Rep. Dave Baker

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $350,000 from the state's general fund to provide a one-time grant for a pilot program supporting families affected by substance use disorder. The funding will enable Thrive Family Recovery Resources to offer peer services, education, resource navigation, and general support to these families. By January 20, 2027, the commissioner of human services must submit a report evaluating the pilot program's results and recommending whether to continue funding through an ongoing grant. The legislation is a one-time appropriation that does not establish permanent funding for the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts elected officials, legislative members, and judges from Minnesota's Paid Leave Law, meaning they would not be required to participate in the state's paid leave program. The legislation directly affects state employees serving in elected or judicial roles by removing them from the definition of "covered employment" and "employee" under the law. If passed, these officials would not need to accrue or use paid leave benefits through the state system, though the bill allows such entities to opt into coverage if they choose. The changes modify specific sections of Minnesota Statutes to clarify that public officials serving in these capacities are excluded from the paid leave requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two new advisory groups in Minnesota: an Advisory Council on Community Collaboration, Stability, and Preparedness and a Minnesota Common Ground Task Force. The council will include representatives from law enforcement, local governments, behavioral health, and community organizations to study how to better prepare for civil unrest and political instability. These groups will work together to develop strategies for building trust, improving communication, and creating toolkits for de-escalation during times of community tension. The bill also requires these groups to hold public meetings and submit annual reports to the governor and the legislature, with funding provided to support their operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the scope of practice for pharmacists in Minnesota by authorizing them to initiate, prescribe, administer, and dispense medications for treating opioid use disorder. It directly affects licensed pharmacists and pharmacist interns, allowing them to work under protocols or collaborative agreements with other healthcare providers to manage opioid use disorder treatment. The legislation also updates the legal definition of "practitioner" to include pharmacists authorized to prescribe certain medications and modifies disciplinary grounds for pharmacists and interns. These changes aim to increase access to opioid use disorder treatment through pharmacies while maintaining oversight through established healthcare partnerships.

Maddy summaryHF 3609 prevents drug manufacturers from restricting how 340B program drugs are delivered to participating hospitals and clinics. It adds enforcement by treating violations as deceptive trade practices, allowing the attorney general to take action. The bill permanently removes an expiration date (previously set for July 1, 2027), making these restrictions permanent. This directly affects safety-net healthcare providers that rely on the 340B program for discounted medications.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates supplemental funding to the state's Department of Employment and Economic Development to support jobs and economic development programs. It establishes emergency relief loans for small businesses and creates competitive grants for workforce development and community projects. The legislation also updates construction codes and licensing provisions while appropriating money for these initiatives over the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years. Specific allocations include $10 million for business relief loans and $3.5 million for workforce development services.

Maddy summaryHF 482 establishes "Choose Life" special license plates for Minnesota motor vehicle owners. To obtain these plates, applicants must pay a $25 initial fee and $25 annual contribution to a dedicated "Choose Life account," in addition to standard registration fees. Funds collected are deposited into this account and distributed by Choose Life Minnesota, Inc., to non-profit agencies within each county that assist pregnant women making adoption plans - excluding any agencies involved in abortion services or charging fees for services. The bill also specifies plate design requirements (featuring the "Choose Life" logo and inscription) and limits administrative costs for the program to 15% of funds. The program becomes effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Minnesota to permit residents to consume and display alcoholic beverages under specific conditions. The changes require that alcohol be consumed only by residents during resident-focused activities, with no one under 21 allowed to drink and all staff serving alcohol being at least 18 years old. Additionally, the bill prohibits selling alcohol or treating it as part of a commercial transaction within these facilities. The legislation directly affects nursing home operators, assisted living facility managers, and the residents who live in these care settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new 100% tax on money obtained through fraud by individuals or organizations, regardless of whether they have already paid fines or restitution. It applies to those convicted by a court, those identified by the state revenue commissioner as having committed fraud, and anyone paid to help facilitate such fraudulent activities. The revenue collected from this tax must be used exclusively to provide relief for state income or property taxes. The law takes effect retroactively for fraud cases determined after December 31, 2019.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits banks and payment networks from charging interchange fees on state and local sales taxes or gratuities added to credit and debit card transactions. To qualify for this protection, merchants must clearly separate tax and tip amounts from the purchase price when processing payments or provide proof of these amounts within 180 days if they were initially included in the total. If a merchant submits the required documentation after the fact, the law mandates that any interchange fees wrongly charged on the tax or tip portion be refunded within 30 days. The legislation also prevents payment processors from manipulating fee calculations to increase charges on these specific transaction components.