Rep. Robert Bierman

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a requirement for the Minnesota Health Care Programs Board to submit annual reports to state legislative committees about agreements made with other state agencies. The change directly affects the Board's administrative reporting obligations while keeping its duty to establish and maintain agreements with agencies like the Department of Human Services and the commissioners of commerce and health. Under the new provisions, the Board will continue to create interagency agreements for cost allocation, MNsure certification enforcement, and fund transfers, but will no longer need to provide detailed summaries of these agreements to legislators. The bill also preserves existing consultation requirements with commissioners of commerce and health, as well as with Indian tribes and organizations regarding MNsure operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Business Regulation and Land Ownership within Minnesota's Department of Agriculture. The office will investigate monopolies and consolidation in agriculture-related businesses, such as those producing food, seeds, and chemicals, while also tracking how agricultural land is being bought by individuals, corporations, and other organizations. To carry out these tasks, the office will employ a director with expertise in antitrust and property law, along with staff including lawyers and economists, and must submit biennial reports to state legislators. The legislation also authorizes funding from the state's general budget to establish and operate this new office.

Maddy summaryHF 2354 strengthens Minnesota's response to Medicaid fraud by expanding the Attorney General's authority to subpoena records from entities like phone companies, financial institutions, and healthcare providers. It establishes criminal penalties for submitting false Medicaid claims, including fines up to $100,000 and up to 20 years in prison for fraud exceeding $35,000, with lesser penalties for smaller amounts. The bill directly affects Medicaid providers and individuals who submit fraudulent claims for medical assistance funds. Key mechanisms include new subpoena powers for investigations and tiered penalties based on the value of the fraudulent claims. The law amends existing statutes (256B.12, 609.467) and repeals outdated provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's individual income and corporate franchise tax laws to require companies to add back certain pharmaceutical marketing expenses. Specifically, it targets direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs and biologics, which are currently deductible under federal tax rules. The legislation defines these marketing activities as promotional efforts aimed at consumers through various media channels and applies to manufacturers who produce these medications. Starting with taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026, companies will no longer be able to deduct the costs of these specific marketing campaigns when calculating their state tax liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces new regulations in Minnesota to restrict the ownership and sale of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons and large-capacity magazines, while also banning the sale of binary trigger systems. It expands criminal penalties for possessing dangerous weapons in schools and for negligently storing firearms, and it specifically criminalizes the manufacture and sale of untraceable "ghost guns." Additionally, the legislation strengthens the state's extreme risk protection order system, requires law enforcement to report firearm discharges more comprehensively, and allocates funding to support public awareness campaigns and mental health services.

Maddy summarySF 1750 modifies Minnesota laws governing common interest communities (like homeowners associations). It bans property managers from having financial ties to contractors without written disclosure, prohibits accepting kickbacks from contractors, and stops them from earning fees based on collected fines. The bill also limits automatic contract renewals (requiring 30 days' notice for nonrenewal) and mandates 60 days' notice for termination. These changes directly affect homeowners associations and their property management companies operating under Minnesota Statutes.

Maddy summaryHF 3093 requires state agencies to verify that organizations receiving state loans or grants over $50,000 meet specific financial and operational standards before funding is approved. It mandates applicants to submit an oath certifying compliance with minimum requirements (Section 16C.285), and agencies must conduct a risk assessment reviewing past performance, financial documents (like tax returns or Form 990), good standing with the Secretary of State, and certification that principals have no recent felony financial convictions. This applies to both nonprofit and for-profit recipients of state funds exceeding $50,000. The bill adds these verification steps to existing state funding processes without creating new funding or altering eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Minnesota to cover cancer screenings for breast, colorectal, prostate, cervical, and lung cancers in accordance with current American Cancer Society guidelines. The law mandates that these plans provide coverage for all recommended examinations and follow-up tests without imposing any cost-sharing requirements, such as co-pays, deductibles, or coinsurance. Effective January 1, 2027, the provisions will apply to any health plan that is offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 3624 appropriates $5,392,000 from the general fund for Minnesota's food shelf programs in fiscal year 2027. The funding, added to the base allocation, supports existing food shelf operations under Minnesota Statutes section 142F.14, administered by the state agency for children, youth, and families. This bill directly affects community food shelves that provide emergency food assistance to Minnesotans in need, without changing program eligibility or creating new requirements. The measure focuses solely on providing dedicated state funding for current food shelf services.

Maddy summaryHF 3586 establishes a $10 million annual grant program for regional food banks and Minnesota Tribal governments in Minnesota, funded through the general fund for fiscal years 2027-2029. The program distributes funds based on poverty and unemployment data in each area, requiring grantees to use money for purchasing, transporting, and distributing food and hygiene products (like diapers) at no cost to recipients. Funds cannot cover staff salaries or other ineligible expenses, and grantees must report spending and maintain records for oversight. This bill directly supports food banks serving low-income individuals and families by expanding access to essential food and hygiene supplies.