Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura

Maddy summaryHF 1793 modifies how Minnesota's medical assistance program reimburses birth centers for maternity services. Currently, birth centers receive payment at 70% of the hospital rate for facility services and nursery care, but the bill changes this to 100% of the hospital rate starting January 1, 2027 (or after federal approval). It also requires full reimbursement for comprehensive maternal care services within a birth center’s scope, regardless of location, and mandates the state to update payment practices based on consultation with licensed birth centers. These changes directly affect licensed birth centers, traditional midwives, and the state’s Medicaid program by adjusting payment rates and expanding covered services. The current 70% rate expires when the new 100% rate takes effect.

Maddy summaryHF 1278 establishes a one-time $30 million reproductive health equity grant fund to support abortion care access in Minnesota. The bill provides funding to abortion providers, government agencies, and nonprofits whose primary work involves abortion care, with grants designed to increase access, cover uncompensated care for low-income patients, secure facility infrastructure, and fund staff training in trauma-informed care. Eligible organizations must apply through the commissioner of health, who will prioritize applications based on local need, health equity impact, and applicant need. The fund becomes effective July 1, 2025, with grants to begin by January 1, 2026, and includes strict privacy protections requiring confidentiality of patient information.

Maddy summaryHF 1653 appropriates $1 million from state bonds to fund electric bus charging stations for school buses statewide. The bill directs the commissioner of commerce to provide grants to eligible school districts or public transit agencies under Minnesota Statutes §216C.374, specifically for installing Level 2 and Level 3 charging infrastructure. Funding comes from bonds sold by the state under established procedures, with grants awarded through the existing electric school bus deployment program. This measure directly affects school transportation systems seeking to transition to electric fleets, effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 3221 establishes a legislative study group to examine Minnesota's high school graduation credit requirements. The group, composed of eight legislators (four House, four Senate) appointed by leadership, must study current requirements, consider flexible pathways for student readiness, teacher licensure, and workforce alignment, and recommend changes by December 2026. The bill appropriates $64,000 for 2026 and $64,000 for 2027 to support the study group's work through the Legislative Coordinating Commission. The group must submit a preliminary report by December 2025 and a final report by December 2026, with the study group expiring after the final report is submitted or December 31, 2026. This bill directly affects how graduation requirements may be reviewed and potentially changed for Minnesota students.

Maddy summaryHF 3194 appropriates $150,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $150,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture. This funding supports the Women's Environmental Institute in creating a farming incubator project specifically for aspiring Black, Indigenous, and People of Color farmers facing limited land access. The bill directs the funds to cover direct farm expenses (like land rental, seeds, and equipment), administrative costs, hiring a project coordinator, developing infrastructure, and providing training in regenerative organic farming practices. One-third of the funds must serve communities outside the seven-county metropolitan area, with all funds available until June 30, 2028.

Maddy summaryHF 3199 appropriates $425,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to the St. Paul Transportation Management Organization and $105,000 for each of those years to the Downtown Minneapolis Transportation Management Organization. The funds are for programming, service expansion, staffing, outreach, and education initiatives aimed at reducing vehicle miles traveled in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. This is a one-time appropriation requiring full disbursement by July each year, with no funds retained by the state. The bill directly affects these two local transportation management organizations and their efforts to promote alternative travel options.

Maddy summaryHF 1644 creates a grant program to fund family permanent supportive housing in Minnesota. It appropriates $1.5 million for fiscal year 2026 to provide $15,000 per family served to nonprofit organizations or Tribal governments operating housing for families facing barriers like homelessness, mental health challenges, or child protection referrals. The program requires grantees to offer specific services - including child-centered education, job training, counseling referrals, and 24/7 on-site staffing - to help families maintain stable housing and support children's well-being. Funding must serve 60% of families in the metro area, 40% outside it, and at least 10% from Minnesota Tribal Nations.

Maddy summaryHF 3148 allows cities of the first class (like Minneapolis and St. Paul) to issue "social district licenses" that permit public consumption of alcohol in designated outdoor areas contiguous to licensed venues, but not sales. It requires strict rules: alcohol must be in non-glass containers (max 16 oz) with specific labeling, districts must have clear signage showing hours/days, and licensees must follow container requirements. The city must maintain safety plans online, post boundaries, and report to the legislature within 24 months on community impact, challenges, and public safety. This directly affects cities, licensed businesses, and residents/businesses near designated social districts.

Maddy summaryHF 2764 requires Minnesota public schools (including charter schools participating in the National School Lunch Program) to offer at least one plant-based meal option daily starting with the 2026-2027 school year. A "plant-based meal" is defined as one without any animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, fish), and schools must provide this option within four weeks of a student's written request. Schools must also make the request process clear to students and parents, comply with federal nutrition standards, and report annually on implementation to the Department of Education. The bill applies to all public schools serving lunches through the National School Lunch Program.

Maddy summaryHF 1999 restricts how people can request public data from Minnesota school districts. It requires requesters to provide their identity (no anonymous requests) and pay for costs if they fail to appear to inspect the data in person. The law applies to all public data requests to school districts under Minnesota's government data practices law, but does not affect requests made by students under separate privacy rules. These changes take effect 24 hours after the bill is signed into law.