Sen. Glenn Gruenhagen

Maddy summarySF 3995 changes Minnesota law to require social services agencies to make "reasonable efforts" instead of "active efforts" to keep African American children and children disproportionately represented in the child welfare system with their families. The bill mandates agencies to develop culturally responsive safety plans addressing family needs before court removal, promote frequent family visitation for children in foster care, and notify noncustodial parents and relatives of placement. Courts must review whether agencies made reasonable efforts before approving out-of-home placements, and agencies must document these efforts. These provisions apply specifically to African American children and children disproportionately represented in child welfare.

Maddy summarySF 1204 requires dental insurance organizations in Minnesota to pay out at least 85% of premiums as claims (a "loss ratio" of 85%). If they fail to meet this, they must provide rebates or improved benefits to policyholders. Dental organizations must annually report their loss ratios and financial details to the Commerce Department by March 1, starting in 2027, with the data published online for public comparison. This directly affects dental insurers and their enrollees (policyholders) by increasing accountability for how premiums are used. The bill takes effect between 2026 and 2028, depending on the provision.

Maddy summarySF 3926 amends Minnesota law to protect hospital and clinic security officers by adding them to the list of individuals who are legally shielded from physical assault. The bill makes assaulting a security officer working in a hospital or clinic a gross misdemeanor, and if the assault causes demonstrable bodily harm, it becomes a felony punishable by up to three years in prison or a $6,000 fine. This directly affects security personnel in these facilities, extending the same legal protections previously granted to firefighters, emergency medical staff, and health care workers in emergency departments. The law will take effect on August 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 3885) amends Minnesota's Paid Leave Law to require valid work authorization as a condition for receiving benefits. It directly affects individuals applying for paid leave benefits who lack proper work authorization. Key provisions include adding "valid work authorization" to eligibility requirements in section 268B.04 (subd. 2) and explicitly listing lack of work authorization as a reason for ineligibility in section 268B.06 (subd. 4). The law would prevent people without valid work permits from accessing paid leave benefits, aligning with existing financial eligibility criteria. This change applies to all applicants seeking benefits under Minnesota's Paid Leave Law.

Maddy summarySF 3952 modifies Minnesota's SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) eligibility rules by clarifying income and asset requirements. It specifies that SNAP households must have gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines and must meet personal property asset limits under state law, with a key change: vehicles valued at $100,000 or more must now count toward asset limits (previously excluded). This bill directly affects Minnesota households applying for or receiving SNAP benefits, particularly those with high-value vehicles. The changes align state rules with federal SNAP requirements while updating asset calculation rules. The bill was introduced on February 26, 2026, and referred to the Health and Human Services committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $6 million from state bond proceeds to fund the design of a new wastewater treatment plant in Norwood Young America. The funds will specifically support reducing chloride and phosphorus levels in the city's wastewater. The state would issue up to $6 million in bonds to cover this cost, following standard bond procedures. The city of Norwood Young America is the direct recipient of this grant, which is limited to the design phase of the project. The bill does not fund construction or operational costs.

Maddy summarySF 3781 would authorize the death penalty for specific first-degree murder cases in Minnesota, including murders of judges, multiple murders, murders for hire, or murders of children under six. The bill requires prosecutors to notify defendants early if seeking the death penalty and mandates two experienced attorneys for defendants facing capital charges. It establishes a separate sentencing hearing to determine if the death penalty applies, requires courts to consider DNA evidence, and prohibits the death penalty for offenders under 18 at the time of the crime. This framework would directly affect defendants convicted of qualifying capital offenses and the state's legal process for handling such cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's housing agency to verify the eligibility of applicants for first-generation homebuyer down payment assistance. It mandates that applicants provide documentary evidence of eligibility and sign an affidavit confirming compliance with program rules, with penalties for false statements. The agency must verify each applicant's eligibility before issuing funds and must partner with community organizations using agency-developed forms. Additionally, the bill requires an annual independent financial audit and public report on the program's disbursements. These changes directly affect homebuyers seeking down payment assistance under Minnesota's first-generation homebuyer program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's medical assistance program to stop covering specific services if federal funding for those services is temporarily paused or cut. Starting June 1, 2026, coverage for affected services would end immediately on the date federal funding is withheld, and healthcare providers could no longer bill the state for those services after that date. It directly impacts Medicaid recipients and healthcare providers in Minnesota by automatically halting coverage when federal support is disrupted. The law aims to align state payments with federal funding availability, preventing the state from covering services without corresponding federal support.

Maddy summarySF 3658 limits annual budget increases for the Minnesota Department of Human Services' central office operations to 4 percent. This bill applies only during fiscal years when other existing budget growth limits are active. It requires that any funding increase from one fiscal year to the next cannot exceed this 4 percent threshold. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.