Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura

Maddy summaryHF 2195 proposes adding a new constitutional section to Minnesota's state constitution, specifically stating "Marriage is a fundamental right and shall not be restricted based on gender or race" (Sec. 18). If approved by voters, this amendment would prohibit legal restrictions on marriage based on gender or race. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, with potential implementation starting January 1, 2027, if ratified. This bill directly affects marriage rights and legal protections for all Minnesotans, requiring voter approval rather than legislative passage alone.

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 2352 increases funding for Minnesota schools offering approved recovery programs that support students recovering from substance abuse. It raises the maximum annual grant per program from $125,000 to $325,000 to cover costs for recovery staff, student support, and approved transportation. The bill appropriates $1.95 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1.95 million for 2027, with unused 2026 funds carrying over to 2027. These changes apply to programs recognized by the state and take effect starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 1630 specifies which activities highway funds cannot be used for in Minnesota. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to explicitly prohibit using highway user tax distribution funds or trunk highway funds for items like Bureau of Criminal Apprehension labs, Explore Minnesota tourism kiosks, driver education programs, electric vehicle infrastructure, and personnel costs for the governor's office. It creates a detailed list of prohibited expenditures, including specific programs and activities such as tourist information centers, parades, and soft body armor purchases. This bill directly affects state agencies and departments that manage highway funds by restricting their spending options.

Maddy summaryHF 45 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support Minnesota's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Outreach Program. This funding directly assists the commissioner of children, youth, and families in operating outreach efforts to help eligible Minnesotans access food assistance benefits. The bill provides specific, dedicated funding for the program under Minnesota Statutes, section 142F.12, without changing eligibility rules or benefit amounts. It ensures consistent financial support for outreach services that connect residents to existing nutrition assistance programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1579 establishes a new supplementary payment rate for specific housing providers serving vulnerable populations. It requires agencies to negotiate an additional $975 per month (capped at this amount, including inflation adjustments) for facilities providing 24/7 supervised housing to unsheltered individuals with complex health needs (including substance use, mental illness, or physical conditions). These facilities must offer private dwellings in the Twin Cities metro area (100 beds, operating since 2020) or central Minnesota (48 beds, opening after 2025), with all beds dedicated to this population. The rate applies starting July 1, 2025, and is supplemental to existing payment rates.

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 2247 appropriates $7 million from the general fund for Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina (COPAL) to design, build, and equip a new Latino Community Engagement Center. The center will provide shared workspace for COPAL and partner organizations while serving as a training facility for workforce development and employment programs. This one-time funding is specifically allocated for constructing the physical space and its furnishings, not for ongoing operational costs. The bill directly affects COPAL and its community partners by enabling a dedicated location for engagement and workforce training initiatives.

Maddy summaryHF 1098 appropriates funds from the general state budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to improve and expand infrastructure at food shelf facilities. The bill directs the commissioner of children, youth, and families to provide grants to nonprofit organizations, federally recognized Tribes, and local governments operating food shelves. These grants specifically fund physical infrastructure upgrades, such as building repairs or equipment, rather than operational costs. The legislation directly supports community food assistance programs by providing dedicated state funding for facility improvements.