Rep. Frank Hornstein

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the professional dispensing fee for pharmacies in Minnesota from $10.77 to $11.55 for specific prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The change applies to legend drugs, compounded intravenous solutions, and certain over-the-counter medications dispensed in quantities equal to or greater than the manufacturer's original package. The legislation also clarifies how payment rates are calculated based on drug costs, outlines rules for billing long-term care facilities, and sets standards for specialty pharmacy products.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission from issuing permits to build pipelines designed to transport carbon dioxide. It directly affects energy companies and regulators by legally barring the approval of any new carbon dioxide pipeline routes in the state. The law takes effect immediately upon final passage, ensuring that no such permits can be granted under the current statute.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local jurisdictions in Minnesota to choose ranked choice voting for their local elections, where voters rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting just one. It establishes specific rules for how these elections would be conducted, including procedures for counting votes and handling ballots where a candidate is eliminated based on the rankings. The legislation also permits local areas to use electronic voting machines that can automatically reallocate votes to remaining candidates after an initial winner is determined. However, the bill did not pass during the 2024 legislative session and therefore will not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Minnesota Constitution to guarantee equal rights and prohibit discrimination for all people. It specifically protects individuals from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, and sex, with the definition of sex explicitly including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation. If voters approve the amendment at the 2026 general election, the change will become effective on January 1, 2027. The text also establishes that any state action denying these rights must be the least restrictive way to achieve a very important government goal.

Maddy summaryHF 5242 is a conference committee report that finalizes funding and policy changes for Minnesota's transportation, labor, and housing sectors. The bill directs specific budget allocations to the Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, and the Metropolitan Council for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, with particular attention to active transportation projects like the Mississippi Skyway Trail Bridge. It also updates regulations covering driver testing, greenhouse gas emissions, electric-assisted bicycles, and various labor and housing programs. Additionally, the legislation establishes new advisory committees and task forces while modifying existing state statutes and rules related to these industries.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Minnesota Constitution to guarantee equality under the law. The amendment would prohibit the state, its cities, counties, and other political subdivisions from denying or abridging rights based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin. If approved by voters at the 2024 general election, the change would take effect on January 1, 2025. The measure is titled the "Equal Rights Amendment" and requires a simple yes or no vote from the public.

Maddy summaryThis omnibus education bill establishes a statewide policy requiring school districts and charter schools to adopt rules governing student cell phone use by March 15, 2025, while directing educational associations to share best practices for managing device-related behavior and learning issues. The legislation also clarifies procedures for high school students to enroll in nonsectarian college courses, mandating that institutions notify schools when students withdraw or miss extended periods of class. Additionally, the bill sets specific limits on online teaching, prohibiting instructors from teaching more than 40 students in a single online course unless a waiver is granted, and ensures that digital instruction remains accessible to students with disabilities.