Rep. Jeff Backer

Maddy summaryHF 3756 defines "covered insulin" for Minnesota's insulin safety net program, clarifying that it includes any insulin drug prescribed for diabetes treatment (excluding intravenous-only products). This definition directly affects manufacturers, pharmacies, and patients seeking urgent insulin access under the program. Key provisions require manufacturers to provide covered insulin to eligible individuals in urgent need, while pharmacies must verify eligibility through MNsure's application process. The bill also exempts manufacturers with under $2 million in annual Minnesota insulin sales and sets a $8 per milliliter cost threshold for automatic exemption from certain requirements. These changes standardize eligibility and program operations for insulin access.

Maddy summaryHF 3763 establishes new community engagement requirements for individuals applying for or renewing Minnesota's medical assistance program. It requires applicants to demonstrate 80 hours of qualifying activity (such as work, community service, education, or sufficient income) in the two months prior to application or renewal, unless they qualify for an exception. Key exceptions include parents caring for young children, veterans with service-connected disabilities, individuals with medical frailty, and people enrolled in other state assistance programs. The bill creates specific guidelines for documenting compliance and exceptions, with the commissioner developing standard forms for medical hardship exemptions. This policy directly affects low-income Minnesotans seeking state medical assistance coverage.

Maddy summaryHF 2909 modifies Minnesota's medical assistance and MinnesotaCare coverage to require equal payment rates for pharmacists providing services within both pharmacists' and physicians' scopes of practice. It mandates that medical assistance programs and MinnesotaCare reimburse participating pharmacists for these services at the same rate paid to physicians for equivalent care. This applies to fee-for-service programs and managed care plans under sections 256B.69 and 256B.692. The changes take effect January 1, 2026, or after federal approval, whichever is later. The bill directly affects pharmacists and pharmacies providing covered services under these programs.

Maddy summaryHF 3580 appropriates $125,000 for wolf-related livestock compensation (Minnesota Statutes § 3.737) and $125,000 for elk-related crop/fence damage compensation (§ 3.7371), both for fiscal year 2026. The bill funds direct payments to affected farmers, covers up to $5,000 for livestock valuation assessments, and allocates $40,000 for producer grants to prevent elk crop damage. Funds may transfer between programs if claims exceed normal levels, and all money must be spent by June 30, 2027. This one-time appropriation directly supports Minnesota agricultural producers facing wildlife-related losses.

Maddy summaryHF 1 establishes a centralized Office of Inspector General (OIG) for Minnesota state government, replacing existing agency-specific inspector general offices. The OIG will oversee state spending, require agencies to halt payments when fraud is suspected, and mandate a fraud reporting hotline for employees and contractors. It directly affects all state agencies and recipients of state funds (such as contractors and organizations administering state programs) by requiring them to report suspected fraud and prohibiting retaliation against whistleblowers. The bill also specifies the OIG must coordinate with the legislative auditor and amends statutes related to fraud detection, waste prevention, and oversight.

Maddy summaryHF 3439 modifies Minnesota's medical assistance program to improve access for vulnerable populations. It creates an expedited disability determination process for high-risk groups, including infants under two with rare diseases, individuals in facilities needing home care, those with life-threatening conditions, and people at risk of losing coverage under specific eligibility categories. The bill also changes income counting rules (excluding state tax credits for 12 months) and adjusts eligibility periods, requiring biannual reviews for some groups and annual reviews for others starting January 2027. These changes directly affect Minnesotans applying for or receiving medical assistance, particularly children, individuals with serious health conditions, and those with complex eligibility needs.

Maddy summaryHF 81 exempts off-highway vehicles, snowmobiles, and electric-assisted bicycles from Minnesota's PFAS (chemicals) restrictions that apply to juvenile products. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes § 116.943 by adding these vehicles to the list of items excluded from the definition of "juvenile product" (which otherwise covers items like cribs, strollers, and baby pillows). This means manufacturers of these vehicles are not subject to PFAS prohibitions that apply to other juvenile products. The change clarifies that PFAS rules for consumer goods do not extend to these specific recreational vehicles. The bill was referred to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

Maddy summaryHF 2883 restricts the use of state funds for abortions within Minnesota's state-sponsored health programs. It prohibits the commissioner of human services from using state money for abortion services, except when necessary to maintain eligibility for federal health programs. The bill applies specifically to state health programs administered by the human services commissioner and references Minnesota's legal definition of abortion. This policy change directly affects how state health funds can be allocated for reproductive care services.

Maddy summaryHF 15, the "Safe Haven In Every Local District (SHIELD) Act," requires all Minnesota public school districts and charter schools to include specific student and staff safety measures in their long-term facility plans by August 2025. The bill creates new grants to fund comprehensive security systems, including features like bullet-resistant doors, emergency alert systems, and staff training, with priority given to schools serving the most students. School districts must apply for these grants through the Minnesota School Safety Center, which will rank applicants and provide lists of approved vendors. The law appropriates funds from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to support these security upgrades and plan updates.

Maddy summaryHF 1346 modifies the training requirements for mandatory reporters, such as teachers, healthcare workers, and social workers, who are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. The bill updates current training standards to better equip these professionals with necessary knowledge and procedures. This change directly affects individuals in these roles who must complete the mandated training. The law became effective on August 1, 2025, following its approval by the governor on April 30, 2025.