Rep. Dave Baker

Maddy summaryHF 3545 repeals a requirement for Minnesota to adopt new residential energy codes with specific efficiency targets. It removes Section 326B.106, subdivision 1(g), which would have mandated the commissioner to adopt updated residential energy codes starting in 2026, aiming for a 70% reduction in energy use by 2038. This repeal eliminates the obligation to implement these incremental code changes and the associated reporting requirements for residential construction. The bill directly affects residential builders, developers, and local building officials who would have been required to comply with future energy code standards. The repeal does not impact existing energy codes or commercial energy code requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 1052 modifies Minnesota's student discipline laws to protect younger students. It prohibits school dismissals (including suspensions) for preschool/pre-K programs and kindergarten through grade 3 students, limiting K-3 dismissals to no more than three school days. The bill requires schools to first use alternative disciplinary approaches and provide educational services before considering dismissal, and mandates districts to track student progress during any dismissal period. These changes apply to all Minnesota public schools and take effect July 1, 2025. The bill repeals outdated sections related to student discipline (121A.425 subd. 2 and 121A.611).

Maddy summaryHF 1372 allows Minnesota cities to create designated "social districts" where alcohol purchased at licensed bars or restaurants can be consumed in public areas adjacent to those venues. The bill requires cities to clearly mark district boundaries with signs showing permitted hours, include safety statements on containers (e.g., "Drink Responsibly - Be 21"), and restrict containers to non-glass, 16-ounce sizes with specific labeling. It mandates cities to report on community impact, safety concerns, and operational challenges within 24 months of implementation. This directly affects local governments, licensed businesses, and public safety management in areas where such districts are established.

Maddy summarySF 17 is a biennial budget bill that appropriates $200.4 million for fiscal year 2026 and $156.2 million for 2027 to Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development. It funds specific programs including $50.7 million for business and community development, $350,000 for the Energy Transition Office, and $500,000 for small business development centers. The bill also modifies existing funding for workforce programs, remediation, and grants to support entrepreneurs and small businesses. This legislation directly affects state agencies and local economic development initiatives by providing dedicated funding for their operations and services.

Maddy summaryHF 15 is a budget bill that allocates approximately $356 million over two years (2026-2027) to Minnesota state agencies focused on workforce development and economic growth. It provides funding for the Department of Employment and Economic Development (including $500,000 annually for small business development centers to match federal grants), the Department of Labor and Industry, the Bureau of Mediation Services, Explore Minnesota, and the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals. The bill modifies economic development policies, adjusts agency fees, and requires new reporting requirements. It directly affects state agencies managing job training, business support, labor mediation, and tourism, with specific provisions for small business assistance and energy transition programs.

Maddy summaryHF 3228 adopts recommendations proposed by the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council. This bill directly affects workers who may receive compensation and employers who contribute to the workers' compensation system. While the specific details of the recommendations are not provided in this context, its passage means these advised changes will be incorporated into the state's workers' compensation framework.

Maddy summaryHF 2882 exempts certain well contractors from Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry plan reviews and inspections when they perform specific types of well-related work. It applies to contractors already licensed and bonded under Minnesota Statutes 103I.525 or 103I.531 who install water service pipes, frost-free hydrants, control valves, or master shutoff valves for potable water systems. The bill clarifies that these contractors do not need additional licenses, registration, or bonding for the listed work, as long as they meet the existing licensing/bonding requirements and perform work approved under section 144.383. This streamlines requirements for contractors focused on residential well installations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's earned sick and safe time laws (Minnesota Statutes sections 181.9445-181.9448) to clarify employer definitions and adjust key provisions. It specifies that employers with 15+ employees (including nonprofits, government entities, and staffing agencies) must provide at least 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours worked (capped at 48 hours yearly). Employers may either allow unused time to carry over (up to 80 hours total) or pay out unused time at year-end, with options for prorated initial employment time. The bill also updates notice requirements, allowing up to seven days' advance notice for foreseeable absences and mandating written policies for employees.

Maddy summaryHF 382 modifies how Minnesota calculates wage rates for staff in disability waiver programs, directly affecting providers serving people with disabilities and their employees. The bill establishes new percentage-based formulas using median wages for specific job titles (e.g., 15% of home health aide wages + 30% of nursing assistant wages for residential direct care staff) instead of previous calculations. It affects 17 staff categories including residential care, employment support, and positive supports roles. The changes take effect January 1, 2026, or after federal approval, and amend Minnesota Statutes 256B.4914.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota public schools to include overdose prevention education in health classes for students in grades 6 through 12. It adds specific content about recognizing, preventing, and responding to overdoses to existing health education standards. The mandate applies to all school districts statewide and is integrated into the current curriculum framework under Minnesota Statutes section 120B.215. This change directly affects school curricula and students in those grade levels, without altering funding or creating new programs.