Rep. Steve Gander

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota statutes to update pension contribution rates and annuity calculation formulas for teachers in the state's retirement systems. It establishes specific employer contribution percentages for certain districts like Minneapolis and Duluth while adjusting the rates for other districts. Additionally, the legislation modifies how retirement annuities are computed based on years of service, distinguishing between different periods of employment and membership types. These changes directly affect teachers and school districts in Minnesota by altering the financial terms of their retirement benefits.

Maddy summaryHF 3586 establishes a $10 million annual grant program for regional food banks and Minnesota Tribal governments in Minnesota, funded through the general fund for fiscal years 2027-2029. The program distributes funds based on poverty and unemployment data in each area, requiring grantees to use money for purchasing, transporting, and distributing food and hygiene products (like diapers) at no cost to recipients. Funds cannot cover staff salaries or other ineligible expenses, and grantees must report spending and maintain records for oversight. This bill directly supports food banks serving low-income individuals and families by expanding access to essential food and hygiene supplies.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that optometrists, in addition to physicians, can issue prescriptions for tinted vehicle windows when medically necessary. It directly affects drivers and passengers who need specific window glazing materials to address vision-related medical conditions. The key provision allows optometrists to specify the minimum light transmittance percentage and expiration dates for such prescriptions, with provisions for relying on prescriptions issued to family members or dependents. The changes apply retroactively to July 1, 2025, and update Minnesota's vehicle safety statutes regarding tinted windows.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $1 million in state funding to counties, municipalities, and townships to help them plan and develop regional drinking water systems. The money can be used for planning activities like feasibility studies, engineering analyses, and community engagement to support shared water infrastructure projects. Local governments must contribute at least 25% of the grant amount in matching funds, and each recipient can receive up to $300,000 per year. The state health commissioner must create an application process by November 2026 that prioritizes projects addressing aging infrastructure, water quality, affordability, or economic development, and submit a progress report by January 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands state veterans benefits to include Minnesota residents who served in the Secret War in Laos, specifically those who were naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act or who served honorably with special guerrilla units or irregular forces in Laos between 1961 and 1975. The legislation directs the commissioner of veterans affairs to create an eligibility verification process and issue certificates of eligibility for these veterans, granting them access to benefits such as veteran designation on driver's licenses, civil service recruitment opportunities, employment preference, and burial fee waivers. The bill also allows the commissioner to establish a fee schedule for interment of eligible spouses and dependents of these veterans, with provisions for fee waivers for indigent applicants. Technical changes are made to existing statutes to incorporate these new definitions and benefits, with an effective date of July 2, 2025 for most provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota counties to create official lists of agricultural lands that should be protected from electric power facility development. Counties can designate parcels as agricultural priority land if they have high crop productivity ratings or have been classified as prime farmland by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Once a county submits its list to the state Public Utilities Commission, the commission cannot issue site permits for large power plants on those designated lands unless the county board specifically approves an exception. Landowners have the right to opt out of having their property included on the list before the county submits it to the state. The new rules would take effect on January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 3609 prevents drug manufacturers from restricting how 340B program drugs are delivered to participating hospitals and clinics. It adds enforcement by treating violations as deceptive trade practices, allowing the attorney general to take action. The bill permanently removes an expiration date (previously set for July 1, 2027), making these restrictions permanent. This directly affects safety-net healthcare providers that rely on the 340B program for discounted medications.

Maddy summaryHF 1333 requires Minnesota to issue at least two moose hunting licenses annually through a public lottery and two through a public auction, with all applicants paying a $25 nonrefundable fee. The bill creates a "moose research account" funded by license fees and auction revenue, which must be used to study moose mortality, calf survival, disease, and habitat needs. It restricts lottery eligibility to Minnesota residents who haven't held a moose license since 1991, while auctions are open to all eligible applicants. The legislation amends existing statutes to implement these license distribution methods and direct funds toward specific moose conservation research goals. This directly affects residents seeking moose hunting permits and funds state wildlife management efforts.

Maddy summaryHF 482 establishes "Choose Life" special license plates for Minnesota motor vehicle owners. To obtain these plates, applicants must pay a $25 initial fee and $25 annual contribution to a dedicated "Choose Life account," in addition to standard registration fees. Funds collected are deposited into this account and distributed by Choose Life Minnesota, Inc., to non-profit agencies within each county that assist pregnant women making adoption plans - excluding any agencies involved in abortion services or charging fees for services. The bill also specifies plate design requirements (featuring the "Choose Life" logo and inscription) and limits administrative costs for the program to 15% of funds. The program becomes effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state of Minnesota to provide $6,419,000 in funding to the city of East Grand Forks for upgrading municipal infrastructure at its industrial park. The money will be used to repair and replace streets and utilities in the area south of U.S. Highway 2 and east of 5th Avenue Northeast. To secure these funds, the state will issue and sell bonds, with the money coming from a dedicated bond proceeds fund. The legislation takes effect immediately upon final passage by the legislature.