Rep. Ripper Repinski

Maddy summaryHF 3131 creates a new cancer-related disability parking certificate in Minnesota. It allows people diagnosed with cancer who experience mobility issues from the cancer, treatment, or related conditions to qualify for disability parking permits. To qualify, applicants must provide a medical statement confirming a cancer diagnosis, mobility impact lasting at least 30 days, and submit an application. The certificate is valid for up to 12 months and grants parking privileges only when the vehicle is transporting the certified individual. This directly affects cancer patients needing temporary mobility accommodations.

Maddy summaryHF 3586 establishes a $10 million annual grant program for regional food banks and Minnesota Tribal governments in Minnesota, funded through the general fund for fiscal years 2027-2029. The program distributes funds based on poverty and unemployment data in each area, requiring grantees to use money for purchasing, transporting, and distributing food and hygiene products (like diapers) at no cost to recipients. Funds cannot cover staff salaries or other ineligible expenses, and grantees must report spending and maintain records for oversight. This bill directly supports food banks serving low-income individuals and families by expanding access to essential food and hygiene supplies.

Maddy summaryHF 82 clarifies the scope of practice for licensed athletic trainers in Minnesota. The bill defines "athletic training" to include specific activities like injury prevention, emergency care, assessment, rehabilitation, and clinical decision-making within the trainer's expertise. It requires athletic trainers to work under a primary physician's direction, with documented protocols updated yearly, and limits initial treatment of undiagnosed injuries to 30 days (or less as specified by the physician). This directly affects athletic trainers, primary physicians, and healthcare facilities employing them, ensuring clear boundaries for their practice while preventing overlap with other licensed professions like physical therapy or medicine.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how the state of Minnesota pays military personnel serving in state active service. It requires commissioned officers and enlisted members to receive pay and allowances equal to what they would earn in the U.S. armed forces for the same rank and service time, with a minimum basic pay floor set at the federal E-5 pay grade rate. The legislation removes an older provision that allowed a flat $130 daily payment for enlisted members, replacing it with the requirement to match federal military pay standards. This change directly affects Minnesota National Guard members and other military personnel called to state active duty service.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's military pay structure by updating the minimum daily pay for state active duty personnel. It requires commissioned officers and enlisted members to receive state pay equal to current federal military rates for their grade and service length, with a new floor of basic pay equivalent to an E-5 pay grade. The legislation replaces the previous $130 daily minimum with this federal-based standard while repealing the old provision that allowed the $130 minimum to apply regardless of federal rates.

Maddy summaryHF 3532 expands eligibility for burial in Minnesota state veterans cemeteries to include honorably discharged National Guard members and other reserve component veterans, along with their spouses and dependent children. It modifies existing rules to explicitly cover these new groups while maintaining fee-free burial for active-duty service members and veterans as defined by federal law. The bill also establishes a fee schedule for the new eligibility group and requires the Veterans Affairs commissioner to create a policy for waiving fees for indigent applicants. These changes directly affect National Guard/reserve veterans and their families seeking burial in state cemeteries.

Maddy summaryHF 3685 creates a new high school diploma option for Minnesota veterans who did not complete high school before joining the military. It allows the state education commissioner to award a standard diploma based on military service experience to veterans who: (1) served in the Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, or left school before graduation to join active duty; (2) are Minnesota residents or former residents with an honorable discharge; and (3) apply through a joint process with the Education and Veterans Affairs departments. The bill directly affects veterans who left school early for military service but have not earned a high school diploma. It establishes concrete eligibility criteria and an application pathway without altering existing diploma requirements for other students.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the requirements for marriage and family therapists to obtain a Minnesota license through reciprocity with other states. It allows the state licensing board to issue licenses to out-of-state therapists who meet specific criteria, including holding a valid license in good standing elsewhere, passing a Minnesota jurisprudence exam, and having no criminal convictions or disciplinary actions. The changes streamline the application process by clearly outlining five conditions that applicants must satisfy, such as completing the required application and fees. Therapists seeking to practice in Minnesota from other jurisdictions would need to demonstrate their qualifications meet these new standards before receiving a state license.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota municipalities from charging fees for residential improvements needed to accommodate a veteran's disability. It directly affects veterans with recognized physical or mental impairments who are making home modifications to meet their disability needs. Under the new law, local governments cannot charge permit, inspection, or licensing fees for these specific improvements, and they cannot deny permits or inspections due to unpaid fees related to such work. Veterans must still submit standard applications and provide proof of their veteran status and disability connection to qualify for the fee waiver. The law takes effect immediately upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 3609 prevents drug manufacturers from restricting how 340B program drugs are delivered to participating hospitals and clinics. It adds enforcement by treating violations as deceptive trade practices, allowing the attorney general to take action. The bill permanently removes an expiration date (previously set for July 1, 2027), making these restrictions permanent. This directly affects safety-net healthcare providers that rely on the 340B program for discounted medications.