Sen. Jim Abeler

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2.7 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of children, youth, and families for community action grants. The funds are designated for existing community action programs under Minnesota Statutes sections 142F.30 to 142F.302. It does not create new programs or change eligibility rules, but provides ongoing funding for current grant initiatives. The bill directly affects community action agencies that administer these grants, which typically support poverty prevention and economic development services.

Maddy summarySF 831 appropriates funds for a one-time grant to the Minnesota Medical Association to launch a "Treat Yourself First" campaign focused on health care worker well-being. The campaign targets physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and other health care professionals to reduce stigma around mental health services, encourage those experiencing workplace burnout to seek care, and provide accessible resources. Funding of $[amount] from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 is available until July 1, 2030. This bill provides resources for existing awareness efforts but does not create new legal requirements for health care workers or employers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a temporary $12.35 per resident day rate increase for nursing facilities in Minnesota that receive state reimbursement under Chapter 256R of Minnesota Statutes. The rate add-on applies to facilities serving Medicaid patients and takes effect July 1, 2025 (or after federal approval), expiring June 30, 2026. The increase is designed to address short-term cost pressures faced by these facilities. It directly affects nursing homes participating in Minnesota's state-funded nursing facility reimbursement program.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 646 reduces license fees for manufacturers and wholesalers of medical gas in Minnesota. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 151.065, changing the fee structure from $5,500 for the first facility plus $500 for each additional facility to a flat $260 fee per facility for both initial licensing and annual renewal. This directly affects businesses that produce or distribute medical gases, such as oxygen or nitrous oxide, requiring them to pay significantly less for their state licenses. The change simplifies the fee system while lowering costs for these businesses. The bill does not alter other license fees or create new regulatory requirements.

Maddy summarySF 835 appropriates $10 million from state bond proceeds to fund the final design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction of a new interchange at East River Road and Trunk Highway 610 in Coon Rapids. The bill authorizes the sale of up to $10 million in state bonds to cover these costs, with funds deposited into the trunk highway fund. This project directly affects Coon Rapids residents and commuters by improving traffic flow at this specific intersection. The bill specifies that funds will first cover design and land acquisition, with any remaining money used for construction after approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SF 83 (the "No Patient Left Alone Act"), requires licensed healthcare providers (like hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities) to allow at least one support person of a patient’s or resident’s choice to be physically present during care. It defines "support person" broadly to include individuals assisting with physical/mental needs, religious support, or requested services like haircuts, and sets specific rules for minors, end-of-life care, and pandemic visits. Providers must create written policies explaining this right, including any reasonable restrictions, and cannot force patients to sign advance directives to have a support person. The law prohibits providers from terminating this right during emergencies and imposes a $500 daily penalty for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 614) exempts all school supplies from Minnesota's sales tax starting July 1, 2025. It directly affects students, families, and schools by removing tax on common items like notebooks, pencils, calculators, binders, and book bags priced under $60. The law specifically defines "school supplies" to include listed items while excluding non-educational products like stationery, wrapping paper, and hiking backpacks. This policy change reduces out-of-pocket costs for purchasing essential classroom materials.

Maddy summarySF 731 prohibits health insurance companies in Minnesota from requiring prior authorization for any service, item, or treatment where the insurer's liability would be $100 or less if approved. This directly affects health plan companies and their members by eliminating administrative hurdles for low-cost services like minor procedures or routine care. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes §62M.07 by adding this new exception to the list of services already exempt from prior authorization (such as emergency care, mental health treatment, and cancer care). The provision takes effect January 1, 2026, applying to health benefit plans offered or renewed on or after that date. It aims to reduce unnecessary administrative delays for affordable healthcare services.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.95 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2027 (with a base amount for future years) to fund Minnesota's "farm to food shelf" program through Second Harvest Heartland. It directs funds specifically for: purchasing milk from Minnesota processors for food shelves ($850,000/year), compensating farmers for harvesting surplus produce to prevent waste, buying protein products (meat, dairy, legumes) from Minnesota sources, and purchasing produce from "The Good Acre" ($500,000/year). The program directly benefits Minnesota's five Feeding America food banks and charitable organizations distributing food, while requiring food to be sourced from local agricultural producers and processors. Second Harvest Heartland must submit quarterly reports detailing fund usage, food distribution, and commodity purchases to the Agriculture Commissioner and relevant legislative committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1.5 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to support the Minnesota Family Assets for Independence initiative. The funds will be administered by the commissioner of children, youth, and families for the program's ongoing operations. The appropriation is specifically designated for the initiative as outlined in state law (section 142F.20). This bill provides dedicated funding without altering the program's existing structure or requirements.