Sen. Jim Abeler

Maddy summarySF 548 amends Minnesota law to increase the income limit for medical assistance eligibility for two groups: people with disabilities and Minnesotans aged 65 and older. The bill raises the allowable income threshold from 100% to 133% of the federal poverty guidelines for these individuals, making it easier for them to qualify for medical assistance without losing benefits. This change applies to those covered under specific sections of Minnesota Statutes related to medical assistance eligibility. The amendment is set to take effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySF 1177 establishes a $500,000 annual grant program (funding through fiscal year 2030) to expand access to assistive technology and remote support services for Minnesotans with disabilities. The grant, awarded to eligible statewide nonprofit organizations, funds training for service providers, schools, and individuals with disabilities; resources for disability advocacy groups; accessible technology materials; research on emerging solutions; and outreach to rural and underserved communities. Recipients must submit annual reports tracking participants, outcomes like improved independence, and final evaluations after the grant period ends. This bill directly affects people with disabilities, their families, disability service providers, and advocacy organizations by increasing access to technology-driven support services.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Minnesota SNAP Step Up for Seniors program, which provides state-funded supplements to help seniors aged 55+ who receive federal SNAP benefits below $50 per month reach that minimum amount. The state will cover the difference between a senior's federal SNAP benefit and $50, with the supplement added to their existing SNAP benefits. The program ensures the supplemental amount is not counted as income for other assistance programs, and it prioritizes federal funding over state funds if available. It requires the state to appropriate $ for fiscal years 2026-2027 to implement this benefit.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15 million for the Head Start program in fiscal year 2026 and another $15 million for fiscal year 2027, funded from the state general fund. The funds will support Minnesota's Head Start services under Minnesota Statutes § 142D.12, administered by the commissioner of children, youth, and families. The bill directly affects early childhood education programs serving low-income families across Minnesota.

Maddy summarySF 1023 requires health insurance plans in Minnesota to cover medically necessary treatments for inherited metabolic diseases, including medical foods and low-protein modified food products. This directly affects individuals diagnosed with conditions like phenylketonuria (PKU) and their health insurance providers. The bill mandates that coverage cannot include special limitations such as cost-sharing, prior authorization, or delays specific to these treatments, requiring them to be covered similarly to other plan benefits. It defines "inherited metabolic disease" as a condition caused by an inherited metabolic abnormality and specifies "medical foods" as specially formulated products for dietary treatment under physician direction. The law applies to all health plans and aligns Medicaid coverage for these treatments with the same requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a trust to hold Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for foster children in Minnesota, ensuring these funds are used exclusively for the child's care. Child welfare agencies must send all SSI benefits they receive for foster children to a state trust account within 90 days, keeping these funds separate from general agency budgets. The trust requires agencies to report annually on how these funds are managed, and children aged 18+ must be notified about accessing their trust benefits. This directly affects foster children receiving SSI and the agencies responsible for their care.

Maddy summarySF 1056 requires all Minnesota school district advisory committees to comply with Chapter 13D (the state's open meeting law) and provide public notice of all regular and special meetings. This bill directly affects school district advisory committees, which are responsible for community input on curriculum, academic standards, and equity initiatives. The key provision mandates that these committees, including any subcommittees, must follow public meeting procedures and publicly announce meeting times and locations in advance. The bill does not change the committees' composition or duties, only their meeting transparency requirements.

Maddy summarySF 1111 requires transportation network companies (like Uber or Lyft) operating in Minnesota to make vehicles wheelchair accessible and adopt specific nondiscrimination policies. It mandates a 15-cent surcharge per inaccessible ride (paid monthly by companies), with funds going to a dedicated wheelchair-accessible vehicle services account. Companies must ensure digital networks are accessible by January 1, 2026, and submit annual reports detailing wheelchair-accessible ride availability, denials, and service improvements. The bill also prohibits additional fees for service animals or companions and requires clear fare displays before ride confirmation. These provisions directly affect ride-hailing companies and aim to improve mobility access for people with disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Minnesota's "Success Incentive Aid Program," which provides extra state funding to public schools based on two performance metrics: graduation rates and college enrollment success. Schools receive funding if their graduation rate exceeds 90% (with points for each percentage point above 90%) and if over 90% of recent graduates enroll in in-state colleges without needing remedial courses. The amount each school receives is calculated by multiplying its combined metric scores by its total enrollment, then dividing by the total available program funds. The program begins funding for the 2026-2027 school year with specific appropriations for 2026 and 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits counties from charging fees when homeowners seek to remove discriminatory housing restrictions (like those based on race or religion) from property titles. It directly affects homeowners in Minnesota who need to clear outdated restrictive covenants from their property records. The key provision amends state law to require county recorders to accept the removal form without charging a fee, ensuring the process is cost-free. This change applies to covenants related to protected classes and takes effect upon final enactment.