Rep. Erica Schwartz

Maddy summaryThis bill designates St. Peter as Minnesota's honorary capital city and adds this designation to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 1. It is a symbolic, non-binding recognition with no policy changes or funding impacts. The bill does not affect state government operations, taxes, or any specific groups of people. It serves purely as a ceremonial designation for the city of St. Peter.

Maddy summaryHF 2166 requires the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to relocate its main offices to either Blue Earth County or Nicollet County by June 1, 2028. This procedural bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 17.01, changing the location requirement for the department's principal offices. The bill directly affects the Department of Agriculture's operational headquarters and does not create new programs or funding. It is a straightforward location mandate with no additional policy provisions.

Maddy summaryHF 2167 requires Minnesota judges to state publicly the reasons for releasing or detaining individuals arrested for domestic violence, stalking, or violating protection orders. Judges must document findings on whether the person poses a safety threat to victims or family members, or is likely to skip court. This applies to all pretrial release decisions for these offenses starting August 1, 2025. The bill focuses on transparency in judicial decisions without altering existing release conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 2050 establishes a temporary $12.35 per resident day payment increase for nursing facilities in Minnesota that receive state reimbursement under Chapter 256R of Minnesota Statutes. This rate add-on applies from July 1, 2025 (or after federal approval, whichever is later) through June 30, 2026. The bill directly affects nursing facilities providing long-term care services, increasing their reimbursement rates during this specific period. The change is a temporary funding adjustment with no ongoing policy impact beyond the specified expiration date.

Maddy summaryHF 2220 prohibits Minnesota state agencies from charging parking fees to state employees at facilities owned or operated by the state. It directly affects all state employees who park on state property, whether working or with manager approval for personal use. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes (sections 16B.04 and 16B.58) to require free parking, removing all fees, fines, or penalties for eligible employees. This change applies to all state parking lots managed under the Department of Administration, ensuring employees receive a free parking permit.

Maddy summaryHF 1358 authorizes Winona County mental health facilities to negotiate an additional monthly rate of up to $750 per bed (including inflation adjustments) for up to 53 beds. This supplementary rate applies specifically to housing support providers operating five facilities in Winona County that offer permanent supportive housing for adults with mental health and substance use disorders. The bill amends Minnesota law to allow counties to cover these extra costs starting July 1, 2025, beyond the standard room and board rate. It directly affects eligible Winona County providers meeting these specific facility and service criteria.

Maddy summaryHF 1582 modifies Minnesota's Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) benefits for educators. It allows teachers with 30 years of service to retire at age 60 without reduced annuity payments (previously requiring 35 years), adjusts early retirement penalties, and increases postretirement cost-of-living adjustments. The bill also raises employer contribution rates for school districts (from 13.3% to 17.3% for basic members) and increases pension adjustment revenue rates for school districts starting in 2026. These changes directly affect current and future TRA members, school districts funding retirement costs, and the state's retirement system budget.

Maddy summaryHF 1261 increases penalties for tampering with motor vehicles and establishes a new offense for passengers who knowingly ride in a vehicle they reasonably should have known was taken without permission. The bill directly affects drivers who tamper with vehicles (e.g., breaking in or damaging them) and passengers who are aware a vehicle was stolen. Its key provision creates a separate crime for passengers who should have known a vehicle was taken, expanding accountability beyond just the driver. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 609.546, effective August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1022 modifies Minnesota's definitions for "moist snuff" and "tobacco products" in tax law. It defines "moist snuff" as finely cut, ground, or powdered smokeless tobacco containing nicotine intended for mouth placement (section 1.7-1.9). The bill explicitly includes nicotine solution products and moist snuff under "tobacco products" while excluding FDA-approved cessation products marketed solely for medical use (section 1.12-1.22). These changes, effective July 1, 2025, directly affect tobacco manufacturers, retailers, and consumers by clarifying which products fall under state tobacco taxation and regulation.

Maddy summaryHF 1241 repeals Minnesota's Paid Leave Law, which previously provided state-funded family and medical leave benefits. The bill transfers any unspent funds from the family medical leave account to the general state fund, effective July 1, 2025. It specifically repeals all provisions of Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 268B.001 through 268B.30, which governed the paid leave program. This action eliminates the state's paid leave law and redirects unused program funds to the general state budget.