Sen. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners by updating how board members are appointed and defining key terms used in cosmetology regulations. It changes the board composition to include seven members with specific representation from cosmetologists, school instructors, advanced practice estheticians, nail technicians, and a public member, while requiring all appointed members to hold current licenses and have at least five years of experience in the field. The legislation also clarifies definitions for cosmetologists, estheticians, salons, and schools, and establishes new categories for managers and school administrators to ensure clearer regulatory oversight. Additionally, the bill sets specific license fees and repeals an outdated statute to streamline the regulatory framework for cosmetology professionals in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires residential common interest communities and similar associations in Minnesota to register annually with the Department of Commerce. The registration process mandates submission of detailed information including the organization's legal name, contact details, board officer information, governing documents, and financial data from annual budgets. For communities controlled by a master developer, the bill also requires disclosure of the developer's details and timeline for transferring control to owners, while property management companies must provide their contract obligations. Each community must pay a $55 annual registration fee, and the Department of Commerce must notify associations that fail to register, giving them 60 days to comply.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable sales tax exemption for construction materials used in two specific Washington County projects: the Stafford Library Remodel and South Highway Shop. It allows contractors to pay sales tax on qualifying materials purchased between July 2026 and December 2028, then receive a refund through the state's standard process. The exemption applies retroactively to purchases made after June 30, 2026, with refunds issued after that date. The state will cover refund costs using general fund appropriations. This directly affects only the specified projects and their construction vendors.

Maddy summarySF 3884 allocates $365,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $710,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the environmental fund to continue PFAS biomonitoring in eastern Minnesota metropolitan communities. The funds will be transferred to the Minnesota Department of Health to test for PFAS chemicals in residents' bodies. This appropriation supports ongoing monitoring efforts in specific areas without creating new requirements for residents or businesses. It is a funding measure, not a policy change, and becomes effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 3180 creates a special emergency fund within Minnesota's state treasury to support essential public health services if federal funding is unexpectedly reduced or eliminated. The fund, which receives a one-time transfer from the general fund, allows the Minnesota Department of Health (referred to as "commissioner of health") to continue critical services like disease outbreak response and waterborne disease prevention when federal support drops unexpectedly. Before using funds, the commissioner must notify legislative health committees and seek advisory review, and must submit an annual report detailing all expenditures and their justification. This bill directly affects the state health department's ability to maintain public health operations during federal funding disruptions.

Maddy summaryHF 1322 modifies Minnesota's auto insurance rules for total loss claims. It requires insurers to offer a replacement vehicle option (with all taxes, fees, and license costs paid by the insurer, except the insured's deductible) when settling a total loss under a policy using actual cash value or replacement with like kind and quality, and the insured is not an auto dealer. This directly affects individual vehicle owners and non-dealer businesses who experience a total loss. The bill ensures insureds have a clear choice for a replacement vehicle without additional out-of-pocket costs beyond their deductible.

Maddy summaryMinnesota bill HF 1855 requires veterans benefits service providers (who charge fees) to be federally accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It prohibits these providers from guaranteeing specific benefits or benefit amounts to veterans or their families. The bill mandates written disclosure statements and fee agreements before services are provided, and establishes civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation for noncompliance. This directly affects veterans seeking assistance with benefits appeals and the service providers offering those services.

Maddy summaryHF 3240 establishes a two-year grant program administered by Minnesota's Department of Health to address outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (like measles) in communities with low vaccination rates. It appropriates funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support community health boards and nonprofit organizations working in these high-risk areas. Grant funds must cover culturally appropriate vaccine education, combating misinformation, and helping individuals access vaccines, with materials provided in primary languages of affected populations. The program directly targets geographic areas or populations experiencing or at risk of outbreaks due to low vaccination coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the official title of "physician assistant" to "physician associate" in Minnesota law for licensed professionals. It clarifies that "physician associate," "physician assistant," and "PA" are synonymous terms, with no change to the scope of practice or rights for these professionals. The bill prohibits discrimination in employment, contracts, or healthcare relationships due to this title change and requires state agencies and documents to update all references to the new title. It directly affects licensed physician associates, healthcare facilities, employers, insurers, and government programs that interact with these professionals.

Maddy summarySF 4029 would appropriate $4 million from state bonds to fund a Washington County facility that processes wood waste and diseased trees into sustainable products. The bill authorizes the state to sell up to $4 million in bonds to cover costs for acquiring land, designing, constructing, and equipping the facility. Washington County directly benefits as the recipient of the grant for this regional processing project. The legislation focuses on funding infrastructure for waste conversion, with no additional policy changes beyond the bond appropriation.