Sen. Karin Housley

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 summaryMinnesota Senate File 1466 requires judges to impose longer sentences for individuals convicted of a violent felony who have two or more prior violent felony convictions. It mandates consecutive sentences for these offenders and prohibits early release options like parole, probation, or work release until the full sentence is served. The law applies to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2025, and specifically targets repeat violent offenders under Minnesota Statutes § 609.1095. This policy change directly affects convicted violent offenders with prior violent felony convictions, altering sentencing outcomes by removing judicial discretion for early release.

Maddy summarySF 1394 updates Minnesota's process for scheduling and administering the road skills test required for class D driver's licenses. It mandates that the state website display real-time appointment availability, including next available dates sorted by distance from the user's address, with appointments released three months in advance at set times (8 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m.). The bill also authorizes approved third-party testing programs and certified testers to conduct the road test, requiring state approval, regular audits, and an appeals process for applicants. These changes directly affect class D license applicants, the Department of Public Safety, and new third-party testing organizations.

Maddy summarySF 289 authorizes Minnesota to issue up to $400 million in state bonds to fund local infrastructure. It appropriates $250 million for county road projects, prioritizing statewide/regional roads and rural safety improvements on county state-aid highways. An additional $150 million is allocated for bridge repairs, including matching federal funds to replace or rehabilitate deficient bridges, covering design, construction, and land acquisition costs. The funds directly support counties and local communities by improving road safety and bridge infrastructure. The bill enables these investments through bond financing rather than direct state budget spending.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million for fiscal year 2026 and $10 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support regional food banks and federally recognized American Indian Tribes in Minnesota. The commissioner of children, youth, and families must distribute these funds using the federal TEFAP formula, prioritizing food banks and tribes that comply with U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations. Funds may be used to purchase, transport, and distribute food to those in need, including personal hygiene items like diapers. Recipients must report spending and retain records, with ineligible expenditures requiring repayment to the general fund.

Maddy summarySF 1124, the "Minnesota Sports Betting 3.0 Act," legalizes and regulates state-licensed sports betting and fantasy contests for Minnesotans aged 21+. It authorizes mobile sports betting through licensed operators, prohibits local governments from banning betting venues, and establishes tax rates on wagering revenue. The bill defines key terms (like "athletic event" excluding horse racing and high school sports), requires operators to maintain mobile betting accounts, and mandates reporting to the state. It also includes provisions for amateur sports grants and modifies existing gambling tax structures.

Maddy summarySF 1231 would amend Minnesota's tax code to allow taxpayers to subtract the full amount of their Social Security benefits from their state taxable income, removing current income-based phaseout limits and maximum subtraction amounts. This change directly affects Minnesota residents who receive Social Security benefits (including retirement, survivor, or disability payments) and file state income tax returns. The bill eliminates previous caps (e.g., $5,840 for joint filers) and phaseout thresholds, making the subtraction "unlimited" for all qualifying benefit recipients. It becomes effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue up to $4 million in bonds to fund road improvements in Forest Lake. Specifically, it appropriates $4 million from bond proceeds to the city of Forest Lake for land acquisition and construction of the Forest Road North realignment and intersection improvements at 11th Avenue. The funds will be provided through state bond sales, following Minnesota's bond issuance procedures under statutes 16A.631-16A.675. The project directly affects Forest Lake residents and infrastructure in that city.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate Bill SF 1215 prohibits the sale of flavored nitrous oxide to consumers within Minnesota. The bill defines "flavored nitrous oxide" as containers that impart taste or smell and are sold by retailers, and it bans retailers from selling or offering these products to consumers in the state. Violating this prohibition is classified as a misdemeanor. The law directly affects retailers who currently sell flavored nitrous oxide canisters in Minnesota, including out-of-state retailers targeting Minnesota consumers. The bill does not include exceptions for medical or industrial use.