Sen. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota law to clarify and limit optometrists' authority to prescribe or administer certain drugs. It specifically sets new time limits: oral antivirals may not be prescribed for more than 10 days, oral steroids for more than 14 days (requiring physician consultation), and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors for more than seven days. These changes apply directly to licensed optometrists in Minnesota who prescribe medications for eye conditions under the Board of Optometry's rules. The bill maintains existing restrictions on intravenous injections, invasive surgery, and Schedule II/III oral drugs.

Maddy summaryHF 856 creates a new position for a Common Interest Community Ombudsperson within Minnesota’s Department of Commerce to help resolve disputes between unit owners (like condo or HOA residents) and community associations. The ombudsperson will provide free dispute resolution services, maintain a public website with resources about rights and rules, and compile complaints - without making legal rulings or decisions. The bill classifies all personal data collected by the office as "private" or "nonpublic," requiring individual consent or court order for release. It appropriates funding for the office starting in fiscal year 2026, with the position effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1878 requires Minnesota's human services commissioner to seek a federal waiver by October 1, 2025, to cover traditional health care practices under the state's medical assistance program. It would allow coverage for these services when received from qualified providers at Indian Health Service facilities, tribal clinics under the Indian Self-Determination Act, or urban Indian organizations. Reimbursement would follow existing Indian Health Service outpatient rates, limited to one visit per day per enrollee. The coverage would begin on January 1, 2026, or after federal approval, whichever is later. This bill directly affects medical assistance enrollees seeking traditional health care through these specific tribal or urban Indian health providers.

Maddy summaryHF 1779 authorizes an unreduced early retirement annuity for probation agency employees in Minnesota who separate from service after reaching age 60 or with at least 35 years of service, meaning they receive their full pension amount without reduction starting January 1, 2028. It also increases the employee contribution rate for these workers, requiring a higher percentage of their salary toward retirement benefits beginning January 1, 2026. The bill defines "probation agency employees" as county or state employees who provide community supervision services or oversee probation programs, including probation officers, supervisory staff, and program managers. These changes specifically affect probation staff in Minnesota's county and state agencies.

Maddy summaryHF 2618 requires Minnesota condo associations and homeowners associations (HOAs) to provide plain-language explanations of governing laws to unit owners upon request. The bill mandates that board members review these explanations when elected and share them with owners seeking help understanding their rights or responsibilities. It appropriates funding to create a statewide guide explaining laws governing common interest communities, including key provisions in Minnesota Statutes sections 515B.4-102, 515B.4-1021, and 515B.4-107. The requirements become effective August 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 1029 requires Minnesota's health commissioner to add metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) testing to the official list of required medical tests for detecting heritable or congenital disorders. The bill mandates periodic updates to this test list to reflect medical advancements, new testing methods, and factors like test accuracy, treatability of conditions, and disorder severity. This directly affects healthcare providers and patients in Minnesota who rely on these screenings for early detection. The commissioner must follow specific criteria when revising the list, including input from an advisory committee, but revisions are exempt from standard rulemaking procedures.

Maddy summaryHF 683 allows Minnesota cities and counties to adopt ranked choice voting (RCV) for local elections, such as mayoral or city council races. It establishes rules for how RCV would work, including counting votes by voter preferences and reallocating votes when candidates are eliminated. The bill permits local jurisdictions to use electronic voting systems that automatically handle vote reallocation, and it appropriates funds for implementation. This bill directly affects local governments choosing to implement RCV and voters in those jurisdictions participating in local elections. It does not change state or federal election rules.

Maddy summaryHF 2707 appropriates $11.125 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to support sexually exploited youth or youth at risk of sexual exploitation under Minnesota Statutes §256K.47. At least $9 million annually must fund street outreach, emergency shelter, regional navigators, and housing services for these youth. The bill directly affects vulnerable youth in Minnesota by providing dedicated funding for critical safe harbor resources and housing support. It establishes concrete funding mechanisms without altering existing statutes or creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 186 requires Minnesota's transportation department to conduct cumulative impacts analyses and alternative design studies for highway projects, incorporating community input through a new policy advisory committee. It creates a dedicated environmental justice ombudsperson position to address equity concerns and restricts highway funds from covering non-transportation uses like tourist kiosks, parades, or electric vehicle infrastructure. The bill directly affects highway planning decisions, funding allocations for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and communities near proposed projects. Key provisions include mandating community input for project designs and clarifying eligible uses of highway funds under Minnesota Statutes.

Maddy summaryHF 422 appropriates $10 million for fiscal year 2026 and $10 million for fiscal year 2027 from state funds to support two existing Minnesota programs. The funding directly supports schools and communities by improving safe walking and biking routes to school (under Minnesota Statutes §174.40) and expanding broader active transportation infrastructure like bike lanes and pedestrian paths (under §174.38). This provides concrete financial resources for local projects that make it safer and easier for students and residents to walk or bike. The bill focuses on implementing specific, measurable infrastructure improvements rather than creating new policies.