Sen. Rob Kupec

Maddy summarySF 3787 requires Minnesota hospitals to obtain prior approval from the Minnesota Department of Health before making major operational changes, such as moving services to another hospital campus, stopping critical services (like operating rooms, intensive care, or pediatric overnight care), or reducing services in ways that force patient relocations. The law applies specifically to acute care hospitals licensed under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 144, and mandates a public interest review process similar to the existing review for hospital closures. Exceptions include hospital insolvency or natural disasters (e.g., floods, tornadoes). This bill directly affects hospital operations by requiring state oversight before significant service changes take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded grant program to support regional food banks and Minnesota Tribal governments in distributing food to people in need. It appropriates $10 million for fiscal year 2027 (with $10 million each for 2028-2029), distributing funds based on poverty and unemployment rates in each area. Grant money can purchase food, personal hygiene products (like diapers), and cover transportation/distribution costs to approved sites, but cannot pay staff salaries. Recipients must report spending and ensure all distributed items are free at approved locations, with ineligible expenses requiring repayment to the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3 million from the general fund for a one-time grant to the Immigrant Development Center, a nonprofit organization in Moorhead. The funds will support acquiring, renovating, and reconstructing a building to create a cultural mall housing 75 businesses and creating 140 jobs. The grant covers specific uses including building acquisition, demolition, system improvements, and interior renovations. The project directly affects the Immigrant Development Center and Moorhead businesses by enabling this economic development initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Minnesota to cover all FDA-approved medical services and prescription medications for dementia treatment, including diagnostic testing. It prohibits health plans from using step therapy (requiring patients to try less effective or cheaper treatments first) for these dementia treatments. The law applies to health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, directly affecting Minnesotans with dementia and their insurance providers. It also modifies prior authorization rules for certain medications but centers on guaranteeing access to dementia-specific care without restrictive coverage hurdles.

Maddy summarySF 1844 authorizes $210,000 in state funds to the University of Minnesota's Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement to develop, administer, and analyze a 2026 survey of Minnesota school principals. The bill requires the center to post survey results online, submit a formal report to the legislature by January 15, 2027, and provide it to education committee leaders. This survey directly affects Minnesota principals by gathering their input on school leadership and educational practices. The funds are available until June 30, 2027, with up to 5% allocated for grant management. The bill does not change existing laws but creates a new data collection mechanism for education policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies MinnesotaCare and medical assistance coverage for chiropractic services by removing the previous age restriction (which limited coverage to those under 21). It now covers chiropractic services for all eligible individuals, including adults, with a limit of 24 visits per year unless prior authorization is obtained for more. Coverage specifically includes spinal pain treatment, manual therapy, and spinal manipulation, while x-rays are restricted to full-spine exams necessary for diagnosing subluxation. The changes take effect January 1, 2027, or after federal approval.

Maddy summarySF 3624 requires municipalities to personally deliver notice of proposed annexations to affected towns and landowners (instead of using certified mail), with a 30-day notice period before a public hearing. It also mandates personal service to town boards and filing with the chief administrative law judge for smaller annexations (40 acres or less), giving towns 90 days to file objections. The bill applies to annexation ordinances adopted on or after August 1, 2026, and invalidates any ordinance that fails to meet these notice requirements. This directly affects municipalities, local towns, and property owners in annexation zones. The key change simplifies the notice process by requiring in-person delivery rather than mail.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care worker platforms (such as apps connecting temporary staff to facilities) to register with Minnesota's Commissioner of Health before operating in the state. Platforms must submit detailed applications including ownership information, proof of insurance, and compliance assurances, with annual renewal required. The bill also establishes registration fees to be deposited into the state treasury. It directly affects digital platforms that match temporary health workers with facilities like nursing homes, not the facilities themselves or the workers. The registration requirement aims to ensure oversight of these platforms under new statutory provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.27 million for fiscal year 2026 and $2.05 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Commissioner of Public Safety. The funds will be used to purchase weather radar data to fill critical gaps in Minnesota's low-level weather observations - five gaps in the first year and eight in subsequent years. This data will directly support public safety planning, preparation, and response across the state, while also being shared with the Departments of Agriculture, Transportation, and Pollution Control. The appropriation is designed to enhance weather forecasting capabilities for state agencies and emergency management.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends a prohibition preventing drug manufacturers from interfering with access to 340B drugs for healthcare providers. It directly affects hospitals and clinics participating in the federal 340B drug pricing program, which allows them to purchase medications at discounted rates. The key mechanism is repealing the existing expiration date (July 1, 2027) in Minnesota law, ensuring the prohibition remains in effect beyond that date without requiring new legislation. The bill maintains current policy without creating new requirements or altering the 340B program's structure.