ST PAUL, Minn. — DFL lawmakers have launched a new effort to require insurance carriers to cover the cost of fertility treatments here in Minnesota. The “Minnesota Building Families Act,” introduced as House File 1658 and Senate File 1704, is aimed at sparing couples the financial hardships they otherwise will take on while trying to get pregnant. Rep. Jeff Brand of St. Peter, the lead author of the House bill, said it’s also a workforce development issue. He asserted states that mandate fertility coverage will have a recruiting advantage compared to those that don’t. So far, no hearings have been scheduled on these fertility treatment bills. But Rep. Brand and Sen. Maye Quade expressed confidence their bills will be given serious consideration this session.