Rep. Steve Gander

Maddy summaryHF 3332 removes dental, podiatric, chiropractic, optometric/optician, and psychological services from the definition of "health care provider" for tax purposes under Minnesota's health care provider tax. This means providers offering these specific services (like dentists, chiropractors, and optometrists) will no longer be subject to the tax that previously applied to certain health care providers. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 295.50, specifically adding these services to the list of excluded providers under subsection 2(b)(6). This change directly affects practitioners in these fields by eliminating a tax burden on their services.

Maddy summaryHF 2372 creates a voluntary "Minnesota Civic Seal" designation for high school students who complete specific civics requirements. To earn the seal, students must complete approved civics coursework, complete a project-based civic assessment, participate in at least one civic activity outside class (like voting in student elections or community service), and demonstrate civic dispositions. School districts may choose to participate but cannot charge students fees, must provide information about the program to all students, and must affix the seal to diplomas and transcripts for qualifying graduates. The program begins for students graduating in 2027 or later, with the Department of Education developing the insignia and guidelines to ensure equitable access for all students.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $11 million for fiscal year 2026 and $11 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to support senior nutrition programs under Minnesota Statutes §256.9752. It directly provides funding for existing programs that serve older Minnesotans, such as meal delivery and congregate dining services. The bill does not change program rules but ensures dedicated state funding for these services over two fiscal years. The funding will help maintain access to nutrition support for seniors, particularly those with limited income or mobility.

Maddy summaryHF 957 allows Minnesota school districts and charter schools to transfer unassigned funds between operating accounts during fiscal years 2025-2029 without increasing state aid or property tax authority, requiring written resolutions and public posting. It also permits school boards to formally opt out of complying with specific new state education laws or rules enacted between July 2023 and 2024 (including provisions from 2023-2024 legislative sessions), for the 2025-2026 through 2028-2029 school years. School boards must document and publicly post each opt-out decision and notify the education commissioner. This bill directly affects school districts and charter schools by providing temporary flexibility in fund management and compliance with certain state mandates. The provisions expire after the 2028-2029 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program, which provided financial support to low-income families for child care services. The legislation removes numerous statutory sections that defined eligibility, certification requirements, and operational rules for the program, affecting families who previously received assistance and child care providers who operated under its framework. Key provisions include eliminating definitions for applicants, certified centers, and payment classifications, as well as deleting data collection and fraud investigation procedures tied to the program. The changes become effective on July 1, 2027, and require the state revisor to update all related statutes by that date.

Maddy summaryHF 845 modifies Minnesota's net metering rules for small-scale renewable energy systems. It allows customers with systems under 40 kilowatts to choose between receiving compensation based on the utility's avoided costs or the average retail electricity rate. The bill clarifies key terms like "designated meter" and "contiguous property" to streamline billing for these systems. This directly affects residential and small business customers with solar panels or similar renewable installations who generate excess electricity for the grid.

Maddy summaryHF 2962 modifies Minnesota's paid leave program by clarifying who qualifies as an employee and employer under the law. It excludes seasonal hospitality workers (defined as those employed ≤150 days/year in hospitality with specific revenue patterns), self-employed individuals, and small employers unless they elect coverage. The bill also expands the definition of "family member" to include grandparents, grandchildren, in-laws, and up to one annually designated non-family individual with a close personal relationship. These changes directly affect workers and employers covered by Minnesota's paid leave law, particularly in hospitality and small businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases funding for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture by approximately $350,000 over two years, primarily to support various agricultural programs and services. The legislation appropriates money for soil health assistance grants, compensation for livestock and crop damage caused by wolves and elk, laboratory equipment replacement, meat inspection services, and grants to counties for agricultural inspectors. Key provisions include setting spending limits on individual grant recipients, allowing administrative cost allocations, and establishing eligibility requirements for county funding. The bill modifies existing appropriations in the 2025 budget and allocates funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the time limit for filing medical malpractice lawsuits in Minnesota from four years to two years, directly affecting patients seeking to sue healthcare providers for negligence. It also restricts how much money plaintiffs can collect from a provider's personal income or assets, allowing such collection only if the provider acted willfully or maliciously or failed to carry at least $1 million in insurance. Additionally, the bill caps noneconomic damages for pain and suffering at $500,000 and limits economic damages to the actual medical expenses paid or owed by the patient. These changes would take effect on August 1, 2025, and apply to cases filed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 16 prohibits Minnesota cities, counties, or local governments from passing laws that block law enforcement from sharing immigration status information with federal authorities. It requires county attorneys to notify federal immigration agencies when someone without legal status is arrested for a violent crime. The bill overrides any local "noncooperation" policies that would restrict this information sharing or federal immigration enforcement. It applies to all local law enforcement and government entities in Minnesota, ensuring consistent cooperation with federal immigration enforcement on specific matters.