Rep. Jay Xiong

Maddy summaryHF 491 appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide grants to Hometown Hero Outdoors, a Stillwater-based nonprofit. The funding supports mental health services and outdoor recreational activities for current and former law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel. The bill directs these services to promote positive mental health, longevity, quality of life, and interactions with mental health professionals through organized outdoor programs. It does not create new policy but allocates specific funds to an existing nonprofit for targeted support of first responders.

Maddy summaryHF 492 appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to fund mental health services and outdoor recreational activities for currently serving military personnel and veterans in Minnesota. The funds are directed to Hometown Hero Outdoors, a Stillwater-based nonprofit, to support programs promoting mental wellness, community interaction with professionals, and quality of life through outdoor engagement. This bill specifically provides dedicated funding for an existing nonprofit's established services rather than creating new state programs. It directly affects military members and veterans by expanding access to mental health support and outdoor activities through this designated organization. The appropriation is limited to these specific fiscal years and services as outlined in the bill.

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 2427 provides $2.2 million in state funding for grants to small businesses in St. Paul (employing 25 or fewer people) that face significant disruptions like reduced access or parking during the Department of Transportation's construction and redesign of Arcade Street and East 7th Street. The grants cover payroll, operating, or facility costs during the project, but cannot fund bonuses, new equipment, or construction. The commissioner of employment and economic development must distribute funds through local nonprofits, prioritizing businesses based on revenue decline, construction duration, and traffic disruption severity. A report detailing all grants must be submitted annually starting January 2027.

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 1534 transfers Minnesota's Healthy Eating, Here at Home program from the Minnesota Humanities Center to the Department of Health. It establishes the Fresh Bucks pilot program, allowing SNAP and Summer EBT recipients to get a dollar-for-dollar match on fresh produce purchases (up to $20 daily/$80 monthly) at participating grocery stores and retailers. Both programs target low-income households using federal nutrition benefits, with the Healthy Eating program providing $10 vouchers for farmers' market purchases and Fresh Bucks focusing on fresh produce. The bill requires annual reports from administering nonprofits and appropriates funding for both initiatives. It amends Minnesota Statutes to clarify program administration, definitions, and reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 1845 expands Minnesota's definition of "veteran" to include two specific groups: (1) Hmong veterans naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000, and (2) individuals who served honorably with secret guerrilla units or irregular forces operating from Laos in support of U.S. forces between February 28, 1961, and May 14, 1975. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 197.447 to add these categories to the existing definition, ensuring these veterans qualify for state benefits. It also creates an advisory task force of veterans, experts, and community members to help determine eligibility under the new definition. This change directly affects Hmong veterans and Laotian-based veterans who previously may not have met Minnesota's veteran criteria.

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 summaryMinnesota's HF 1146 establishes the "Minnesota SNAP Step Up for Seniors" program, which provides a state-funded supplement to federal SNAP benefits for Minnesotans aged 55 or older. The bill ensures that seniors receiving SNAP benefits below $50 per month receive additional state funds to bring their total monthly benefit up to at least $50. The supplement is added to existing SNAP benefits and is not counted as income for other programs. The bill appropriates state funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to cover this supplemental benefit.