Rep. Bobbie Harder

Maddy summaryHF 19 establishes education savings accounts (ESAs) for Minnesota students from low-income households, defined as families earning no more than four times the income threshold for free school meals. The bill allows parents to use state funds to pay for qualifying education expenses - including tuition at eligible nonpublic schools, tutoring, approved curriculum, and school supplies - at participating schools or providers. Participation is capped at 5% of public school enrollment in the first year, increasing by 3% annually, with priority given to kindergarten students and those who attended public school full-time the prior year. The program directly affects eligible students (ages 18 and under) and their families, with funds restricted to approved educational services and materials.

Maddy summaryHF 1042 expands the authority of Minnesota's Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit to investigate certain criminal cases involving Minnesota National Guard members that occur on state-owned military installations, such as armories or bases. The bill specifically adds these locations to the unit's existing jurisdiction for cases where a Guard member is either the victim or accused, regardless of their residence or unit location. This change directly affects the unit's investigative scope and members of the Minnesota National Guard serving at these facilities. The amendment modifies Minnesota Statutes section 299C.80, subdivision 3, to include these new circumstances under the unit's responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHF 363 establishes a $5 per acre property tax credit for agricultural land certified under Minnesota's agricultural water quality program in specific counties (Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona). This credit directly affects farmers who have land certified by the Department of Agriculture under the water quality program in those counties. The credit reduces property taxes payable to local governments, with the state reimbursing counties and school districts through annual appropriations from the general fund. Payments for the credit will begin for property taxes due in 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 2936 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Corrections to seek legislative approval before implementing certain new or amended rules that would cost over $25,000 annually for any jail, lockup, or workhouse to comply with. If the commissioner determines compliance costs exceed this threshold, or if an administrative law judge disapproves that determination, the affected facility can request a temporary exemption until the legislature approves the rule. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to add this requirement for legislative review prior to implementation of high-cost correctional rules. This directly affects local correctional facilities by delaying rule implementation until legislative approval is obtained.

Maddy summaryHF 2956 removes the $500 caps on both reasonable attorney fees and punitive damages for discrimination lawsuits filed in Minnesota courts. It directly affects individuals who sue businesses or organizations (like restaurants, hotels, or stores) for discrimination in public accommodations. The bill amends Minnesota law to eliminate these specific financial limits, allowing courts to award higher amounts for attorney fees and punitive damages in qualifying cases. This change applies only to civil actions alleging discrimination under the statute, not to other types of lawsuits.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota law to clarify and limit optometrists' authority to prescribe or administer certain drugs. It specifically sets new time limits: oral antivirals may not be prescribed for more than 10 days, oral steroids for more than 14 days (requiring physician consultation), and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors for more than seven days. These changes apply directly to licensed optometrists in Minnesota who prescribe medications for eye conditions under the Board of Optometry's rules. The bill maintains existing restrictions on intravenous injections, invasive surgery, and Schedule II/III oral drugs.

Maddy summaryHF 987 modifies Minnesota's annexation election rules to prevent immediate re-attempts after a referendum defeat. It requires that if an annexation vote fails, no new annexation proceeding for the same area can be started within two years - unless initiated by a majority of property owners in that area and supported by neighboring townships or municipalities. This change directly affects cities, townships, and property owners involved in annexation disputes, altering the process for restarting such proceedings. The bill focuses on procedural clarity, ensuring annexation efforts cannot be repeatedly pushed without broader local consensus.

Maddy summaryHF 2231 modifies Minnesota's requirements for publishing public notices. It allows local governments (political subdivisions) to post notices online via their website and the Minnesota Newspaper Association's statewide site when a qualified newspaper discontinues publication. The bill requires immediate online posting until a qualified newspaper can be identified, eliminating the need to wait for a new newspaper to become available. This change applies to all public notices mandated by law, rule, or ordinance, ensuring notices remain accessible to the public during newspaper disruptions.

Maddy summaryHF 2548 creates the Outdoor School for All grant program to fund immersive, multiday outdoor educational experiences for Minnesota students in grades 4-8. The program provides grants to accredited overnight outdoor schools and nonprofit learning centers meeting specific criteria, including research-based curricula, integration with school standards, skill development (like leadership and critical thinking), and accessibility for underserved students. It appropriates $2.5 million for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund. The bill directly affects public school students and providers offering equitable outdoor education, aiming to address declining outdoor engagement and access disparities.

Maddy summaryHF 2683 establishes Minnesota's Biofertilizer Innovation and Efficiency Program to help farmers reduce nitrogen-based fertilizer use and improve water quality. The program provides annual per-acre payments of at least $5 to eligible Minnesota farmers who verify a 15% reduction or 30 pounds per acre less in commercial nitrogen fertilizer use through qualifying biofertilizers (like nitrogen-fixing products or soil amendments) in their crop plans. Farmers must operate at least 40 acres in Minnesota and submit documented crop nutrient management plans. The bill appropriates $1.5 million for the program in fiscal year 2026, with the Agriculture Commissioner required to review and adjust payment rates annually based on inflation and new technologies.