Rep. Robert Bierman

Maddy summaryHF 2554 designates a specific bridge on Burnsville Parkway over Interstate Highway 35W in Burnsville, Minnesota, as the "Elmstrand * Finseth * Ruge Heroes Memorial Bridge." The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 161.14 to formally name the structure and requires the transportation commissioner to adopt appropriate signage for it. This is a commemorative measure naming a physical location, not a policy change affecting residents or creating new laws. The bridge itself is the direct subject of the designation, with no broader legislative impact beyond the memorial name and signage.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota law to clarify and restrict optometrists' authority to prescribe or administer certain medications for eye conditions. It specifically prohibits optometrists from administering drugs via IV, IM, or injection (except for anaphylaxis treatment or specific eye injections), performing invasive surgery (including laser procedures), or prescribing Schedule II/III oral drugs. The bill also sets strict time limits: oral antivirals cannot exceed 10 days, steroids require physician consultation after 14 days, and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are limited to 7 days. These changes directly affect licensed optometrists in Minnesota who provide medical eye care.

Maddy summaryHF 2764 requires Minnesota public schools (including charter schools participating in the National School Lunch Program) to offer at least one plant-based meal option daily starting with the 2026-2027 school year. A "plant-based meal" is defined as one without any animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, fish), and schools must provide this option within four weeks of a student's written request. Schools must also make the request process clear to students and parents, comply with federal nutrition standards, and report annually on implementation to the Department of Education. The bill applies to all public schools serving lunches through the National School Lunch Program.

Maddy summaryHF 3112 establishes a state certification system for recovery residences - substance-free living environments supporting individuals in addiction recovery. It directly affects recovery residences (which must now apply for certification), residents living in these residences, and housing support programs that will modify eligibility rules based on certification status. The bill creates a process where a designated certifying organization, under the commissioner of health, reviews applications, and sets standards for these residences to meet. It also modifies housing support regulations, establishes criminal penalties for violations of the new rules, and appropriates state funds to support the certification system.

Maddy summaryHF 1883 establishes requirements for central service technicians working in Minnesota hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. It mandates that these technicians must either hold a nationally accredited credential (like a Certified Registered Central Service Technician) or have been employed before December 31, 2027. Facilities must ensure technicians complete 10 hours of annual continuing education related to their role, and technicians without credentials have 18 months from hire to obtain one. The bill directly affects healthcare facilities and their central service staff, while allowing health care practitioners and supervised students to perform these tasks under specific conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 2057 requires hospitals participating in Minnesota's medical assistance program to pay an assessment based on their net inpatient and outpatient revenue (as reported in Medicare cost data). The funds collected must cover the nonfederal share of "directed payments" to these hospitals under the medical assistance program. The bill includes exemptions for critical access hospitals, children's hospitals, Indian Health Service facilities, and rural hospitals, plus a cap preventing any single hospital system from paying more than a specified percentage of total assessments. Assessments are due quarterly starting January 1, 2026, pending federal approval of the funding mechanism.

Maddy summaryHF 3187 makes technical adjustments to human services funding appropriations in Minnesota's 2023 budget law. It modifies specific funding amounts for programs including the homeless management system ($250,000 in 2024/$1M in 2025), an online behavioral health database ($959,000 annually), and child/family services ($286,000 annually), while extending carryforward deadlines for unused funds through 2028. The bill also sets base funding levels for future years ($25.2M in 2026, $24.7M in 2027). These changes directly affect state human services agencies managing these programs, adjusting how funds are allocated and carried forward. The bill is effective retroactively from July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHF 1984 creates a new grant program to support Minnesotans affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). It appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of health. The commissioner must award grants to a statewide organization focused solely on FASD prevention and intervention. The grantee must develop programming providing resource navigation, individualized support, education, and social connection opportunities for people with FASD and their families/caregivers. This bill directly affects Minnesotans living with FASD and their support networks through new state-funded services.

Maddy summaryHF 3057 establishes a public option within MinnesotaCare, allowing Minnesotans to enroll in a government-run health plan alongside private insurers. It expands eligibility to more residents and sets income-based premiums for public option enrollees. The bill requires the commissioner of commerce to seek federal approval for a special waiver (Section 1332) and appropriates funding for implementation. This directly affects individuals purchasing health insurance in Minnesota's individual market, particularly low- and middle-income residents seeking affordable coverage options.

Maddy summaryHF 3090 requires hospitals in Minnesota to provide 182 days' written notice to the health commissioner and the public before closing, significantly curtailing inpatient or emergency services, relocating those services, or stopping specific care like maternity, mental health, or intensive care. The notice must include plans to ensure continued access to affected services for patients in the hospital's service area. Within 30 days of receiving notice, the health commissioner must hold a public hearing within 10 miles of the hospital, with video options for community participation, to review the hospital's reasons for the change and its continuity-of-care plan. This bill clarifies existing requirements under Minnesota Statutes 144.555 to ensure transparency and community input before major hospital service changes.