agreement called the Interstate Fiscal Sovereignty Compact, which would allow member states to hold federal taxes in a state-controlled escrow fund rather than sending them directly to the federal government. The legislation defines key terms such as "member state" and "triggering event," and sets up a process where employers would deposit withheld federal income, Social Security, and unemployment taxes into this new state treasury fund once the compact is officially activated. Currently, no action is required from employers or the state until a governing body issues an order to start the escrow operations, meaning the bill does not immediately change how taxes are collected or paid. By creating a separate escrow fund, the bill aims to give states more control over federal tax revenue, though it requires other states to pass similar laws and join the agreement for the system to function.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota school districts and charter schools to adopt evidence-based safety plans that are developed with input from students, parents, teachers, and law enforcement. It establishes a new anonymous threat reporting system and creates a School Safety Center at the Department of Public Safety to provide model plans and consulting services to schools. The legislation also modifies rules regarding when firearms are allowed on school property and provides additional funding for student support personnel.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Minnesota's commissioner of health to conduct a comprehensive study on the state's capacity to support cell and gene therapies for rare diseases, which are conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 people nationwide. The study must examine research infrastructure, clinical trial capabilities, workforce needs, payment policies, and access barriers while gathering input from patients, healthcare providers, industry partners, and other stakeholders. By January 1, 2028, the commissioner must submit a report to the legislature with findings and recommendations for strategic investments, policy changes, and regulatory actions to strengthen Minnesota's position in this field. The bill also appropriates money to fund the study and report requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Metropolitan Airports Commission to increase transparency regarding flights at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport that transport detained immigrants. Specifically, it mandates that the airport operator notify the commission whenever U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrives or departs with passengers being held in restraints. The legislation also requires the commission to install a live-streaming camera to record these flights and to submit monthly reports detailing the number of detained individuals, including minors, on each trip. These measures are designed to provide the public and state officials with real-time data and regular updates on immigration-related air traffic at the airport.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits artificial intelligence models from directly providing licensed professional services to consumers in Minnesota. It requires that any AI delivering such services must be actively operated by a licensed human professional at the time of service. The law allows licensed professionals to use AI as a tool to assist their work but forbids the AI from acting independently. Violations of these rules can be enforced by the state attorney general under existing penalty statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Minnesota Public Safety Radio Communications Funding and Interoperability Act, removes the requirement for Minnesota counties to pay for the expansion and maintenance of the ARMER public safety radio network. Instead, the legislation creates a new state-funded account to cover these costs, ensuring that local governments are not forced to use property taxes for this infrastructure. The law also establishes a voluntary program where the state and local jurisdictions can share project costs on an equal basis, with the state covering at least 75 percent of any such expenses. Additionally, the bill sets up a framework to improve interoperability, allowing different law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical agencies to communicate effectively across jurisdictional lines. A new reporting requirement mandates that the commissioner of public safety annually update the legislature on how the funds are being used and the progress of the network.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a one-time $2 million grant program to help Minnesota law enforcement agencies hire and train investigative specialists. The funding is intended for agencies that struggle with high rates of unsolved crimes or lack sufficient staff to investigate cases effectively. These specialists will support detectives by handling administrative tasks and conducting investigations, but they will not have the full powers of peace officers. To receive funds, agencies must create specific job roles, training programs, and performance goals, and they are required to report on how the specialists impact crime-solving rates.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies safety requirements for shelters left on ice overnight in Minnesota, directly affecting anglers and ice fishing enthusiasts who use fish houses, dark houses, or similar structures. The key provision mandates that any shelter left on the ice overnight must be marked with reflective material on each side, covering a total area of at least 144 square inches per side. This change aims to improve visibility and safety for others on the ice by ensuring these structures are more easily seen during low-light conditions. The amendment updates Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97C.355, subdivision 7a, to reflect this new standard.