Sen. Liz Boldon

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's health commissioner to periodically update the list of genetic tests used to screen for heritable or congenital disorders, ensuring the list reflects medical advances and improves public health. Specifically, it mandates adding metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) testing to the required screening panel. The revision process must consider factors like test accuracy, treatability of the disorder, and severity of health impacts. This directly affects newborns and infants in Minnesota who undergo routine screening, as well as healthcare providers administering these tests. The change is effective immediately upon the commissioner's revision, with no additional rulemaking requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Minnesota to cover acupuncture services for pain treatment when provided by licensed practitioners. It mandates at least 30 covered visits before insurers can require prior approval for additional sessions. The law applies to all health plans sold to Minnesota residents and takes effect January 1, 2027, for plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date. This directly affects health insurers and patients seeking acupuncture for pain management.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Winona County to negotiate a supplementary monthly rate of up to $750 per bed for up to 53 additional beds in five specific mental health facilities. It applies to housing support providers in Winona County offering permanent supportive housing for adults with mental health and substance use disorders. The supplementary rate, effective July 1, 2025, operates alongside existing room-and-board rates but cannot exceed the $750 cap (including inflation adjustments). This directly affects Winona County agencies and the five designated facilities serving this population.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's campaign finance law to increase funding for the state elections campaign account. It raises the annual appropriation from $2.4 million to $4.4 million per general election, with 97% of designated funds transferred to the account and 3% retained in the general fund for administrative costs. The funds support election administration, including voter registration, ballot processing, and election security. This change directly affects how state election resources are allocated and managed. The bill modifies Minnesota Statutes section 10A.31, subdivision 4, effective for upcoming general elections.

Maddy summarySF 1538 creates Minnesota's first dedicated Epilepsy Program within the Department of Health. It directly affects Minnesotans living with epilepsy and related seizure disorders, their caregivers, and healthcare providers. Key provisions include funding community organizations for support services, developing training for medical and school staff on epilepsy screening and care, and establishing a statewide system to collect health data on diagnoses, outcomes, and mortality rates. The bill appropriates funds for fiscal years 2026-2027 to implement these program components.

Maddy summarySF 1275 adjusts how Minnesota school districts receive additional funding for extended educational programming. It links the "extended time allowance" to annual increases in the general education basic formula, meaning districts get more funding each year based on the growth rate of core education funding. This directly affects school districts serving students in day treatment programs or children's residential facilities (like psychiatric care centers), as it calculates their extended time revenue using a formula based on pupil units and instructional hours. The bill also specifies that this funding must be used for approved extended programs like summer school, vacation academies, or extended day/week initiatives, effective for fiscal year 2026 and beyond.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's social studies academic standards to include the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people, and people with disabilities in U.S. and state history. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 120B.021, subdivision 4(f), mandating that the commissioner of education must incorporate these contributions during the periodic review and revision of social studies standards. This change applies to all public school students in Minnesota, as the standards guide curriculum development. The requirement is part of the standard ten-year review cycle for social studies standards, which next occurs during the 2020-2021 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Minnesota to issue up to $20 million in state bonds to fund the University of Minnesota's FAARM program in Mower County. The funds will cover planning, design, land acquisition, and initial site preparation for new research facilities focused on agricultural innovation. The state appropriation covers approximately two-thirds of the project's initial phase costs, with the university responsible for the remaining portion. The bill directly affects the University of Minnesota (specifically the FAARM program) and Mower County residents through the development of new agricultural research infrastructure.

Maddy summarySF 1383 modifies financial assurance requirements for mining permits in Minnesota, specifically affecting companies seeking permits for nonferrous metallic minerals (like copper or zinc). The bill requires applicants to provide an environmental liability insurance policy covering pollution cleanup costs during mining and reclamation, with the required amount set by the commissioner. It also mandates that the commissioner annually reviews and updates the financial assurance (cash bond or deposit) needed to cover reclamation costs and corrective actions if permits are violated. These changes apply to new permits and permit modifications for nonferrous mining operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $250,000 from the general fund for the Rochester Area Foundation's Pamoja Women program during fiscal year 2026. The funds are specifically designated to support women's health education and parent education programming. The one-time appropriation is available until June 30, 2027, and directly affects the program's ability to deliver these services in the Rochester area.