Rep. Robert Bierman

Maddy summaryHF 2998 establishes a legal process for terminally ill Minnesota adults with a prognosis of six months or less to obtain medication for medical aid in dying. It requires two physician confirmations (an attending provider and a consulting provider), a mental health evaluation by a licensed consultant to confirm capacity, and mandates that patients self-administer the medication. The law prohibits providers from directly administering the medication and classifies related patient data as confidential. Violations of the process could result in criminal penalties, while providers following the law are granted immunity.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases medical assistance reimbursement rates for complex outpatient visits in Minnesota, specifically targeting chronic and intractable pain care. The legislation adds a new provision that raises payment rates by ten percent starting January 1, 2027, for outpatient evaluation and management visits that include a specific coding designation for chronic pain. This change applies to physician and professional services billed through medical assistance programs and requires managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans to adjust their capitation payments accordingly. The bill directly affects healthcare providers treating chronic pain conditions and the state's medical assistance program budget.

Maddy summaryHF 3198 appropriates $2 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to the city of Brooklyn Park. This funds the Northwest Metro Regional Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), which serves six participating cities (Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, and Robbinsdale) to enhance public safety through real-time data analysis, coordination between law enforcement agencies, and community intervention staff. The RTCC must operate as a centralized facility with technology and staff to monitor and respond to criminal activity across jurisdictional lines. An advisory board, composed of police department representatives and mayors from each city, oversees the center and must submit biennial reports to the governor and legislative committees starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care facilities in Minnesota to limit access to their premises by law enforcement agents conducting civil immigration enforcement unless the agent presents a valid judicial warrant. It mandates that facilities notify their leadership and legal representatives whenever such agents enter the property and must only grant access to areas specified in the warrant. Additionally, the bill requires facilities to develop written policies outlining procedures for verifying law enforcement identity and authority, documenting interactions, and designating staff members to handle immigration-related situations on site. The law applies to hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other licensed health care providers operating in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota's immunization laws by clarifying definitions for schools and child care facilities and establishing new procedures for modifying the state immunization schedule. It requires the health commissioner to consult with medical organizations, educational leaders, and specific advocacy groups when proposing changes to vaccine requirements, while also mandating consideration of disease data, vaccine safety, and cost-benefit analyses. The legislation adds a requirement that public hearings be held within 60 days if requested by legislative committee chairs before any schedule modifications can be adopted. Additionally, the bill repeals an existing administrative rule related to immunization standards. These changes affect schools, child care providers, health officials, and vaccine administration across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts the forecasted budget for Minnesota's Department of Human Services and Department of Children, Youth, and Families for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It modifies existing appropriations from the general fund and other named funds to reflect updated financial projections for various programs. The changes specifically affect funding levels for services including general assistance, housing support, MinnesotaCare, and medical assistance. The bill provides updated financial figures that state agencies will use to plan and allocate resources for these human services programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $200,000 from the state's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to provide a grant to Helping Paws, Inc. for breeding, training, and placing service dogs for individuals with physical disabilities, veterans and first responders with service-related PTSD, and professionals working in courthouse, educational, and mental health settings. The funding is designated as a one-time honorarium in memory of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. The commissioner of health may also accept private donations to supplement the state appropriation, with all such funds deposited in a dedicated account that expires on July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's HF 1269 requires health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved medical services and prescription medications for treating dementia, including diagnostic tests to assess treatment effectiveness. It also prohibits health plans from using "step therapy" (requiring patients to try cheaper drugs first) for dementia treatments. The bill modifies prior authorization rules for certain medications, ensuring automatic 60-day coverage for brand-name mental health drugs when generics become available, and streamlines approval for oral liquid drugs used with feeding tubes. These changes apply to health plans offered in Minnesota starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 2372 creates a voluntary "Minnesota Civic Seal" designation for high school students who complete specific civics requirements. To earn the seal, students must complete approved civics coursework, complete a project-based civic assessment, participate in at least one civic activity outside class (like voting in student elections or community service), and demonstrate civic dispositions. School districts may choose to participate but cannot charge students fees, must provide information about the program to all students, and must affix the seal to diplomas and transcripts for qualifying graduates. The program begins for students graduating in 2027 or later, with the Department of Education developing the insignia and guidelines to ensure equitable access for all students.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's MNsure easy enrollment program to improve how the state helps residents access affordable health insurance. It allows the Department of Revenue to share taxpayer return information with MNsure to identify households that might qualify for financial assistance, and requires MNsure to send informational letters to interested taxpayers. The bill also creates a special enrollment period lasting 65 days for recipients of these outreach letters, enabling them to sign up for coverage outside the standard open enrollment window. These changes aim to reduce the number of uninsured Minnesotans by making it easier for people to learn about and enroll in health insurance options.