Sen. Jordan Rasmusson

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Minnesota statewide volunteer firefighting retirement plan to clarify definitions and adjust eligibility rules for volunteer firefighters. It introduces specific terms to distinguish between firefighters who work on an on-call basis for compensation and those who serve on a volunteer basis with only expense reimbursement. The legislation also updates the timeline for requesting coverage, requiring applications to be submitted between March 31 and July 16, and restricts certain affiliated organizations from enrolling in the monthly division of the defined benefit plan after December 31, 2026. Additionally, the bill mandates that entities choosing the defined contribution plan cannot later switch to the defined benefit plan. These changes directly affect volunteer fire departments, relief associations, and municipalities that currently participate in or wish to join the state retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's regulations to clarify when out-of-state certified public accounting firms and individuals must obtain local permits or practice privileges. It requires firms without a Minnesota office to get a permit if they perform specific attest services for clients headquartered in the state or if they use the title "CPA" or "CPA firm." The legislation also updates rules for individual accountants working remotely for out-of-state firms, granting them practice privileges if they hold valid licenses from other states and meet education and examination requirements. Additionally, the bill strengthens enforcement by mandating that firms take immediate corrective action if changes in ownership or personnel cause them to lose compliance with permit conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 30-day deadline for the Minnesota Senate and House of Representatives to confirm certain state appointments. If the Senate does not confirm an appointment within 30 legislative days of receiving it, or if both chambers fail to confirm within 30 days when both are required, the appointment is automatically rejected. The rule applies to most confirmed appointments but excludes positions on the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. This change shortens the previous 60-day confirmation period to accelerate the appointment process.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new type of supplemental health insurance product in Minnesota specifically designed to cover short-term home health and nursing care services. It directly affects insurance companies, consumers, and home health agencies by establishing a distinct category of coverage separate from long-term care insurance and other existing health products. The legislation defines key terms such as "short-term home health and nursing care insurance," "activities of daily living," and "cognitive impairment," while also setting requirements like a 30-day free-look period for policy cancellation. By amending existing insurance statutes, the bill clarifies regulatory boundaries and provides a framework for insurers to offer these specific short-term care benefits.

Maddy summarySF 3969 establishes a new rule requiring schools to ensure no school employee, independent contractor, or volunteer is ever alone with a student during any field trip, including overnight trips. It also amends teacher licensing laws to automatically revoke a teaching license if a licensed educator is convicted of "grooming" (inappropriate behavior to gain a minor's trust), adding this offense to the list of automatic license revocations. The policy takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies directly to all K-12 schools and educators in Minnesota who lead or supervise student field trips. The bill connects field trip safety requirements with stricter licensing consequences for certain offenses involving minors.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes licensed pharmacies in Minnesota to operate remote pickup sites where patients can collect their prescribed drugs and medical devices. Under the new rules, these remote locations do not need their own separate pharmacy license as long as they are managed by an existing licensed pharmacy. The legislation defines a remote pickup site as any location other than the main pharmacy where a patient or their representative can pick up medications dispensed by a pharmacist at the managing pharmacy. This change aims to provide more flexible options for patients to receive their prescriptions while maintaining oversight through the managing pharmacy's existing license.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new high school diploma in Minnesota specifically for veterans who did not complete high school before joining the military. It allows the state education commissioner to award a standard diploma to eligible veterans who served in the Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, or left high school to join active duty, provided they were honorably discharged and have a Minnesota connection (current resident, former student, or resident at time of death). The diploma is based on military service knowledge and experience, not traditional coursework. The Department of Education and Veterans Affairs will collaborate to assist veterans with applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Management and Budget to break down medical assistance costs by specific covered services within the annual state budget forecast. It also mandates that the commissioner submit a detailed report to legislative committee leaders, working with the Commissioner of Human Services, to identify which of these services are required by federal law. These changes aim to increase transparency regarding how much the state spends on different healthcare programs for low-income residents. The legislation directly impacts the state budgeting process and the agencies responsible for administering medical assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $1 million in one-time funding to Minnesota counties, municipalities, and townships to help plan and develop regional drinking water systems. The funds can be used for planning activities like feasibility studies, engineering analysis, legal assessments, and community engagement to support infrastructure projects under state law. The commissioner of health must create an application process by November 2026 that prioritizes projects addressing aging infrastructure, water quality, affordability, or economic development, with each grant capped at $300,000 annually and requiring a 25 percent match from recipients. A report on grant awards and project progress must be submitted to legislative committees by January 2027.

Maddy summarySF 3861 expands Minnesota's requirement for electronic tracking of human services visits to include additional provider types. It adds three new categories to the list of services needing electronic verification: (1) services from providers designated "high-risk" by the commissioner (using Medicare standards), (2) services specifically labeled "high-risk" by the commissioner, and (3) any other services the commissioner designates. This affects home care and community-based service providers delivering these specific services, requiring them to use electronic systems to document service details like time, location, and provider. The bill modifies Minnesota Statutes 256B.073 to formalize this expanded scope.