Rep. Kristi Pursell

Maddy summaryHF 265, also known as "Brent's Law," requires Minnesota 911 call centers to identify mental health crisis calls and prioritize mental health crisis teams as primary responders when available. It mandates that 911 telecommunicators receive specific training or mental health staff screen calls to recognize crises, and establishes protocols for public safety answering points to comply. The bill also creates a civil lawsuit option for individuals or families harmed by violations, allowing claims for damages, attorney fees, and up to $15,000 in punitive damages for willful violations. This directly affects all Minnesota public safety answering points and the government entities operating them.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Office of Patient Protection to assist Minnesota healthcare consumers. The office will help individuals with concerns such as restricted patient choice, denials of service, and reductions in quality of care by healthcare payers or providers, and will also collaborate with existing consumer assistance programs. It is responsible for collecting and publicly sharing information on health plan quality and patient satisfaction. Additionally, the office will advise the legislature annually on strategies to reduce consumer healthcare spending and simplify the healthcare experience, while reporting on its activities and recommending policy changes.

Maddy summaryHF 95 requires all health insurance plans sold in Minnesota to cover colorectal cancer screening and diagnostic tests (like colonoscopies and stool tests) without cost-sharing (such as co-pays or deductibles) for every Minnesota resident, regardless of age. It directly affects health insurance plans and all Minnesotans needing these screenings, ensuring access to early detection. The bill also mandates the state health commissioner to develop an education program promoting awareness of colorectal cancer risks, screening options, and prevention through clinics and social media. These coverage requirements take effect January 1, 2026, for new or renewed plans.

Maddy summaryHF 77 requires sellers to disclose the location and status of underground drainage systems (drain tile) when selling agricultural land classified as tax class 2a or 2b. Before closing a property sale, sellers must provide buyers with a written disclosure statement - either confirming no drain tile exists or detailing its location, size, outlets, and water flow path using a map. This applies to all property transfers after January 1, 2026, and mandates a specific disclosure certificate to be included with deeds or recorded documents. The law aims to provide transparency about subsurface drainage infrastructure during real estate transactions, directly affecting buyers and sellers of eligible agricultural properties.

Maddy summaryHF 525 transfers a one-time amount from the state's general fund to the University of Minnesota's agriculture research account for the Forever Green Initiative. The bill directs these funds to support research on perennial and winter-annual crops, aiming to help Minnesota farmers increase efficiency and profitability while protecting natural resources. This funding specifically targets the University's research program focused on integrating these crops into existing farming systems. The transfer applies only to fiscal year 2026 and is not a recurring appropriation.

Maddy summaryHF 578 allocates $500,000 in state bond funds to the city of Faribault for a new environmental education center and outdoor improvements at the River Bend Nature Center. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds to cover this cost, with funds to be used for site preparation, design, construction, and equipment of a building and public spaces. This directly affects Faribault residents and visitors who will gain access to enhanced educational facilities and trails at the nature center. The key mechanism is using state bond proceeds to finance specific infrastructure projects under Minnesota's capital investment rules.

Maddy summaryHF 141 modifies Minnesota's sustainable building guidelines to require state agencies to comply with these standards during the predesign phase for all new state buildings and major renovations. It directly affects state agencies planning construction or major renovations (defined as projects over 10,000 sq. ft. or involving mechanical system replacement). The bill adds specific requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving indoor air quality, conserving water, and enhancing climate resilience into the guidelines, while mandating a report and appropriating funds for implementation. These changes apply to all state-funded projects after specified dates, ensuring sustainability is integrated early in the planning process.

Maddy summaryHF 501 proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee equal rights under Minnesota law and prohibit state discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex - including pregnancy decisions, gender identity, and sexual orientation. If approved by voters in 2026, it would add a new section to the Minnesota Constitution requiring state actions to use the least restrictive means to achieve compelling government interests. The amendment would directly apply to all Minnesotans and state agencies, ensuring equal protection in all state laws and programs. It requires voter approval at the 2026 general election, with the question asking whether the state constitution should include these equal rights protections.

Maddy summaryHF 262 prohibits employers from paying people with disabilities less than the state minimum wage, effective August 1, 2025 for new hires and August 1, 2027 for all current employees, ending the use of federal or state special certificates that allow subminimum wages. It requires providers of home and community-based services to report data on individuals currently paid subminimum wages by August 1, 2027, including personal details and employment metrics. The bill appropriates $38,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $75,000 in fiscal year 2027 to enhance the MnCHOICES system with employment-related resources. These changes directly affect employers, service providers, and people with disabilities working in supported employment programs across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 37 proposes adding a new constitutional guarantee to Minnesota's state constitution, stating that "Elections shall be free, fair, and equal. No civil or military power shall, at any time, interfere with the free exercise of the right to vote." If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, this amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, directly affecting all Minnesotans participating in elections by establishing this fundamental principle. The bill specifies the exact wording for the constitutional amendment and the ballot question voters would see. It does not create new election procedures but enshrines this standard into the state constitution.