Rep. Robert Bierman

Maddy summaryHF 1100 requires Minnesota's human services commissioner to establish a $4.50 per prescription payment to eligible community pharmacies in rural or underserved areas. This payment, added to existing fees, must be paid by managed care plans, county health programs, and pharmacy benefit managers to qualifying pharmacies that serve medically underserved populations or share ownership with 12 or fewer Minnesota pharmacies. The bill appropriates funds for this program in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with the payment ending if federal approval isn't obtained. It explicitly states this payment cannot replace or reduce other fees paid to pharmacies.

Maddy summaryHF 2468 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support mental health initiatives in Minnesota's construction industry. The funds, available until June 30, 2027, are designated for outreach, education, stigma reduction programs, and worksite strategies to prevent suicide. They can be used for grants to industry groups and developing resources targeting construction workers. This bill directly affects construction industry workers by funding concrete mental health support services through state-administered programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1534 transfers Minnesota's Healthy Eating, Here at Home program from the Minnesota Humanities Center to the Department of Health. It establishes the Fresh Bucks pilot program, allowing SNAP and Summer EBT recipients to get a dollar-for-dollar match on fresh produce purchases (up to $20 daily/$80 monthly) at participating grocery stores and retailers. Both programs target low-income households using federal nutrition benefits, with the Healthy Eating program providing $10 vouchers for farmers' market purchases and Fresh Bucks focusing on fresh produce. The bill requires annual reports from administering nonprofits and appropriates funding for both initiatives. It amends Minnesota Statutes to clarify program administration, definitions, and reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state grant program to support community care hubs that connect health care providers with organizations addressing basic needs like food insecurity, housing instability, and transportation access. It appropriates $8.9 million for the grant and $1 million for evaluation, requiring grantees to coordinate social care services, centralize administrative operations, and report outcomes. Eligible applicants must already be recognized federal community care hubs with contracts to provide services to health plan members. The program begins July 1, 2025, aiming to create sustainable pathways for addressing health-related social needs across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 2299 modifies how Minnesota's Medicaid program pays for enteral nutrition equipment (like feeding tubes) and other medical supplies. It requires the state to establish individualized payment rates for specific items - including customized tracheostomy tubes, electric patient lifts, and durable medical equipment repair - instead of using standard rates. This change directly affects medical equipment providers and the state's Medicaid program, which will now set separate reimbursement amounts for these items. The bill also clarifies that Medicare competitive bidding does not influence these new payment rates for Medicaid-covered services.

Maddy summaryHF 1765 creates the Minnesota Epilepsy Program to support residents with epilepsy and related seizure disorders. The bill appropriates state funds for fiscal years 2026-2027 to provide statewide education and support services, develop training for healthcare workers and educators, and establish a data collection system on epilepsy diagnoses and outcomes. Community organizations will receive grants to deliver culturally specific support services and collaborate with the state health department. This program directly affects Minnesotans living with epilepsy, their caregivers, healthcare providers, and schools.

Maddy summaryHF 35 requires all health insurance plans in Minnesota to create a maternal mental health program by January 1, 2026. The program must ensure comprehensive care for pregnant and postpartum individuals by mandating screenings during the perinatal period, requiring fair reimbursement for providers who conduct screenings or provide treatment, and ensuring timely referrals to mental health specialists when needed. This directly affects health insurance plans covering these services and aims to improve access to mental health care for this population. The bill prohibits unreasonable delays in referrals for clinically indicated cases, such as positive mental health screenings or reports of suicidal thoughts.

Maddy summaryHF 1752 amends Minnesota's licensure requirements for dental hygienists under Statutes 150A.06. It establishes two pathways for applicants: (1) graduation from an accredited U.S. dental hygiene program requiring at least two years of education, or (2) a foreign dental degree comparable to a D.D.S. or D.M.D. All applicants must pass the National Board of Dental Hygiene exam, a clinical competency exam, and a test on Minnesota dental laws. The bill also specifies that applicants failing the clinical exam twice must complete additional training before retaking it, and imposes separate fees for reapplying. These changes directly affect individuals seeking to become licensed dental hygienists in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 1162 appropriates $21.475 million from state bond proceeds to fund capital improvements at the Minnesota Zoo. Specifically, $17.675 million will build a new animal hospital, and $3.8 million will preserve assets by replacing outdated buildings and upgrading trails/roads at the zoo. The funding comes from bonds sold under Minnesota law, administered by the commissioner of management and budget. This bill directly affects the Minnesota Zoological Board and the zoo's physical infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHF 1762 proposes adding a new constitutional amendment to Minnesota's state constitution. If approved by voters, it would guarantee all persons equal rights under state law and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex - including protections for pregnancy decisions, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. The amendment would apply to all state actions and agencies, requiring any discriminatory state action to be the "least restrictive means" of achieving a "compelling governmental interest." The proposed amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, with implementation starting January 1, 2027, if ratified.