Rep. Steve Gander

Maddy summaryHF 2883 restricts the use of state funds for abortions within Minnesota's state-sponsored health programs. It prohibits the commissioner of human services from using state money for abortion services, except when necessary to maintain eligibility for federal health programs. The bill applies specifically to state health programs administered by the human services commissioner and references Minnesota's legal definition of abortion. This policy change directly affects how state health funds can be allocated for reproductive care services.

Maddy summaryHF 568 appropriates $6.5 million from state bonds to fund construction and renovation of education learning centers for two specific special education cooperatives in Minnesota: Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative No. 6096-52 and Area Special Education Cooperative No. 997. The funds will support centers housing regional programs for students with autism, cognitive disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, and other specific educational needs, including Level IV special education services. The money comes directly from state bond proceeds without requiring local matching funds. This bill provides concrete funding for physical infrastructure to expand specialized educational services for these student populations.

Maddy summaryHF 15, the "Safe Haven In Every Local District (SHIELD) Act," requires all Minnesota public school districts and charter schools to include specific student and staff safety measures in their long-term facility plans by August 2025. The bill creates new grants to fund comprehensive security systems, including features like bullet-resistant doors, emergency alert systems, and staff training, with priority given to schools serving the most students. School districts must apply for these grants through the Minnesota School Safety Center, which will rank applicants and provide lists of approved vendors. The law appropriates funds from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to support these security upgrades and plan updates.

Maddy summaryHF 1346 modifies the training requirements for mandatory reporters, such as teachers, healthcare workers, and social workers, who are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. The bill updates current training standards to better equip these professionals with necessary knowledge and procedures. This change directly affects individuals in these roles who must complete the mandated training. The law became effective on August 1, 2025, following its approval by the governor on April 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 3347 modifies Minnesota liquor licensing rules to authorize specific venues to sell alcohol without usual zoning restrictions. It allows St. Paul to issue on-sale licenses to the Fitzgerald Theatre, Science Museum of Minnesota, and Union Depot, bypassing typical distance requirements from schools or churches. The bill also updates rules for the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, permitting licenses for Northrop Auditorium, football stadiums (like TCF Huntington Bank Stadium), and up to seven other campus locations for events. These changes directly affect those specific venues and the Board of Regents by removing barriers to alcohol sales during permitted events.

Maddy summaryHF 382 modifies how Minnesota calculates wage rates for staff in disability waiver programs, directly affecting providers serving people with disabilities and their employees. The bill establishes new percentage-based formulas using median wages for specific job titles (e.g., 15% of home health aide wages + 30% of nursing assistant wages for residential direct care staff) instead of previous calculations. It affects 17 staff categories including residential care, employment support, and positive supports roles. The changes take effect January 1, 2026, or after federal approval, and amend Minnesota Statutes 256B.4914.

Maddy summaryHF 200 appropriates $35 million in state funds for Minnesota towns' road and bridge maintenance, with $25 million specifically for roads and $10 million for bridges. The funds will come from bonds issued by the state under Minnesota law, to be distributed by the commissioner of transportation according to existing rules (Minnesota Statutes §162.081). This bill directly affects Minnesota towns needing infrastructure repairs by providing dedicated funding for local road and bridge projects. The bond sales and fund distribution follow established procedures outlined in Minnesota Statutes and the state constitution.

Maddy summaryHF 841 appropriates a one-time emergency appropriation from the general fund to the commissioner of children, youth, and families for food shelf programs in Minnesota. The bill allocates unspecified funds to support existing food shelf programs under Minnesota Statutes section 142F.14, requiring quick distribution and making the funds available until June 30, 2026. This legislation directly affects community food shelves across Minnesota by providing state funding to support their operations. The bill focuses solely on funding allocation with no changes to program eligibility or structure. It is effective upon enactment and does not specify a dollar amount in the provided text.

Maddy summaryHF 3144 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 to support medical supply delivery to rural Minnesota communities using small drones. The bill directly affects rural residents who may face challenges accessing medical supplies, as well as state agencies implementing drone delivery systems. Key provisions include funding infrastructure for drone operations beyond visual line of sight, assisting with federal regulatory approvals, testing delivery systems, and public education on drone use. The commissioner of transportation must coordinate with the commissioner of health and the Board of Pharmacy on how these funds are used.

Maddy summaryHF 2662 provides financial aid to Minnesota ambulance services with low emergency response density (30 or fewer responses per square mile). Eligible providers receive funding calculated in three parts: 20% equally distributed, 40% based on service area size (capped at 1,200 sq miles), and 40% based on a points system for emergency calls. The bill appropriates $15 million annually for 2026-2027, requiring recipients to spend funds within two years on local ambulance services and submit annual reports on usage. It excludes specialized life support responses from calculations and mandates reporting to the legislature on fund distribution. This directly affects rural ambulance providers with limited service area coverage.