Rep. Steve Gander

Maddy summaryHF 367 authorizes individuals or entities injured by intentional highway obstructions to sue for damages and reasonable attorney fees. It applies to anyone who deliberately interferes with, obstructs, or makes a public highway dangerous for passage (e.g., reckless driving or improper construction). The bill specifies that state agencies or political subdivisions must choose between civil action under this law or criminal prosecution for the same conduct, but cannot pursue both. Exemptions cover emergency responders, utility workers, and others acting within their official duties. The law takes effect August 1, 2025, for causes of action accruing after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 1702 allocates $100,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $100,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to support mental health outreach and farm safety programs for Minnesota farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. The funding will cover services like 24-hour hotlines, stigma reduction efforts, and educational programs under existing law (Minnesota Statutes §17.1195). Unused funds from 2026 will carry over and remain available until June 30, 2027, per the bill’s provisions. This bill directly affects agricultural communities by expanding access to mental health and safety resources.

Maddy summaryHF 1670 provides $5,947,000 in state funding for infrastructure improvements in Red Lake Falls. The bill appropriates money from bond proceeds to help the city rebuild its sanitary and storm sewer systems, repair streets, and replace sidewalks, curbs, and gutters. The state will issue bonds to cover this cost, following Minnesota's bond sale procedures. This funding directly supports Red Lake Falls' public infrastructure projects and residents.

Maddy summaryHF 1668 modifies liquor license requirements for the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. It allows the Board to obtain licenses for alcohol sales at Northrop Auditorium, the intercollegiate football stadium (TCF Huntington Bank Stadium), and up to seven other campus locations, with specific conditions. For the stadium, licenses must permit alcohol sales convenient to the public through halftime of games, complying with existing rules. The bill also removes a previous restriction that prohibited licenses on the College of Agriculture campus. These changes directly affect the University of Minnesota's ability to serve alcohol at designated campus venues during events.

Maddy summaryHF 1700 increases the maximum number of shareholders, members, or partners allowed in certain agricultural business entities from 12 to 20. This change directly affects family farm corporations, joint family farm ventures, limited liability companies, and partnerships that own agricultural property and qualify for special homestead tax classifications. The bill modifies Minnesota Statutes section 273.124 to allow these entities to include up to 20 qualifying individuals under the tax classification rules, rather than the previous limit of 12. The policy change takes effect for homestead applications in 2025 and later.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases funding for career and technical education (CTE) programs in Minnesota school districts by raising the reimbursement rate from 35% to 50% of eligible program costs. It establishes new annual funding caps ($17.85 million for 2012, $15.52 million for 2013, $20.66 million for 2014) and creates a revenue guarantee ensuring districts receive at least the previous year's funding or 100% of approved costs. For fiscal year 2026 and later, it sets a fixed $46.46 million annual funding target for CTE programs. The bill directly affects school districts operating approved CTE programs, ensuring stable funding for staff salaries, instructional supplies, and program development.

Maddy summaryHF 1475 abolishes Minnesota's Metropolitan Council and transfers its core responsibilities to other state entities. Specifically, it moves the Council's duties to the commissioners of Administration and Natural Resources, shifts transportation and transit functions to the Department of Transportation, and creates a new metropolitan area sanitary sewer district. The bill also repeals land use planning provisions previously managed by the Council and ends its oversight of the Metropolitan Airports Commission. These changes reorganize regional governance for key services like transportation, environmental management, and sewer infrastructure across the metropolitan area.

Maddy summaryHF 1497 appropriates $60,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $60,000 for fiscal year 2027 to provide grants to the Northern Crops Institute. These funds are specifically authorized for the Institute to purchase equipment. The bill directly affects the Northern Crops Institute by providing dedicated funding for equipment acquisition, with no additional policy changes or new requirements for other entities. It is a straightforward funding allocation bill.

Maddy summaryHF 1259 appropriates $350,000 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund to the Minnesota FFA. The funding directly supports FFA members participating in art- and history-related activities, including creating a history book and video series to commemorate 100 years of FFA work, and covering costs for events like FFA band/choir, talent competitions, and fair displays. Up to $125,000 annually must be used for historical documentation, with remaining funds allocated to other qualifying art and history activities. The commissioner of agriculture will develop grant criteria in consultation with the Minnesota FFA.

Maddy summaryHF 753 allows licensed veterans organizations in Minnesota to use gross profits from lawful gambling for repairing, maintaining, or improving their buildings. Specifically, it amends Minnesota law to permit these organizations to cover costs like water, fuel, electricity, and sewer expenses for their primary headquarters buildings. This change directly affects veterans groups operating legal gambling activities under state licensing. The policy expands their allowable uses of gambling revenue beyond previous restrictions, focusing on facility upkeep rather than other community programs.