Sen. Jim Abeler

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2 million from the general fund for the WonderTrek Children's Museum in Baxter, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The funds are designated for phase I capital improvements to their nine-acre campus, including site infrastructure, landscaping, a 2,400-square-foot indoor-outdoor classroom, four acres of nature play exhibits, and outdoor recreation facilities. The appropriation is one-time and available until project completion, per Minnesota Statutes. It directly affects the museum’s physical expansion plans and requires the commissioner of employment and economic development to disburse the grant.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota healthcare providers participating in the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program to spend 25% of their 340B program revenue on charity care (free or low-cost care for patients), not on medical debt write-offs or community services. It authorizes nonprofit public interest organizations to conduct independent audits of these providers' compliance with the revenue-use requirement, with providers required to share necessary data. The attorney general is also empowered to enforce the charity care spending rule. These provisions directly affect hospitals and clinics in Minnesota that receive discounted prescription drugs through the 340B program.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 3060, the Minnesota Recovery Residence Certification Act, creates a state certification system for recovery residences - supportive housing for people recovering from substance use disorders. It requires these residences to apply for certification through a designated organization, with the commissioner of health overseeing the process and maintaining a public registry of certified facilities. The bill defines key terms like "operator" (the person managing the residence) and "resident" (a person living there), ensuring certified residences provide a safe, peer-supported environment focused on recovery. This directly affects recovery residences seeking official recognition, their operators, and residents who rely on these certified living arrangements for support.

Maddy summarySF 3266 authorizes the Minnesota Commissioner of Health to conduct a feasibility study for a state-run web platform designed to help seniors (50+) coordinate with healthcare providers, insurers, and state agencies. The study must examine the platform's required capabilities, creation costs, and ongoing maintenance fees funded through provider fees. It requires consultation with stakeholders including health insurers, aging services providers, senior advocates, and the public. The study results must be reported to legislative committees by February 1, 2026, before any decision on building the platform. This bill does not create the platform but assesses its feasibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's timeline requirements for health care providers to file medical claims after a health plan adjusts or recoups payment. It extends the standard six-month filing deadline to 12 months if a provider experiences significant operational disruptions (e.g., natural disasters, system failures), and adds a separate six-month extension when a health plan makes a payment adjustment or recoupment. The bill directly affects hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities submitting claims to insurers or third-party administrators. It also includes minor updates to mental health assessment timelines and peer recovery support service requirements under Minnesota Statutes.

Maddy summarySF 2598 allows remote reassessments (via video or phone) for Minnesotans receiving specific disability waiver services, replacing some in-person requirements. It directly affects individuals enrolled in developmental disabilities, community access, brain injury, alternative care, and elderly waiver programs under Minnesota Statutes sections 256B.092, 256B.49, 256B.0913, and related programs. Key provisions require informed consent from recipients or their representatives before remote assessments, mandate an in-person reassessment after remote ones (replacing one or two consecutive assessments depending on the program), and require documentation of consent. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, or upon federal approval.

Maddy summarySF 832 establishes a new licensure for certified midwives in Minnesota and expands Medicaid coverage to include their services. The bill creates specific definitions for "licensed certified midwives" and outlines their scope of practice, including prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum support, and gynecological care. It requires midwives to hold national certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board and be licensed by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. This law directly affects certified midwives seeking to practice legally and low-income patients receiving Medicaid-covered midwifery care.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Minnesota's Housing Challenge Program to allow additional school types to receive small grants for housing projects. It modifies eligibility under section 462A.33 to include "contract alternative schools" and "Tribal contract schools" alongside existing school districts, charter schools, and cooperative units. Schools receiving grants under $100,000 must require future homeowners to complete a mandatory homeownership education program. The change directly affects these specific school entities seeking to build housing for owner occupancy through the program.

Maddy summarySF 3227 modifies Minnesota's social work licensing law (Minnesota Statutes 148E.065, subd. 1) to clarify which licensed professionals can perform social work-related functions without being licensed as social workers. It explicitly lists exemptions for professions like physicians, nurses, psychologists, clergy, attorneys, school counselors, and licensed counselors, allowing them to perform their duties without a social work license. However, the bill prohibits these professionals from using titles or descriptions implying they are social workers or licensed in social work, and clarifies that having a social work bachelor's degree does not make someone a social worker. The change ensures these professionals can work within their licensed scope without misrepresenting their credentials to the public.

Maddy summarySF 1387 appropriates $1.363 million for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to the Minnesota Black Farmers Association. The funds will support greenhouse construction at Mahogany Farm (Mora), Frog Tree Farm (Verndale), and 40 Acre Co-op (Sandstone) to preserve Black farming heritage. Projects include developing sustainable agriculture programming, fostering new culturally aware farmers, and improving Mahogany Farm's farmhouse for community use. The bill directly supports these three farm sites as community hubs for cultural education and agricultural training.