Rep. Ripper Repinski

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's "Read Act" to require literacy instruction based on "science of reading" research, emphasizing evidence-based methods like phonics and decoding while explicitly excluding the three-cueing system. It establishes a new Office of Achievement and Innovation within the Department of Education to support literacy implementation and creates a statewide school performance reporting system. The bill also allows school boards to opt out of complying with certain recently enacted state education laws or rules and authorizes fund transfers for education programs through fiscal year 2029. These changes directly affect all Minnesota public school districts, educators, and students by reshaping literacy instruction requirements and school accountability systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the official title of "physician assistant" to "physician associate" in Minnesota law for licensed professionals. It clarifies that "physician associate," "physician assistant," and "PA" are synonymous terms, with no change to the scope of practice or rights for these professionals. The bill prohibits discrimination in employment, contracts, or healthcare relationships due to this title change and requires state agencies and documents to update all references to the new title. It directly affects licensed physician associates, healthcare facilities, employers, insurers, and government programs that interact with these professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of up to $78.9 million in state bonds to fund improvements at Winona State University. The funds will be used to demolish two existing buildings, Gildemeister and Watkins Halls, and construct a new academic facility with flexible classrooms, laboratories, and studios. The new building will incorporate sustainable design features and high-performance building strategies. The legislation directs the commissioner of management and budget to sell the bonds and provides the money to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees for implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local fire departments in Minnesota to report fires involving alternative energy systems, such as wind, solar, or geothermal installations, to the state fire marshal. The reports must include details about the fire's cause, damage, and any injuries or deaths, and must be submitted as soon as possible after the incident. The state fire marshal will then compile these reports annually and submit a summary to state legislative committees by February 15 each year. This law directly affects city and town fire chiefs, mayors, and town clerks who manage fire reporting, as well as state officials responsible for fire safety oversight.

Maddy summaryHF 2016 modifies Minnesota's general education funding to include safe schools aid for charter schools. The bill adds $36 per adjusted pupil unit for charter schools, calculated annually, to be reserved exclusively for school safety purposes defined in state law (section 126C.44, subdivision 4). This funding is integrated into the existing general education revenue calculation for charter schools, which previously received funding as though they were school districts. The change directly affects all public charter schools operating in Minnesota by providing dedicated safety funding aligned with district-level practices. It does not alter overall funding formulas but specifies a new, targeted use for a portion of existing revenue.

Maddy summaryHF 3529 increases safe schools funding for Minnesota school districts and expands eligibility to charter schools, cooperative school units, nonpublic schools, and Tribal contract schools. For school districts, starting in fiscal year 2026, safe schools revenue will be the greater of $32,000 or $44 multiplied by the district's adjusted pupil count. Charter schools, nonpublic schools, and Tribal contract schools will receive aid calculated as $44 multiplied by their student enrollment or pupil units, as reported to the state. Funds must be used exclusively for school safety measures, including security, drug prevention programs, and student safety initiatives.

Maddy summaryHF 81 exempts off-highway vehicles, snowmobiles, and electric-assisted bicycles from Minnesota's PFAS (chemicals) restrictions that apply to juvenile products. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes § 116.943 by adding these vehicles to the list of items excluded from the definition of "juvenile product" (which otherwise covers items like cribs, strollers, and baby pillows). This means manufacturers of these vehicles are not subject to PFAS prohibitions that apply to other juvenile products. The change clarifies that PFAS rules for consumer goods do not extend to these specific recreational vehicles. The bill was referred to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

Maddy summaryHF 129 requires the Director of the state's child sex trafficking prevention program to submit an annual evaluation report to the legislature every odd-numbered year. This directly affects the state's child trafficking prevention program and the legislature, which will receive these evaluations for review. The key provision mandates these regular reports to assess the program's effectiveness, with the first report due in 2027. The bill became law on April 30, 2025, and takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 3318 requires the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board to create a commemorative work honoring Minnesota's first recorded Italian immigrant on Capitol grounds, with design completion by December 2026 and installation by December 2027. The bill appropriates funds from the general fund for the project, allocating $ for the Board in fiscal year 2026 (available until June 2028) and similar funding for the Department of Administration. This procedural bill directly affects state agencies responsible for Capitol design and funding, recognizing Italian-American contributions through a physical memorial.

Maddy summaryHF 417 modifies Minnesota's individual income tax code to exclude tips (gratuities paid to employees) from taxable income. This change directly affects service industry workers, such as restaurant staff, who receive tips as part of their earnings. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 290.0132 by adding a new provision stating that tip amounts are a subtraction from taxable income, meaning these earnings will not be subject to state income tax. The provision takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.