Rep. Matt Norris

Maddy summaryHF 89 amends Minnesota Statutes section 147A.02 to modify requirements for physician assistant collaborative agreements. Currently, the law requires physician assistants to complete 2,080 hours of practice under a collaborative agreement in a hospital or integrated clinical setting, with specific conditions like shared patient care experience between the PA and collaborating physician. This bill changes those requirements, though the exact modifications are not detailed in the provided text. The bill directly affects physician assistants and the physicians they collaborate with in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 1145 prohibits Minnesota legislators from acting as lobbyists for two years after leaving office. It directly affects former state legislators who would otherwise seek lobbying roles immediately following their service. The bill authorizes a civil penalty of up to $25,000 or the amount earned from violating the ban, whichever is lower. This law applies to legislators whose service ends on or after the effective date following final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 1277 modifies Minnesota's sales and use tax exemption for data centers, providing a tax break on purchases of qualifying equipment and software. It creates three categories of qualifying data centers (standard, refurbished, and large-scale) with specific size, investment, and operational requirements - such as a minimum 25,000 square feet, $30 million in investments within 48 months, and features like backup power and security systems. The bill requires tax to be collected at standard rates but refunded later, applying to equipment like servers, cooling systems, and power infrastructure used in these facilities. This directly benefits data center operators investing in Minnesota facilities that meet the defined thresholds.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $238,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $238,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to support the Minnesota Helmets to Hardhats program. The funds will help Building Strong Communities connect National Guard members, military reservists, active duty personnel, and veterans to construction industry apprenticeships and career training through the Department of Labor and Industry. The program must not discriminate based on protected characteristics like race, religion, or gender. It directly affects military-connected individuals seeking careers in building and construction trades.

Maddy summaryHF 1762 proposes adding a new constitutional amendment to Minnesota's state constitution. If approved by voters, it would guarantee all persons equal rights under state law and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex - including protections for pregnancy decisions, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. The amendment would apply to all state actions and agencies, requiring any discriminatory state action to be the "least restrictive means" of achieving a "compelling governmental interest." The proposed amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, with implementation starting January 1, 2027, if ratified.

Maddy summaryHF 1891 establishes a supplemental anatomical gift education program for Minnesota driver's license and identification card applicants. It provides a 50% fee credit toward the standard license or ID card fee for applicants who complete this program, with the credit rounded to the nearest $0.25. The credit applies only to new or renewal applications for standard licenses or ID cards (not permits, provisional licenses, or duplicates). Applicants may also choose to add a $2 voluntary donation to support anatomical gift education. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes sections 171.06 and 171.075, effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 1033 creates tax and fee exemptions for surviving spouses of veterans who died while serving honorably in active duty (defined as "Gold Star spouses"). It eliminates registration taxes, license plate fees, title fees, driver's license/ID card fees, and motor vehicle sales taxes for these spouses on up to two vehicles. The bill amends Minnesota statutes to include this exemption in vehicle registration (section 168.012), driver's license processing (section 171.06), and sales tax provisions (section 297B.03). Exemptions exclude personalized plate fees and special plate donations, and the law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 1258 allows Minnesota school districts to form cooperation agreements to jointly operate and maintain ice arenas, sharing expenses across multiple districts. It amends state law to permit two or more districts to create formal agreements for apportioning costs and levies, requiring them to report these arrangements to the Department of Education. The bill also mandates that any district operating an ice arena must demonstrate equal access to ice time and team support for male and female athletes, particularly for girls' ice sports programs. This law takes effect for taxes payable in 2026 and later.

Maddy summaryHF 1824 appropriates state funds to create technology portals on the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families website. These portals will connect vulnerable children and families with community support systems, including churches, nonprofits, and civic organizations. The bill allocates specific funding for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 as a one-time appropriation from the general fund. This policy change directly enables the department to establish a centralized digital resource for accessing local support services.

Maddy summaryHF 1742 establishes a three-year pilot program to certify direct support professionals who assist Minnesotans with disabilities or older adults with daily living needs. The bill requires a 80-hour training curriculum (over 8 weeks) meeting state standards, provides scholarships with a $20/hour work stipend, and creates a "certified direct support professional" credential. Providers using certified workers in covered programs (like community-based services for people with disabilities) would receive an enhanced payment rate of 118.75% of the standard medical assistance rate, pending federal approval. The pilot will be evaluated to assess workforce impact, economic benefits in Anoka and Dakota Counties, and potential for statewide expansion.