Sen. Glenn Gruenhagen

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Minnesota's income tax credit for long-term care insurance premiums. It increases the maximum credit from $100 to $250 per individual (or $250 to $500 for married couples filing jointly) for each person covered by a qualifying policy. The credit reduces taxes for Minnesotans who pay for long-term care insurance, directly benefiting individuals purchasing these policies. The changes take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summarySF 1261 establishes a new "Family Medical Account" (FMA) service delivery model for Minnesota's medical assistance program, effective January 2026. It requires most new or reenrolling medical assistance enrollees (with income ≤138% of federal poverty level who qualify for managed care) to use this model, excluding people aged 65+ or with disabilities. Under the FMA, enrollees receive monthly contributions deposited into a debit account for outpatient and emergency care (capped at $300 per visit), with unspent funds rolling over to an investment account. Preventive services and specific medications (like diabetes or blood pressure treatments) remain covered without using the account, while other medical expenses require full use of the yearly contribution amount.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $9 million from state bond proceeds to fund stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water infrastructure projects in the city of New Auburn. It authorizes the state to sell bonds up to this amount to cover costs for predesign, construction, and equipment of systems including wastewater ponds, sewer systems, storm drains, and water mains. The funds will specifically improve water quality, flow, fire protection, and accountability for New Auburn residents. The bill directly affects New Auburn's municipal infrastructure and residents by addressing aging systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3,264,000 from state bond proceeds to fund park improvements at Lake Waconia Regional Park in Carver County. The funds will cover planning, construction, and equipment for amenities including picnic shelters, playgrounds, parking lots, trails, and lighting. The state will issue bonds to finance this project under Minnesota's bond authorization laws. The funding directly benefits Carver County residents and park visitors by enhancing recreational facilities at this regional park.

Maddy summarySF 1273 repeals Minnesota Statutes section 297A.9925, which established a 0.25% sales and use tax on retail purchases in metropolitan counties. This tax funded housing assistance programs, distributing 25% to state rent assistance, 25% to city housing aid, and 50% to county housing aid. The repeal takes effect July 1, 2025, eliminating this dedicated revenue source for housing programs in the metro area. The bill directly affects metropolitan counties and the housing assistance accounts funded by this tax.

Maddy summarySF 1189 modifies Minnesota's child care licensing rules by adding new exemptions for certain providers that no longer need state licensing. It specifically exempts nonprofit youth programs (grades K-12) with written parental consent and safety policies, family child care providers serving up to 10 children with strict age limits, and accredited nonpublic school programs requiring background checks. The bill also clarifies documentation requirements for some exempt programs, such as verifying accreditation standards. These changes directly affect child care providers who previously needed licenses but now qualify for exemptions under specific conditions. The policy aims to reduce regulatory burden for certain low-risk care settings while maintaining safety safeguards.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota bill (SF 1192) makes it a felony to perform castration or sterilization on any person under 18. It specifically prohibits physical/chemical castration (Section 1.10) and any surgery, procedure, or drug causing permanent infertility (Section 1.11). The law applies to anyone performing these acts on minors, imposing criminal penalties for violations. It takes effect on August 1, 2025, and directly affects minors under 18 and medical professionals or others who might conduct such procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 1137) amends Minnesota law to clarify the definition of "covered services" in dental insurance plans. It specifies that covered services include dental care for which reimbursement is available under a plan, even after accounting for standard limitations like deductibles, co-pays, or annual maximums. The bill requires dentists to provide patients with a cost estimate for non-covered services before treatment and prohibits charging more than usual fees for those services. It does not change existing plan limitations like deductibles or annual benefit caps, but ensures transparency for patients regarding costs of non-covered care.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's rules for optometrists prescribing and administering prescription medications. It removes previous restrictions on optometrists prescribing oral antivirals (limited to 10 days), oral steroids (14 days without physician consultation), and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (7 days). The changes specifically allow optometrists to prescribe these medications within the new time limits, while maintaining existing restrictions on intravenous/intramuscular drug administration, invasive surgery, and Schedule II/III oral drugs. These provisions directly affect optometrists practicing in Minnesota, expanding their limited prescribing authority for specific eye-related treatments.

Maddy summarySF 1169 requires state agencies to reduce their funding for any unfilled positions that remain vacant for 180 days or more after being posted. This applies to most state agency roles (excluding law enforcement and public safety positions) and reduces the general fund and nongeneral fund appropriations by the amount saved from unfilled salary and benefits. The reduced funding must be reflected in agency budgets for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The bill also mandates that the commissioner of management and budget report these reductions to legislative finance committees.