Rep. Kristi Pursell

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Minnesota's child tax credit from $1,750 to $2,000 per qualifying child for taxable years after December 31, 2025. It also requires the state revenue commissioner to annually adjust both the credit amount and phaseout thresholds for inflation starting in 2026, with adjustments rounded to the nearest $60. The changes directly affect Minnesota residents who file state income tax returns and claim the child credit for their dependents.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits large meat retailers from owning stakes in livestock dealers or meat packing companies and from signing exclusive contracts that require those suppliers to sell only to them. It defines a "dominant retailer" as a company selling over $18 billion in meat annually with locations in at least 20 states, including Minnesota. The law requires these retailers to divest any existing ownership interests by January 1, 2028, with a possible 180-day extension if they show good faith efforts to comply. The attorney general will identify which retailers fall under this definition starting in 2027, and violators could face daily fines of $25,000.

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 summaryThis bill extends the expiration date of Minnesota's Farmer-Lender Mediation Act from June 30, 2027, to June 30, 2032. It directly affects Minnesota farmers and lenders who use the mediation process to resolve debt disputes without litigation. The key change is amending the statute's sunset provision to prolong the program's availability for an additional five years. This procedural extension maintains the existing mediation framework without altering its core provisions or eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 3701 prohibits long-term care, life, and disability insurers in Minnesota from denying coverage, changing premiums, or requiring genetic testing based on an individual's genetic information. The bill bans insurers from using genetic test results to make coverage decisions or forcing applicants to undergo genetic testing as a condition for obtaining or renewing policies. It allows insurers to access existing genetic information in medical records only with the individual's separate, written consent, and permits consideration of medical diagnoses (even if based on genetic tests) without requiring consent. The law takes effect August 1, 2026, for new or renewed policies.

Maddy summaryHF 3698 prohibits publishers from including certain restrictive terms in license agreements for libraries' electronic books and digital audiobooks. It directly affects Minnesota public libraries, school libraries, and the Minitex network by banning clauses that prevent libraries from lending digital materials - such as restrictions on interlibrary loans or limiting how materials can be shared. The law requires contracts to allow libraries to perform standard lending functions, including loaning materials via digital systems. It becomes effective 60 days after Minnesota’s secretary of state confirms other states with at least 7 million combined population have similar laws.

Maddy summaryHF 3704 prohibits the sale or distribution of certain crop seeds (like corn, soybeans, and wheat) coated with systemic insecticides after January 1, 2029, unless a commissioner-issued waiver is provided. It also bans applying neonicotinoid insecticides (e.g., imidacloprid) to ornamental outdoor plants and turf, except in specific environmental emergencies approved by the commissioner. Farmers seeking seed waivers must complete integrated pest management training and submit third-party pest risk assessments. The bill requires annual training for applicators and allows limited emergency use if less harmful alternatives are ineffective. It directly affects farmers, gardeners, seed sellers, and pesticide applicators in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 3643 establishes Melissa and Mark Hortman Memorial State Park in Ramsey County, specifically within St. Paul, as a new public park. The bill designates precise boundaries for the park using 18 directional points in St. Paul and requires that no park permit or entry fee be charged. It directs the commissioner of natural resources to manage the park under standard state park rules, while specifying that the commissioner of administration and Minnesota Historical Society retain authority over existing buildings and monuments within the park. The legislation also appropriates funds for the park’s establishment, directly affecting public access to this newly designated green space in the city.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires drivers to stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus displaying flashing red lights while children are boarding or exiting. It directly affects all drivers approaching school buses on Minnesota roads, mandating they remain stopped until the red lights cease flashing. The bill also adds a new provision warning drivers that amber lights indicate red lights will soon activate, requiring them to prepare to stop. These changes aim to improve safety for children near school bus stops. The bill is currently pending passage after committee approval.

Maddy summaryHF 3615 extends the deadline for hemp businesses to use ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories for testing lower-potency hemp edibles and non-intoxicating hemp products. It changes the current January 1, 2026, deadline to May 31, 2027, for these specific products. This affects hemp businesses selling non-intoxicating hemp edibles and consumer products, requiring them to use accredited labs for safety testing. The bill modifies Minnesota Statutes 342.61 to delay the stricter testing requirement while maintaining safety standards. The extension provides additional time for businesses to comply with laboratory accreditation rules.