Rep. Steve Gander

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1,000,000 from the state's general fund to hire eight additional school safety specialists at the Minnesota School Safety Center for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The funding is designated as a one-time appropriation that can be used until fully spent, with no restrictions on how the money is distributed among the new positions. This legislation directly affects the Minnesota School Safety Center and the public safety system by increasing the number of available safety personnel. The bill takes effect immediately upon final passage by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a one-time property tax refund program for Minnesota property owners who paid eligible taxes in 2026, affecting residential, agricultural, and commercial property classifications. The program allocates $4 billion from the state general fund to provide refunds based on a percentage calculated by the Department of Revenue, with applications accepted between July 15 and September 15, 2026. Any unclaimed refund amounts will automatically be converted into property tax credits for 2027 on the properties where no refund was requested. The legislation defines specific property categories eligible for the refund and sets clear deadlines for application processing and payment distribution.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's Paid Leave Law to expand the definition of "seasonal employee" from 150 days to 180 days within a 52-week period, specifically for workers in the hospitality industry. Under the new rules, employers must certify that an employee meets the extended duration limit and that the business meets specific revenue thresholds to classify someone as seasonal. The legislation also requires employers to notify the state within five business days if a seasonal employee no longer qualifies for that status. Employees classified as seasonal under these criteria would remain ineligible for paid leave benefits during weeks they are employed in that capacity.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits drug manufacturers from restricting how 340B prescription drugs are delivered to participating hospitals and clinics. It directly affects healthcare facilities enrolled in the federal 340B program, which provides discounted drugs to safety-net providers. The key provision bans delivery restrictions and classifies violations as "unfair or deceptive trade practices," allowing the attorney general to enforce the law. The bill also removes an expiration date (previously set for July 2027) that would have ended the restrictions.

Maddy summaryHF 895 requires Minnesota state agencies to obtain legislative approval before certain rules take effect. The bill amends statutes to mandate that a rule becomes effective only after a law approving it is enacted, following publication of the notice of adoption in the State Register. This directly affects all state agencies that create rules, as they must now seek legislative approval rather than having rules automatically take effect after publication. The key mechanism shifts the effective date from current practice to require a separate legislative act approving the rule after its notice is published.

Maddy summaryHF 5 modifies Minnesota's tax structure by repealing the retail delivery fee and establishing an "unlimited Social Security subtraction," allowing taxpayers to subtract all their Social Security benefits from state taxable income. It redirects transportation funding by creating a "transportation advancement account" and requires specific distribution percentages: 36% to metropolitan counties, 28% to county highway funds, 23% to larger cities, 34% to small cities, 15% to town roads, and 1% to food delivery support. The bill also mandates tax analysis and reporting requirements for transportation funding impacts and modifies several tax statutes, including those governing Social Security benefit subtractions. These changes directly affect Minnesota taxpayers, local governments, and transportation agencies, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1698 amends Minnesota property tax law to expand exemptions for certain leased land. It adds new exemptions allowing nonprofit conservation organizations to lease land for grazing activities without triggering property taxes, and clarifies that airport hangars used for aviation services (not for general business) remain tax-exempt. The bill directly affects nonprofit groups leasing land for conservation and airport operators leasing hangars for aircraft services. These changes take effect for property taxes due in 2026. The bill does not create new taxes but modifies existing exemption rules.

Maddy summaryHF 2393 amends Minnesota Statutes section 145A.02, subdivision 15, to clarify which licensed health professionals can serve as medical consultants for community health boards. Currently, the definition includes licensed physicians, osteopathic physicians, physician assistants, and certified advanced practice nurses. The bill modifies this list to specify exactly which professions qualify under the statute. This change directly affects community health boards seeking medical advisors and the eligible health professionals who may provide such services. The amendment aims to ensure clarity in who can legally advise these boards on medical matters.

Maddy summaryHF 3691 adds "emergency managers" to the statutory definition of "essential employees" in Minnesota law. This means emergency managers - professionals who coordinate responses to crises like natural disasters or public safety incidents - will now be officially classified as essential employees, alongside firefighters, police dispatchers, and correctional guards. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes § 179A.03, specifically adding "emergency managers" to the list of roles considered essential during emergencies. This change ensures emergency managers receive the same legal protections and operational status as other designated essential workers during critical events.

Maddy summaryHF 3687 modifies Minnesota's medical assistance and MinnesotaCare coverage for chiropractic services. The bill removes the previous age restriction (limiting coverage to those under 21) and establishes new rules: chiropractic care for spinal pain, chronic conditions, and related services is covered for all ages, but limited to 24 visits per year without prior authorization. It also restricts x-ray coverage to specific spine examinations necessary for diagnosing subluxation. This affects all MinnesotaCare and medical assistance recipients seeking chiropractic care, changing coverage from age-limited to broadly applicable with visit and x-ray restrictions. The changes take effect January 1, 2027, or after federal approval.