Sen. Jim Abeler

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million from state bond proceeds to fund the construction of a highway interchange at Trunk Highway 610 and East River Road (Anoka County State-Aid Highway 1) in Coon Rapids. It authorizes the state to sell up to $10 million in bonds to cover the project's final design, land acquisition, construction, and related improvements. The funds are specifically for the portion of the project eligible for highway bond financing, building on prior appropriations for the same location. This directly affects Coon Rapids residents and commuters using this major intersection by improving traffic flow and safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $4 million from the general fund to Lifeworks Services, Inc. for a statewide disability inclusion pilot project. It directly affects employers, businesses, people with disabilities, their families, and rural/BIPOC entrepreneurs by funding specific inclusion activities. Key provisions include persuading employers to hire people with disabilities, educating businesses on inclusive hiring benefits, helping people with disabilities navigate services, supporting culturally specific services for rural/BIPOC entrepreneurs, piloting community-requested support, creating safe community spaces for training, and launching a statewide accessibility assessment. The project must reach all six Minnesota planning areas, including rural and Tribal regions, and is a one-time funding allocation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows volunteer emergency services providers (like firefighters, ambulance attendants, and paramedics with at least three years of service) to purchase up to four tires for their personal vehicle every three years using their municipality’s existing tire contract. The volunteer must pay for the tires, including taxes and fees, and the municipality must provide written authorization listing the volunteer’s service years, vehicle license plate, and the contract reference. It applies only to volunteers currently serving and requires municipalities to document each purchase. The bill creates a simple administrative process with no cost to the municipality.

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 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 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 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 summarySF 1267 repeals a state law that authorized the commissioner of commerce to apply for a federal waiver under the Affordable Care Act to establish a Minnesota public option health care plan. The bill removes the state agency’s authority to submit this waiver application and eliminates related funding, including $2.5 million for actuarial analyses and $21 million for implementation. This directly affects the Minnesota public option health care plan initiative, halting its federal approval path. The changes take effect immediately upon enactment, reducing state budget allocations tied to this specific policy approach.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3 million from state bond proceeds to fund a noise barrier along U.S. Highway 10 in Anoka, specifically on the south side from Fairoak Avenue to the West Main Street/Greenhaven Road interchange. It authorizes the state to sell up to $3 million in bonds, with the proceeds deposited into the trunk highway fund to cover construction costs. The project directly affects residents and properties near this highway segment by addressing noise pollution. The funds are allocated exclusively for this barrier construction, following standard bond issuance procedures under Minnesota law.