Sen. Jim Abeler

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new stewardship program for batteries in Minnesota and prohibits mercury in batteries, affecting manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of battery products. The legislation creates specific definitions for terms like "covered battery," "brand," and "distribute" to clarify which products fall under the program and how sales are handled. It also modifies existing rules for lead acid batteries and rechargeable consumer products while authorizing the state agency to create implementing rules and appropriating funds for the program. The bill includes an effective date of January 1, 2030, for enforcement provisions and July 1, 2026, for certain definition changes, with some existing battery-related statutes being repealed or amended.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Minnesota handles eligibility renewals for medical assistance, specifically extending timelines for employed individuals with disabilities. It requires agencies to send renewal forms at least 60 days before an eligibility period ends and allows an additional 30 days for those unable to respond due to good cause. The legislation also permits reinstatement of coverage within four months after termination if the required information is submitted, and mandates that termination notices include appeal rights information. These changes aim to reduce gaps in coverage for people who work while receiving disability benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a supplemental payment rate for housing support providers in Washington County, Minnesota, to help cover costs for facilities serving adults with mental illness, substance use disorders, or housing instability. The amendment requires county agencies to negotiate an additional monthly rate of up to $1,028 for up to 29 beds at eligible facilities that provide room, board, and 24-hour supervision and support services. The supplemental rate applies retroactively starting April 1, 2026, and includes provisions for legislatively authorized inflation adjustments. This change directly affects housing support providers operating in Washington County and the county agencies responsible for funding their services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans, Minnesota's medical assistance program, and MinnesotaCare to cover vasectomies as part of contraceptive services. It amends Minnesota Statutes by removing the current exclusion of vasectomies from the definition of "contraceptive service" in section 62Q.522. The change ensures vasectomies must be covered under the same requirements as other contraceptive methods, including medical necessity considerations. The policy takes effect January 1, 2026, applying to health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Maddy summarySF 1746 modifies Minnesota's licensing rules for acupuncture and herbal medicine practitioners. It clarifies that "acupuncture" now explicitly includes techniques like dry needling and trigger point therapy, and defines "acupuncture needle" with specific size and material standards. The bill also updates continuing education requirements to ensure programs directly relate to acupuncture practice while excluding practice management courses. Additionally, it establishes an advisory council for the acupuncture board with specific membership criteria, including licensed practitioners and NCCAOM-certified professionals. These changes aim to standardize definitions and training for practitioners under Minnesota's health licensing framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires transportation network companies in Minnesota to make a portion of their vehicle fleets wheelchair accessible and to adopt nondiscrimination policies for passengers with disabilities. The law mandates that companies pay a $0.28 surcharge per ride for non-accessible trips, with funds deposited into a dedicated account to subsidize wheelchair accessible vehicle services. Companies must also provide annual reports on their accessibility performance and ensure their digital platforms meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards by July 2027. Cities that license these services may waive licensing fees for companies that maintain at least 7.5 percent of their fleet as wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires commercial operators of autonomous vehicles in Minnesota to have at least two wheelchair-accessible vehicles in their fleet within one year of starting operations. It applies to any entity using autonomous vehicles - defined as Level 3, 4, or 5 automation systems - for commercial purposes like transporting passengers or goods. The bill mandates that operators certify compliance to the state commissioner, who can suspend operations if the requirement is not met. This measure ensures accessibility for wheelchair users in the emerging autonomous vehicle industry.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $350,000 from the state's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to support a pilot program for Thrive Family Recovery Resources. The funding will enable the organization to provide peer services, education, resource navigation, and general support to families affected by substance use disorder. By January 20, 2027, the commissioner of human services must submit a report evaluating the pilot program's results and offering recommendations for potential ongoing funding. This is a one-time appropriation, meaning the money is not designated for future years unless additional legislation is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota's chiropractic licensing laws by clarifying definitions for terms like "chiropractic," "diagnosis," and "therapeutic services" while establishing new requirements for voluntarily retired licenses. It creates procedures for reinstating retired or terminated licenses, introduces an administrative hold status, and allows third-party observers during independent examinations. The legislation also modifies independent examination requirements and sets specific rules for animal chiropractic diagnosis and treatment, which excludes surgery, medication, and traditional veterinary care.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies location requirements for small assisted living facilities in Minnesota, specifically those licensed to hold six or fewer residents, and adjusts rules for licensed residential programs. It prevents new facilities from being located within 650 feet of existing small facilities unless special exceptions are met, such as when the site is in a hospital, has zoning approval, or receives a certificate of need from the commissioner. The legislation also requires the commissioner to notify local municipalities within ten days of issuing a new license for these facilities and allows the commissioner to delegate inspection authority to county agencies and local governments. Additionally, the bill updates how the commissioner evaluates applications by considering an applicant's compliance history and proximity to other similar facilities before granting licenses.