Rep. Kristi Pursell

Maddy summaryHF 1485 requires Minnesota health insurers and medical assistance programs to cover over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptive drugs, devices, and products without cost-sharing (like co-pays or deductibles). It applies directly to health plans and enrollees, mandating coverage of all FDA-approved OTC contraceptives at the point of sale without prescription requirements or quantity limits. The bill also requires health plans to list covered contraceptive services accessibly and cover provider-recommended methods based on medical necessity. This law takes effect January 1, 2026, for health plans offered, issued, or renewed after that date.

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 1895 prohibits websites, apps, software, or programs from allowing users to access, download, or use "nudification technology" - defined as altering images or videos to reveal intimate parts or make them appear realistic enough to suggest such depiction of an identifiable person. The bill directly affects platform operators and users who might employ this technology, protecting individuals whose images could be misused. Key provisions ban such access, allow victims to sue for up to three times actual damages plus attorney fees, and impose civil penalties of at least $500,000 per violation. The law takes effect August 1, 2025, applying to incidents occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 1105 amends Minnesota law to require the state health commissioner to *conduct* maternal death studies annually, changing the previous language from "may" to "must." This directly affects the Minnesota Department of Health, which must now systematically analyze preventable maternal deaths to improve healthcare systems. The bill mandates these studies to identify preventable causes and inform medical, health, and welfare service planning. Its key provision is making the maternal death study process mandatory, aiming to reduce preventable deaths through data-driven system improvements. The law applies statewide to all maternal health outcomes covered under Minnesota's health system.

Maddy summaryHF 1564 appropriates $11.05 million for fiscal year 2026 and $21.5 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to the Metropolitan Council. This funding is specifically for grants to operate and maintain metropolitan area regional parks under Minnesota Statutes section 473.351. The bill directly affects regional parks within the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area by providing dedicated state funding for their upkeep. The key mechanism is the allocation of these specific dollar amounts for two consecutive fiscal years to support park operations and maintenance. This is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions beyond the appropriations.

Maddy summaryHF 96 requires Minnesota's medical assistance program (like Medicaid) to cover home birth services for low-risk patients when specific conditions are met. It directly affects pregnant people choosing home births and eligible providers (certified midwives, doctors, or nurse practitioners) who must meet scope-of-practice standards. Key provisions include requiring providers to document low-risk status through prenatal care, obtain patient consent about home birth risks, and have a hospital transfer plan. The bill also sets payment rates: 100% for provider services and 70% for facility services compared to hospital rates for similar care.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1.5 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of health. The funds are designated for distribution to organizations providing sexual and reproductive health services under Minnesota Statutes section 145.925. It directly affects community health providers and clinics that offer these services by providing dedicated state funding. The bill makes no changes to existing services or eligibility but allocates specific funding amounts for two consecutive fiscal years.

Maddy summaryHF 2093 allows Minnesota students to take driver's education using a mix of online, teleconference, and in-person classes from a single licensed provider. It requires the curriculum to be identical across all formats and mandates that the provider must be authorized by the commissioner to offer multiple instruction methods. The bill directly affects students seeking driver's education and licensed providers, effective August 1, 2025, for instruction starting on or after that date. This change provides flexibility in how driver's education is delivered while maintaining standardized curriculum requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 2087 appropriates $4 million from state bond proceeds to fund park improvements at Bridge Square Park in Northfield's downtown historic district. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds to cover this cost, directing the funds to the City of Northfield for designing, constructing, and equipping the park with landscaping and visitor amenities. This funding directly affects Northfield residents and visitors by supporting upgrades to a public park in the city's historic core. The bill creates no new policy but provides specific financial resources for a local infrastructure project.

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.