Rep. Robert Bierman

Maddy summaryHF 3292 requires Minnesota to study how U.S. tariffs and retaliatory tariffs from other countries impact state households and businesses. The bill appropriates funds to the commissioner of management and budget to examine these economic effects, specifically breaking down impacts by household income level and business sector/size. The study must be completed and reported to legislative committees by February 1, 2026. This bill directly affects all Minnesotans and businesses through the mandated analysis of existing tariff policies.

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 summaryThis bill requires Minnesota public schools to include overdose prevention education in health classes for students in grades 6 through 12. It adds specific content about recognizing, preventing, and responding to overdoses to existing health education standards. The mandate applies to all school districts statewide and is integrated into the current curriculum framework under Minnesota Statutes section 120B.215. This change directly affects school curricula and students in those grade levels, without altering funding or creating new programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1355 requires permit holders harvesting or destroying aquatic plants in Minnesota public waters to use scuba diving equipment safely and establishes safety standards for commercial diving operations. It mandates that applicants provide documentation of a recent third-party safety survey by a qualified professional (like a DLI consultant or insurance underwriter) and ensures divers have valid certification from accredited programs. The bill also requires employers to provide buoyancy control devices for workers using scuba equipment during these activities. These requirements apply directly to commercial entities and contractors seeking permits under Minnesota Statutes §103G.615 for aquatic plant management. The law aims to improve workplace safety for divers working in Minnesota's waterways.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $342,000 from the general fund for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to the Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council. It directly provides funding to support the council's operations under Minnesota Statutes section 256.4835. The funding mechanism is a straightforward annual appropriation for the council's existing statutory purpose, with no new program requirements or eligibility changes. The bill affects the council and the rare disease community it serves by ensuring ongoing financial support for its advisory work.

Maddy summaryHF 1502 establishes a new process to determine disability for Minnesota medical assistance (Medicaid) eligibility, creating a specific pathway for applicants under 65 who are blind or claim disability but haven’t been formally determined disabled by the Social Security Administration. The bill requires that such applicants be referred to the state medical review team for a disability determination if they don’t qualify under other eligibility categories. This change, effective July 1, 2025, directly affects Minnesotans applying for medical assistance who fall into this category. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes sections 256B.055 and 256B.056 to implement these provisions.

Maddy summaryHF 1913 creates a new limited medical license for graduates of foreign medical schools who meet specific criteria, including 60 months of practice outside the U.S. in the past decade, working in a collaborative agreement within a rural or underserved area, and providing evidence of a job offer. It requires employers of these limited license holders to carry medical malpractice insurance and pay at least the equivalent of a medical resident's salary, while prohibiting retaliation for reporting violations. Limited license holders must submit periodic certification to the medical board confirming their employment and good standing every six months. The bill also establishes a pathway to full licensure after two years of practice (1,692 hours annually), passing all USMLE/COMLEX-USA steps, and obtaining a recommendation letter.