Rep. Jess Hanson

Maddy summaryHF 3627 increases the maximum family income limit for Minnesota's North Star Promise scholarship program from $80,000 to $100,000 annually, expanding eligibility to more students from middle-income households. The bill also increases funding transfers for the program, requiring $49.5 million annually from the general fund (starting fiscal year 2026) to support scholarships. This change affects students attending eligible Minnesota colleges who meet other standard requirements like FAFSA submission and academic progress. The adjustments take effect for the fall 2026 academic term.

Maddy summaryHF 1066 increases annual funding for soil and water conservation districts in Minnesota. It amends state law to raise the annual appropriation from $15 million (for 2023-2024) to $20 million starting in 2025, paid from the general fund to the commissioner of revenue. This funding directly supports local soil and water conservation districts that provide technical assistance and cost-share programs for landowners. The bill takes effect for payments made in 2025 and subsequent years.

Maddy summaryHF 2779 requires Minnesota health care entities - including hospitals, clinics, insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, and provider organizations - to report ownership and control details to the commissioner of health annually. These entities must disclose information about their ownership structure, and the commissioner will publish a public report each year summarizing this data. The bill also establishes enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance, with funding appropriated to support these requirements. This law aims to increase transparency about who owns and controls health care organizations operating in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 255 establishes Minnesota's Patient-Centered Care program to improve health outcomes and lower costs for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare recipients. The bill shifts payments directly from the state to individual health care providers (not managed care networks) for services, drugs, and vaccines, while ending contracts with existing managed care plans. It also authorizes monthly care coordination fees for primary care providers and community health workers, with higher rates for clinics serving populations facing health disparities. Additionally, the bill funds community outreach through grants to hire staff who connect homeless, mentally ill, or underserved patients to care and help them enroll in health programs.

Maddy summaryHF 3344 creates a new "LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights" in Minnesota. It directly affects residents of long-term care facilities, home care clients, and home and community-based services recipients who are LGBTQIA2S+ or living with HIV. Key provisions require facilities to provide staff training in LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV cultural competency, prohibit specific discriminatory acts (like forcing clothing against gender identity or refusing chosen names/pronouns), mandate clear notices of residents' rights, and allow civil lawsuits if rights are violated. The bill appropriates funds to support these changes, aiming to prevent discrimination in care settings.

Maddy summaryHF 3339 reinstates a citizen advisory board for Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which was eliminated by the legislature in 2015. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to require the governor to appoint eight citizen members who must reflect the state's racial, gender, and geographic diversity, including at least one Tribal Nation member, three members from environmental justice communities, one small farmer, and one labor union member. This board will review specific agency decisions - such as permits, environmental impact statements, and rule changes - and provide public input on environmental policies. The change directly affects how the MPCA makes decisions, adding a layer of public oversight previously removed.

Maddy summaryHF 1660 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to conduct a statewide assessment of out-of-school youth programs for children and teens under 21. The commissioner must gather data on current programs, funding, and populations served, while engaging youth, families, and community providers to identify barriers and gaps. By February 2026, the commissioner must submit a report with findings and recommendations to legislative committees, including proposals to improve access and quality. The bill appropriates a one-time $ amount in fiscal year 2026 specifically for this assessment and reporting process.

Maddy summaryHF 3264 modifies how Minnesota's regional transportation sales tax revenue is allocated. It creates a new dedicated 5.281% funding category specifically for financial assistance to the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority to support its replacement services. This funding is in addition to existing support under sections 473.388 and 473.4465, subdivision 2. The bill ensures these funds must be used exclusively for the authority's replacement services, with no retention by the Metropolitan Council. The student transit allocation (1.837% to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents) remains unchanged.

Maddy summaryHF 3294 is a non-binding resolution passed by the Minnesota House of Representatives. It urges the President and Congress to fully fund Medicaid and oppose federal funding cuts, directly affecting Minnesota's 1.2 million Medicaid beneficiaries - including children (41% covered), seniors, people with disabilities, and communities of color (covering 80-90% of Black and American Indian births). The resolution has no new funding mechanisms or state policy changes; it solely requests federal action. It does not impose new requirements or alter existing Medicaid programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1278 establishes a one-time $30 million reproductive health equity grant fund to support abortion care access in Minnesota. The bill provides funding to abortion providers, government agencies, and nonprofits whose primary work involves abortion care, with grants designed to increase access, cover uncompensated care for low-income patients, secure facility infrastructure, and fund staff training in trauma-informed care. Eligible organizations must apply through the commissioner of health, who will prioritize applications based on local need, health equity impact, and applicant need. The fund becomes effective July 1, 2025, with grants to begin by January 1, 2026, and includes strict privacy protections requiring confidentiality of patient information.