Rep. Patti Anderson

Maddy summaryHF 1239 requires state employees, University of Minnesota staff, and other covered officials to report suspected theft, embezzlement, or misuse of public funds to law enforcement immediately. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.456, subdivision 2, to mandate written reports to the legislative auditor within the same timeframe, unless reporting would interfere with an active criminal investigation. The bill directly affects public sector employees handling public funds. This creates a clear reporting pathway for financial misconduct, ensuring such cases are directed to law enforcement rather than internal resolution alone.

Maddy summaryHF 1240 amends Minnesota's laws governing the Legislative Auditor's office to clarify staff requirements and reporting duties. It requires Financial Audit deputies to hold active CPA licenses, prohibits all auditor staff from running for partisan elected office, and mandates that senior state agency officials (like chief executives and finance officers) must notify the auditor about suspected misuse of public funds or unauthorized access to classified government data. These changes directly affect the Legislative Auditor's staff and senior leaders at state agencies subject to audit. The bill defines clearer protocols for conducting audits and investigations while reinforcing the auditor's independence.

Maddy summaryHF 2370 allows Minnesota state agencies to temporarily withhold payments to individuals or organizations (program participants) receiving state or federal funds if a credible fraud allegation is under investigation. Agencies must notify participants within five days of withholding, explain the action without revealing investigation details, and allow them to submit evidence. Withholding ends if fraud evidence is insufficient or after legal proceedings conclude, and case details become public afterward (except for the complainant's identity). This bill directly affects people and groups enrolled in state-funded programs like welfare, housing assistance, or Medicaid who are subjects of fraud investigations.

Maddy summaryHF 1167 blocks all state and federal funding for the Northern Lights Express passenger rail project between Minneapolis and Duluth. It prohibits the Minnesota Commissioner of Transportation and the Metropolitan Council from spending money on any project phase - including studies, planning, engineering, or construction - using state or federal funds. The bill cancels prior appropriations for the project and redirects those funds elsewhere, though specific transfer details aren't outlined in the text. This directly affects state agencies and regional planning bodies responsible for transportation funding decisions. The law takes effect immediately upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 2363 grants residents of long-term care facilities in Minnesota the right to have one designated support person (such as a family member, partner, or close friend) physically present with them while receiving care. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 144.651 and 144G.91, requiring facilities to allow this support person unless restricted for medical reasons (like during surgery) or if the person poses a safety threat. Facilities must follow internal grievance procedures if a support person is denied. This directly affects long-term care residents and facilities, ensuring they can choose a comfort person without facility interference, except in specific safety or clinical circumstances.

Maddy summaryHF 2197 modifies Minnesota's individual income tax credits to better support families. It eliminates the "marriage penalty" by raising the income threshold at which the child credit phases out from $35,000 (married filing jointly) to $75,000, and from $29,500 to $37,500 for other filers. The bill also restricts the Working Family Credit to taxpayers with qualifying children and adjusts credit amounts based on earned income. These changes apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, with inflation adjustments starting in 2025. The bill directly affects Minnesota taxpayers with children who qualify for these credits.

Maddy summaryHF 2234 modifies how Minnesota's metropolitan counties (like Hennepin and Ramsey) must allocate state and regional transportation funds. It increases the required allocation for active transportation, safety studies, transit, and complete streets projects from 41.5% to 58.5%, while decreasing the share for road repairs to 41.5%. The bill also allows counties to use funds for specific mitigation projects and requires new allocations to "supplement, not supplant" existing funding sources. The changes take effect January 1, 2026, for funds received on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 2199 requires counties and local governments planning new transit guideways (like light rail or bus rapid transit) to conduct a detailed cost-benefit analysis before selecting a project. This analysis must compare the proposed guideway to alternatives like bus rapid transit, regular bus service, or road expansions, covering specific metrics such as ridership, vehicle traffic changes, costs (capital and maintenance), revenue, environmental impact, and travel times. The responsible government unit must submit the analysis to the state transportation department and Metropolitan Council within 30 days, with both agencies posting it online. The bill applies to projects seeking state or federal funding in specific counties (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington), excluding the Gold Line project. It aims to provide transparent, standardized data for evaluating transit investment options.

Maddy summaryHF 2232 changes Minnesota's state contract rules to protect the state from unfair terms and support small businesses. The bill bans contract clauses requiring the state to pay for others' mistakes, allowing contractors to unilaterally change terms, or mandating arbitration. It also creates new opportunities: small businesses in economically disadvantaged areas and veteran-owned small businesses can receive up to a 12% preference in state contracts, and the state can award contracts directly to small businesses without competitive bidding up to $100,000. Additionally, prime contractors must subcontract portions of contracts to small businesses, with financial incentives for meeting goals and penalties for failing to do so.

Maddy summaryHF 290 exempts specific health-related purchases made by public and private health plans from Minnesota's sales and use tax. It creates two new exemptions: (1) single-use medical items prescribed by a physician (like bandages or syringes), and (2) other items purchased under private health plans not already covered by existing exemptions. These changes apply to purchases made after June 30, 2025, and directly affect health plans purchasing these items. The bill modifies Minnesota Statutes 297A.67 to clarify which health care materials qualify for tax exemption.