Rep. Kristi Pursell

Maddy summaryHF 2852 requires the Environmental Quality Board to update state rules so that new or expanded animal feedlots with a capacity of 10,000 or more "animal units" must prepare an environmental impact statement before construction begins. This directly affects developers planning large-scale livestock operations, such as factory-style feedlots. The bill sets a clear threshold (10,000 animal units) and mandates the impact statement process for projects meeting or exceeding that size. The rule change would apply to all new applications submitted after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryHF 2690 modifies Minnesota's medical assistance dental coverage by requiring the state commissioner to contract with a dedicated dental administrator starting January 1, 2026, if current managed care and county plans fail to meet performance benchmarks for dental access in 2024. This administrator will handle provider networks, claims processing, and ensure recipients have choice of dental providers meeting state payment rates, with a specific requirement that at least 55% of continuously enrolled medical assistance or MinnesotaCare recipients receive a dental visit by 2029. The bill also establishes a Health Services Advisory Council with a dental subcouncil to advise on evidence-based dental policies, coverage, and delivery models. These changes directly affect medical assistance and MinnesotaCare recipients (including low-income populations), dental providers, and managed care plans.

Maddy summaryHF 683 allows Minnesota cities and counties to adopt ranked choice voting (RCV) for local elections, such as mayoral or city council races. It establishes rules for how RCV would work, including counting votes by voter preferences and reallocating votes when candidates are eliminated. The bill permits local jurisdictions to use electronic voting systems that automatically handle vote reallocation, and it appropriates funds for implementation. This bill directly affects local governments choosing to implement RCV and voters in those jurisdictions participating in local elections. It does not change state or federal election rules.

Maddy summaryHF 2737 appropriates funds from the state general fund to support Minnesota's Hunger-Free Campus grant program. The bill allocates unspecified amounts for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to the Office of Higher Education commissioner. This funding directly supports Minnesota colleges and universities participating in the program, which provides grants to help campuses address student hunger through initiatives like food pantries and meal programs. The program operates under Minnesota Statutes section 135A.137.

Maddy summaryHF 2707 appropriates $11.125 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to support sexually exploited youth or youth at risk of sexual exploitation under Minnesota Statutes §256K.47. At least $9 million annually must fund street outreach, emergency shelter, regional navigators, and housing services for these youth. The bill directly affects vulnerable youth in Minnesota by providing dedicated funding for critical safe harbor resources and housing support. It establishes concrete funding mechanisms without altering existing statutes or creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 2708 appropriates funds from the general fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support a new southeast Minnesota groundwater protection and soil health initiative. The bill directs the Board of Water and Soil Resources to provide grants to soil and water conservation districts in Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona counties. These grants will fund projects to reduce nutrient leaching into groundwater, immobilize unused nitrogen, and decrease erosion. Conservation districts may use the funds for subgrants aligned with the existing Olmsted County initiative, including cover crop programs and soil health enhancements.

Maddy summaryHF 2732 establishes a new payment program to support rural child care providers in Minnesota. It provides financial assistance to eligible child care centers, family day care homes, and tribal programs located in communities with populations of 2,500 or fewer, aiming to improve access to early care and help providers recruit and retain staff. To receive funds, providers must apply each payment period, submit enrollment data, maintain detailed records of spending and staff compensation for six years, and use the money within six months. The bill also requires providers to avoid recent fraud findings or license suspensions and mandates strict record-keeping to ensure funds are properly used.

Maddy summaryHF 2699 legalizes personal cultivation, possession, transportation, and use of psilocybin for Minnesotans aged 21 or older, removing criminal penalties for these activities. The bill establishes a Psychedelic Medicine Board to oversee implementation, creates public education and harm reduction programs, and authorizes civil actions for related issues. It amends Minnesota’s controlled substances laws (specifically sections 152.021, 152.022, and 152.024) to exclude psilocybin from possession crime classifications for adults 21+. The legislation also appropriates funding for these programs and sets up rulemaking authority for the new framework.

Maddy summaryHF 958 requires Minnesota's medical assistance program to cover psychiatric collaborative care services for eligible clients. This model, defined as an evidence-based integrated approach involving primary care teams with psychiatric consultants, must be billed using specific codes (99492-99494, G2214, G0512). The bill mandates coverage for this service delivery method, which includes structured care management and regular clinical assessments. It takes effect July 1, 2025, or upon federal approval, whichever is later.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates funding for Minnesota's Local Food Purchasing Assistance Grant Program, which provides grants to organizations buying and distributing food within the state. Eligible groups include nonprofits, businesses, tribal governments, and schools, with preference given to those sourcing 100% of food from Minnesota, prioritizing farmers with limited market access, and distributing food at no cost in communities with low supermarket access or high need. The program aims to support local agriculture and improve food access in underserved areas, including food deserts and communities with significant aging or disabled populations. Funding is allocated for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the state general fund.