Rep. John Burkel

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies reimbursement rates for community support services, increasing them to 107.5% (effective now) and 112.5% (effective January 1, 2026) for providers serving clients needing 10+ hours daily. It requires providers to use all additional revenue solely for staff wages and related costs (like payroll taxes), not for benefits like health insurance. The bill also creates the Minnesota Caregiver Defined Contribution Retirement Fund Trust, a joint state-union retirement savings plan for union-represented direct support workers. These changes directly affect community support service providers, their employees, and Minnesota’s human services budget.

Maddy summaryHF 2242 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Human Services to select a single state pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) through a competitive bidding process. This PBM will handle all prescription drug claims for Minnesota's Medicaid (medical assistance) and MinnesotaCare programs, replacing the current system where multiple PBMs might be used. The bill mandates a master contract with this single PBM, specifies rules for drug coverage and reimbursement, and requires the commissioner to report on the program's operation. It also includes strict transparency requirements during procurement, such as disclosing potential conflicts of interest and financial ties between the PBM and pharmacies or drug manufacturers.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $35 million from state bond proceeds specifically for Minnesota town roads and bridges. $25 million is allocated for town roads and $10 million for town bridges, to be distributed by the commissioner of transportation per existing rules (Minnesota Statutes §162.081). The state will issue up to $35 million in bonds to fund this appropriation, following established bond procedures under Minnesota law. The funding directly affects local town governments responsible for maintaining roads and bridges within their jurisdictions. The bill becomes effective upon final enactment.

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 2387 amends Minnesota Statutes § 124D.118 to establish a program allowing schools to provide free half-pint milk to students who do not participate in the full school lunch program. This directly affects public and nonpublic schools in Minnesota, enabling students to receive milk without needing to take a complete lunch, thereby reducing food waste from uneaten meals. The bill authorizes state reimbursement of 20 cents per milk serving for kindergarten students and up to 50 cents (or USDA rate) for lunch milk, with funding appropriated for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Schools must follow commissioner-established guidelines to participate, focusing on daily milk access as a nutritional supplement.

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 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 2878 allows commercial feed businesses in Minnesota to directly hire licensed veterinarians without needing to form a separate professional firm under state law. This change removes a requirement from the Minnesota Professional Firms Act (Chapter 319B) for businesses holding commercial feed licenses. The bill specifically permits veterinarians employed by these feed companies to provide veterinary services directly to the feed business's customers. It affects commercial feed licensees and their veterinary staff by simplifying employment arrangements. (Procedural bill; summary limited to key policy change.)

Maddy summaryHF 2823 provides a refundable sales and use tax exemption for construction materials used in specific projects at Independent School District No. 561 in Goodridge. It covers renovations to the K-12 school building and new construction of facilities like a gymnasium, classrooms, career education spaces, and a secure entrance, for purchases made between January 2025 and December 2026. Schools must pay the full tax upfront but will receive a refund from the state treasury, with refunds delayed until after June 30, 2025. The exemption applies retroactively to purchases made after December 31, 2024, and the state appropriates funds from the general budget to cover these refunds.

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.