Rep. Ripper Repinski

Maddy summaryHF 1984 creates a new grant program to support Minnesotans affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). It appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of health. The commissioner must award grants to a statewide organization focused solely on FASD prevention and intervention. The grantee must develop programming providing resource navigation, individualized support, education, and social connection opportunities for people with FASD and their families/caregivers. This bill directly affects Minnesotans living with FASD and their support networks through new state-funded services.

Maddy summaryHF 2881 appropriates $4.9 million from the general fund for the Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with the same amount continuing annually thereafter. This funding directly supports the task force's operations, enabling it to investigate and combat human trafficking within Minnesota. The bill provides specific, concrete financial resources without altering existing laws or creating new obligations.

Maddy summaryHF 697 appropriates $1.27 million for fiscal year 2026 and $2.05 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to purchase weather forecasting radar data. The funding aims to fill five critical radar coverage gaps in Minnesota during the first year, expanding to eight gaps annually thereafter, to improve weather monitoring. The procured data must be shared with the Departments of Agriculture, Transportation, and Pollution Control. This funding directly supports the Public Safety Commissioner’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division for enhancing public safety through better weather planning and response.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows law enforcement to use mobile tracking devices (like GPS trackers) on vehicles fleeing from police officers, which was previously prohibited under state law. It directly affects police departments and officers by expanding their tools for tracking vehicles during high-speed pursuits. The key change amends Minnesota Statutes to create an exception for "fleeing motor vehicles," defining "flee" using existing law (section 609.487, subdivision 1). The policy change takes effect August 1, 2025, for crimes committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 2525 establishes a state program to provide free hearing protection products meeting specific safety standards to Minnesota public safety officers. The program, funded by a $2 million appropriation from the general fund for fiscal year 2026, covers eligible peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical providers. Products must have a minimum 25 decibel noise reduction rating and maximum 80 decibel output. Applications are processed in order received while supplies last, with no cost to applicants.

Maddy summaryHF 363 establishes a $5 per acre property tax credit for agricultural land certified under Minnesota's agricultural water quality program in specific counties (Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona). This credit directly affects farmers who have land certified by the Department of Agriculture under the water quality program in those counties. The credit reduces property taxes payable to local governments, with the state reimbursing counties and school districts through annual appropriations from the general fund. Payments for the credit will begin for property taxes due in 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 1935 raises reimbursement rates for long-term heart rhythm monitoring services provided by diagnostic testing facilities in Minnesota. Specifically, it requires the state to pay these facilities 100% of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rate (or higher) for external cardiac patch monitoring devices worn by patients for 48+ hours to detect dangerous heart arrhythmias. This change affects diagnostic testing facilities that provide these specific cardiac monitoring services, which help diagnose conditions that could lead to stroke or cardiac arrest if undetected. The new rate takes effect on January 1, 2026, or after federal approval, whichever comes later.

Maddy summaryHF 1265 amends Minnesota Statutes section 241.80 to require the Commissioner of Corrections to develop a policy providing cultural programming services to American Indian inmates in all state correctional facilities and community-based programs. The bill mandates services including spiritual/cultural education, work training for post-incarceration employment, development of cultural pride, and partnerships with Tribal Nations to address unique needs. Key provisions require programming that teaches American Indian history, traditions, and spiritual practices, fosters mutual respect between staff and inmates, and facilitates rehabilitation and community reentry. The policy must be implemented within available funding, with the option to contract with American Indian nonprofit organizations. This directly affects American Indian inmates across Minnesota's correctional system.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota law to clarify and limit optometrists' authority to prescribe or administer certain drugs. It specifically sets new time limits: oral antivirals may not be prescribed for more than 10 days, oral steroids for more than 14 days (requiring physician consultation), and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors for more than seven days. These changes apply directly to licensed optometrists in Minnesota who prescribe medications for eye conditions under the Board of Optometry's rules. The bill maintains existing restrictions on intravenous injections, invasive surgery, and Schedule II/III oral drugs.

Maddy summaryHF 247 modifies Minnesota's rules for nonoxygenated gasoline sales. It allows retail gas stations within five miles of a motor sports racing facility to store this gasoline in up to two tanks (instead of one), while requiring all stations selling it to post clear signage stating its permitted uses (collector vehicles, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, or small engines). The gasoline must be unleaded premium grade, and stations must report annual sales to the state director every two years. This directly affects gas stations near racing facilities and users of specialty vehicles requiring nonoxygenated fuel.