Sen. Bill Lieske

Maddy summarySF 2645 modifies Minnesota's Formulary Committee, which determines which prescription drugs are covered under medical assistance programs (like Medicaid). The bill allows committee members with potential conflicts of interest to participate in communications and discussions about related drug coverage (though they must recuse from votes), requires the commissioner of human services to create a public comment process for recommendations to the committee, and mandates that the committee seek input from the Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council on rare disease drug coverage. These changes aim to improve transparency in decision-making and incorporate specialized expertise without altering which drugs are covered. The bill affects the committee's operations, public engagement, and use of advisory council input.

Maddy summarySF 2604 requires Minnesota's education commissioner to commission an independent cost-benefit analysis of the state's special education system. The analysis must identify Minnesota-specific special education requirements that exceed federal standards and evaluate both their educational benefits and associated costs. The resulting report, due to legislative education committees by February 2026, will help lawmakers assess potential trade-offs between student outcomes and cost efficiencies. This bill directly affects Minnesota's K-12 special education system and the legislative process for education funding and policy decisions. It does not change existing laws but mandates a review to inform future budget and policy choices.

Maddy summarySF 2599 appropriates $11.5 million from state bonds to fund a centralized public safety center in New Prague, housing fire, police, and ambulance services for New Prague and surrounding communities. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds to cover the cost, requiring local governments to first secure at least $11.5 million in nonstate funding before state money is released. The funds will cover construction, renovation, and equipment for the facility, which will replace the existing fire hall. This is a direct funding mechanism for infrastructure, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's social work licensure laws to clarify requirements for provisional licenses. It specifically adds eligibility for students graduating from social work programs in "candidacy status" (pending full accreditation) to obtain temporary licenses, alongside existing requirements like passing exams and completing degree coursework. The changes apply to both baccalaureate and graduate students, requiring them to submit similar documentation as fully accredited program graduates. Provisional license holders must identify as "Temporary License Baccalaureate Social Worker" or similar, cannot use licensed credentials until full licensure, and must follow supervision rules. The bill does not create new license types but streamlines existing processes for a specific group of applicants.

Maddy summaryThis bill reenacts a prior law prohibiting weather modification within Minnesota's boundaries and the airspace above it. It directly affects any person, organization, or government entity attempting to intentionally alter weather (such as through cloud seeding or chemical dispersal) within the state. The law makes such actions a misdemeanor, with each day of violation treated as a separate offense. The policy aims to protect public safety, health, and environmental welfare by preventing unauthorized weather modification activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $50,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the commissioner of natural resources. The funds will be granted to Forgotten Heroes Ranges and Retreat to promote shooting sports specifically for persons with disabilities and host a dedicated shooting day event. The legislation directly supports organizations providing accessible recreational opportunities for people with disabilities in Minnesota. It does not change existing laws but provides targeted funding for a specific program.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health plans from removing a drug from their formulary or moving it to a higher-cost tier during a plan year for enrollees who were previously prescribed that drug. It directly affects Minnesota health plan enrollees taking specific medications throughout their coverage year. Exceptions allow changes if the FDA deems a drug unsafe, withdraws it, or if evidence shows imminent patient harm. Health plans may switch to lower-cost generic/biosimilar drugs with 60 days' notice to prescribers and enrollees. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, for new or renewed health plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 2344) amends Minnesota law to allow cities to issue on-sale alcohol licenses to licensed cosmetology salons. Specifically, it adds cosmetology salons (as defined under Minnesota Statute 155A.29) to the list of businesses eligible for such licenses, which previously included hotels, restaurants, and theaters. The key change is expanding where alcohol can be sold within city jurisdictions, directly affecting licensed cosmetology salons seeking to serve alcohol on-site. The amendment modifies Minnesota Statutes section 340A.404, subdivision 1, effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a budget exception for Minnesotans enrolled in home and community-based services waivers who have both a developmental disability and type 1 diabetes. It allows these individuals to receive additional funding for home care nursing services - specifically nine hours per day at the current registered nurse rate under their waiver program. The exception requires both diagnoses to be documented in the person's assessment and takes effect on January 1, 2026, or after federal approval. This change directly affects eligible waiver participants by expanding access to nursing support without altering existing program requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the chamber's disapproval of comments made by Governor Tim Walz to the Minnesota Nursing Association. The measure specifically targets remarks where the Governor described political opponents as fascists and Nazis, arguing that such language trivializes the historical atrocities of the Holocaust and damages public trust in elections. While Senate resolutions generally do not carry the force of law, this document formally condemns the Governor's speech and requests that he apologize to the Jewish community and the public for using divisive rhetoric. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the document to Governor Walz as an official communication from the legislative body.