Rep. Robert Bierman

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal tool in Minnesota that allows the state Attorney General to sue firearm industry members for public nuisance if their conduct harms public safety. It directly affects companies involved in selling, manufacturing, distributing, or marketing firearms and related products like ammunition. To comply, these businesses must implement reasonable controls to prevent sales to prohibited individuals, stop thefts, and ensure adherence to existing laws. If a company violates these rules, the Attorney General can seek court orders to stop the behavior, force cleanup costs, demand financial restitution, and collect damages.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies funding rules for Minnesota's Rural Cancer Institute pilot program to ensure priority is given to state clinicians and students. It requires that any out-of-state medical professionals or students receive approval from a practicing Minnesota oncologist and that all care remains within Minnesota. The legislation also extends the deadline for using fiscal years 2026 and 2027 appropriations to June 30, 2028. These changes directly affect the Rural Cancer Institute's ability to allocate resources and select participants for its workforce development initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts medical assistance reimbursement rates for dental services in Minnesota and provides additional funding for critical access dental providers. It establishes specific payment increases for different service types and provider categories, including higher rates for rural areas, children under 21, and state-operated dental clinics. The legislation also requires managed care plans to reimburse providers at rates equal to or greater than fee-for-service amounts for covered dental services. These changes directly affect dental providers, managed care organizations, and MinnesotaCare recipients by modifying how much they are paid for dental care.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Minnesota to reimburse clinical trainees providing alcoholism, mental health, and chemical dependency services at the same rate as independently licensed professionals. The law applies to all health plans offering these benefits and takes effect on January 1, 2027. It ensures that trainees supervised by licensed providers receive equal payment for their work, which may help expand access to mental health and substance use disorder care. The provision does not apply to services outside the trainee's scope of practice or to certain county-based public health plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases reimbursement rates for mental health services provided by psychologists and other masters-prepared professionals under Minnesota's medical assistance program. Starting in 2027, the state will pay 100 percent of the Medicare rate for neuropsychological assessments, testing, and psychological testing, matching the higher rates previously paid to doctoral-level professionals. The law also requires managed care organizations and county purchasing plans to reimburse providers at least as much as the fee-for-service rate, with provisions to adjust capitation payments if federal approval is delayed. Additionally, the bill repeals an existing statute that previously set lower payment rates for masters-prepared mental health professionals.

Maddy summaryHF 2291 appropriates $44,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $44,000 for fiscal year 2027 to the Palliative Care Advisory Council. This funding supports the council's work under Minnesota Statutes § 144.059, which was established to advise on palliative care services. The bill directly affects the council by providing dedicated financial resources for its operations. It is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes beyond allocating specific annual amounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates one-time funding in fiscal year 2027 to support various mental health programs in Minnesota. The money will go to the commissioner of human services and the commissioner of health to fund grants for school-linked behavioral health services, family peer specialist programs, mobile crisis teams, and children's residential mental health crisis stabilization. These funds are intended to help existing providers expand their services and improve access to mental health care for students, families, and children in crisis situations. The legislation does not create new programs but provides financial resources to strengthen current mental health initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program to fund early childhood mental health consultations for children five years old and younger, primarily benefiting child care professionals, mental health clinics, and community service providers. The grants will support activities such as diagnosing mental health conditions, training clinicians in evidence-based practices, and providing specialized care to young children with significant mental health needs. Eligible recipients include certified mental health clinics, community mental health centers, Indian health facilities, and therapeutic service providers who help children remain in their families and communities. The legislation also modifies existing requirements for home and community-based services, day treatment programs, and intensive rehabilitative mental health services while mandating additional reporting.

Maddy summaryHF 3433 bans the possession of specific semiautomatic firearms designated as "military-style assault weapons," including models like AK-47s, AR-15s, and weapons with features such as folding stocks or pistol grips. The bill defines banned weapons to cover both listed models (e.g., Colt AR-15) and similar firearms with minor modifications like enhanced magazines or barrel attachments. It amends Minnesota statutes to impose criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment, for violating the possession ban. This law directly affects individuals who own these specific firearms, requiring them to comply with the new restrictions.

Maddy summaryHF 3402 bans the possession, manufacture, import, and transfer of large-capacity ammunition magazines in Minnesota. It defines these as feeding devices holding more than ten rounds (with exceptions for permanently modified devices, .22 caliber tubes, and lever-action tubular magazines). The law takes effect July 1, 2026, requiring current owners to surrender, modify, permanently alter, or remove their magazines by July 1, 2027. Violations carry felony penalties of up to five years in prison or $25,000 in fines. Law enforcement, military personnel, and licensed dealers are exempt under specific conditions.