Sen. Jim Abeler

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $4 million for fiscal year 2026 and $4 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support Minnesota's food shelf programs. The funds are directed to the commissioner of children, youth, and families for use under Minnesota Statutes section 142F.14, which governs community food shelf operations. The appropriation adds to the existing base funding for these programs, which provide emergency food assistance to Minnesotans facing food insecurity. This is a straightforward funding measure with no new policy requirements for the programs themselves.

Maddy summarySF 683 creates a 12-member legislative commission focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities in Minnesota. The commission, composed of appointed legislators from relevant committees (including those overseeing human services, labor, and housing), will review state programs and policies affecting people with these disabilities. It requires state agencies to provide data on disability services, demographics, and fiscal information to support the commission’s work. The bill also establishes procedures for commission operations, including meeting schedules and administrative support, and includes funding for its activities. This commission is intended to provide legislative oversight of disability-related programs, directly affecting state agencies and the legislative process.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2,273,000 from the state general fund for a one-time grant to the city of Ham Lake. The funds are specifically for constructing safety improvements and realigning frontage roads at the intersection of Trunk Highway 65 and Anoka County Road 60. The city must use the money by June 30, 2029, for these infrastructure upgrades. The bill directly affects Ham Lake residents and drivers using this intersection by funding physical road changes.

Maddy summarySF 2129 imposes a 50% gross revenue tax on Minnesota-based manufacturers and retailers selling products containing PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances), defined as fluorinated chemicals with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. Manufacturers pay tax on revenue from PFAS products sold to distributors, while retailers pay tax on retail sales within Minnesota. Revenue from this tax will fund a dedicated cleanup account in the special revenue fund, managed by a newly established XX Advisory Commission, to support statewide environmental remediation. The bill requires monthly reporting but no immediate tax payments, with annual filings due by the same schedule as other Minnesota taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $342,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $342,000 for fiscal year 2027 to the Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council. The funding supports the council's existing statutory role under Minnesota Statutes section 256.4835, which requires the council to advise the legislature and state agencies on rare disease issues. This is a straightforward funding measure, not a policy change, directly affecting the council's operations to continue its work supporting Minnesotans with rare diseases.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota health insurers and the state Department of Human Services to provide equal coverage for FDA-approved nonopioid pain medications as for opioid medications. It prohibits designating nonopioid drugs as "nonpreferred" when opioids are preferred or applying stricter prior authorization rules to nonopioid drugs than to opioids. The requirement applies immediately upon FDA approval of a nonopioid drug for pain treatment, even before formal inclusion in the state's drug formulary. The law directly affects health insurers, state health programs, and providers who prescribe pain medications, ensuring nonopioid options aren't unfairly restricted in coverage.

Maddy summarySF 1913 creates a new "locally controlled housing fund" within Minnesota's housing development fund to support affordable housing projects. The fund provides financial assistance to eligible local entities (cities, counties, tribes, community land trusts, or housing authorities) for acquiring, rehabilitating, or building housing that meets specific affordability requirements. Key provisions require that 30% of units serve households earning ≤50% of area median income, 30% serve households earning 50-100% of area median income, and all housing must be accessible with no income-based segregation. Funds operate as a reusable revolving loan, with recipients retaining ownership stakes of at least 75% and agreeing to long-term affordability restrictions for tenants. This directly affects low-to-moderate-income households and local governments seeking to expand affordable housing stock.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to increase payments to critical access nursing facilities. The funds are specifically designated for rate adjustments under Minnesota Statutes section 256R.47, directly affecting nursing facilities that serve rural communities and provide essential long-term care. The key mechanism is a fixed annual funding increase to support facility operations without requiring new legislative action for each adjustment. This is a straightforward budget allocation with no additional requirements or changes to facility eligibility.

Maddy summarySF 1882 modifies an existing 2023 appropriation of $68.75 million for highway improvements along Anoka County's Trunk Highway 65. The bill specifically reallocates funds to cover planning, land acquisition, design, and construction for intersection upgrades at 99th Avenue Northeast, 105th Avenue Northeast, Anoka County State-Aid Highway 12, 109th Avenue Northeast, 117th Avenue Northeast, and Anoka County State-Aid Highway 116. This change adjusts the scope of previously authorized projects without creating new funding or policy. The bill amends Laws 2023, chapter 68, section 2, subdivision 4, as previously updated by 2024 legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program to certify direct support professionals who assist older adults or individuals with disabilities in daily living activities. It requires a 80-hour training curriculum (based on national standards) for participants in Anoka and Dakota Counties, with scholarships including a $20/hour work stipend. Certified professionals in covered programs (like community-based services) would qualify for an enhanced pay rate of 118.75% of standard medical assistance rates, pending federal approval. The pilot includes an evaluation to assess workforce impact, economic benefits, and potential for statewide expansion.