Rep. Dave Baker

Maddy summaryHF 2886 allocates $4 million from the general fund for the final construction segment of the Glacial Lakes Trail, connecting New London to Sibley State Park. The funding is designated for a one-time project under Minnesota Statutes, requiring completion by the project's end date. This appropriation directly supports the trail's physical development, managed by the commissioner of natural resources, with funds available until the segment is finished or abandoned. The bill does not create new policy but provides specific financial resources for an existing infrastructure project.

Maddy summaryHF 1379 creates a formal "nonopioid directive" process in Minnesota, allowing patients (or their health care agents) to submit written instructions stating they must not receive opioids from health professionals or prescribers. Health care providers must include these directives in patient records and follow them, except in emergency hospital settings where a prescriber deems opioid use medically necessary. The bill also grants legal immunity to health professionals, facilities, and emergency medical services providers who comply with these directives in good faith. The Minnesota Department of Health will develop a standard form for these directives and post it online. This directly affects patients seeking opioid avoidance and all healthcare providers interacting with patient records.

Maddy summaryHF 862 requires all public Minnesota colleges and universities (including the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges) to maintain a supply of naloxone (an opiate antagonist used to reverse overdoses) on every campus building. Specifically, institutions must have at least two doses of nasal naloxone available onsite at each building and follow established protocols for storage and administration. The bill also directs the state health commissioner to provide training resources, including videos, to help campuses implement these emergency response measures. This requirement takes effect for the 2025-2026 academic year. The bill does not change who can administer naloxone but ensures campuses are prepared to respond to opioid overdoses.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $6.4 million for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund Minnesota's Small Business Assistance Partnerships Program under Minnesota Statutes §116J.682. It directly supports small businesses by providing two-year grants through local partnerships, with funding administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development. The bill specifies that all grants must be awarded in the first year of funding, and up to 5% of the appropriation may cover administrative costs. This is a one-time funding measure, not an ongoing program.

Maddy summaryHF 1993 modifies Minnesota's requirements for substance use disorder (SUD) assessments and treatment provider qualifications. It specifies that comprehensive SUD assessments must be conducted face-to-face within five days (excluding the service initiation day) by qualified staff like alcohol and drug counselors, certain mental health professionals, or licensed nurses with addiction training. The bill also updates qualifications for treatment coordinators, requiring specific training, education, or certification, plus 2,000 hours of supervised experience working with SUD clients. Additionally, it mandates a study and report on limitations in SUD treatment practices. These changes directly affect SUD treatment providers and the clients receiving services under Minnesota's behavioral health system.

Maddy summaryHF 2827 appropriates $10 million from state bond proceeds to fund capital improvements for publicly owned transit systems in Greater Minnesota (rural and smaller communities outside major urban areas). The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $10 million in bonds, with the funds specifically designated for acquiring property, predesigning, constructing, furnishing, and equipping transit facilities under existing law. This directly supports local transit agencies in upgrading infrastructure like bus depots, maintenance facilities, and vehicle fleets. The funding mechanism relies on bond sales rather than general state revenue, with the money to be distributed by the state transportation commissioner. The bill takes effect upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 381 modifies how Minnesota calculates rates for home and community-based waiver services and increases room and board rates for individuals receiving these services. It requires service providers to submit detailed data (like staffing hours, ratios, and transportation miles) to a central rates management system, with lead agencies required to approve rates within 30 business days or pay a 10% late penalty. The bill also creates an exception process for individuals with "exceptional needs" that cannot be met under standard rate formulas, allowing for alternative payment rates. These changes directly affect service providers, lead agencies (like county human services departments), and individuals receiving home and community-based care, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 2635 appropriates $5.5 million from Minnesota's workforce development fund to build a regional career technical education center in Northeastern Minnesota. The funds will support Independent School District No. 704 in Proctor, in partnership with Hermantown and Esko school districts, to construct a facility for workforce training. The center must address regional industry needs and can use the funds for property, construction, remodeling, and equipment. This bill directly affects students and job seekers in the Northeastern Minnesota region by creating a dedicated training hub.

Maddy summaryHF 2710 establishes a free test and professional licensure preparation program in Minnesota, directly affecting public college students and dislocated workers (as defined in Minn. Stat. § 116L.17). The bill requires the commissioner to contract with vendors to provide free test prep services for exams like the MCAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, and professional licenses (e.g., nursing, real estate, securities). It appropriates $5 million for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the workforce development fund to administer the program. The commissioner must annually report on program effectiveness, participant numbers, and spending to legislative committees by February 15.

Maddy summaryHF 1976 modifies Minnesota's Paid Leave Law to clarify eligibility for paid leave benefits. It defines "covered employment" to include workers performing at least half their work in Minnesota, while excluding self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and seasonal hospitality workers (defined as employed up to 150 or 180 days in a year for hospitality employers). The bill also allows the state to contract with private companies to process leave applications, determine eligibility, and make payments. These changes provide clearer rules for employers and employees, particularly in the hospitality sector.