Rep. Dave Baker

Maddy summaryHF 275 modifies Minnesota's trapping regulations by changing how often certain traps must be checked. It allows body-gripping traps and snares (that can't drown animals) to be tended only once every third calendar day, instead of daily. The bill also permits foot-encapsulating traps within 50 feet of water without special permits during mink and muskrat season, while maintaining other restrictions. These changes replace an existing rule requiring daily snare checks (Minnesota Rules 6234.2400, subpart 10), directly affecting fur trappers and wildlife management practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the rules for how health insurance companies in Minnesota must handle applications from doctors and clinics seeking to join their provider networks. It requires insurers to confirm whether an application is complete and, if so, provide a specific deadline for their decision, while also setting a 45-day maximum time limit for reviewing clean applications. If an application is missing information, the insurer must notify the provider within three business days, and if quality or safety concerns arise, the review period can be extended by up to 30 days. Additionally, the bill establishes that once a provider's application is deemed complete and approved, they are officially added to the health plan's network.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the A+ Energy Act to update Minnesota's energy policy framework, primarily affecting electric utilities and the state's energy regulatory commission. It amends state statutes to define eligible energy technologies to include nuclear power alongside solar, wind, hydroelectric, hydrogen, and biomass sources, while clarifying that carbon-free technologies generate electricity without carbon dioxide emissions. The legislation requires electric utilities to submit annual reports estimating how their compliance activities impact wholesale and retail rates, with reporting obligations ending in 2040. Additionally, the bill sets criteria for identifying environmental justice areas based on demographics and income levels, ensuring these communities are considered in energy planning. The act aims to balance energy reliability and affordability with the state's interest in diverse energy options.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota's paid family and medical leave insurance program to explicitly include foreign-licensed physicians as eligible health care providers. It also establishes stricter rules for certifying these providers by requiring the state to suspend certification processing when there are credible allegations of fraud, such as verified complaints or audit findings. Additionally, the legislation disqualifies foreign-licensed physicians from certification if they have been convicted of specific fraud-related offenses listed in Minnesota statutes or equivalent laws in other jurisdictions. These changes aim to strengthen fraud prevention measures while expanding the pool of eligible providers for the state's insurance program.

Maddy summaryHF 3469 extends the deadline for using $2,387,000 allocated to Minnesota's two-year county correctional facility support pilot program. The pilot program, established under the original 2024 law, directly affects county correctional facilities by providing education on involuntary mental health medication protocols, technical assistance to expand access to injectable psychotropic medications, and surveys on facility capacity and barriers. This bill specifically changes the appropriation's availability period from June 30, 2026, to June 30, 2027, without altering the program's core provisions or funding amount. The extension ensures counties have an additional year to implement the pilot's requirements before funds expire.

Maddy summaryHF 21 would require a three-fifths supermajority vote in both the Minnesota House and Senate to extend a peacetime emergency declaration beyond 14 days. Currently, such extensions beyond 14 days could be approved by the Executive Council, but this bill would shift that authority to the legislature. The bill directly affects governors seeking to prolong emergency powers and the legislative process for reviewing those requests. It does not change the initial 14-day emergency declaration period or the governor's authority to declare emergencies under existing criteria. Note: This bill was introduced but not passed during the 2025 legislative session.

Maddy summaryHF 3751 would allow Kandiyohi County to impose a 0.5% local sales tax, subject to voter approval, to fund specific projects including a new joint judicial center/public safety facility ($53.6 million) and renovations to the county health and human services building ($14.2 million). The tax revenues must cover these project costs, bond payments for financing, and administrative expenses, with the tax expiring after 25 years or once project funding needs are met. County voters must approve the tax at a special election, and the tax would be in addition to existing local sales taxes.

Maddy summaryHF 2809 establishes a new crime for protesting directly in front of or about a person's home (excluding homes used as businesses). It makes this a misdemeanor, escalating to a gross misdemeanor if the person has a prior conviction under this law or ignores court orders like protection orders. The bill specifically allows peaceful protests about community meetings or assemblies held at locations commonly used for public discussion. This law applies to residential properties only and takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 3444 prohibits Minnesota's medical assistance program (Medicaid) from requiring prior authorization or step therapy for any FDA-approved drug used to treat opioid use disorder. This means Medicaid patients receiving treatment for opioid addiction will not face extra approval steps or forced trials of cheaper alternatives. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to add a specific exception blocking these requirements for opioid use disorder medications. It directly affects Medicaid patients and the state agency managing drug coverage policies.

Maddy summaryHF 1 establishes a centralized Office of Inspector General (OIG) for Minnesota state government, replacing existing agency-specific inspector general offices. The OIG will oversee state spending, require agencies to halt payments when fraud is suspected, and mandate a fraud reporting hotline for employees and contractors. It directly affects all state agencies and recipients of state funds (such as contractors and organizations administering state programs) by requiring them to report suspected fraud and prohibiting retaliation against whistleblowers. The bill also specifies the OIG must coordinate with the legislative auditor and amends statutes related to fraud detection, waste prevention, and oversight.