Rep. Kari Rehrauer

Maddy summaryHF 1209 appropriates one-time funding from the general fund for a voluntary well water testing program in Minnesota. The bill directs the state health commissioner, working with the University of Minnesota and nonprofits, to develop a program offering free well water testing through local clinics. This program will provide private well owners with testing services, information on water safety, treatment options, and guidance for creating well owner safety plans. The funding is specifically for fiscal year 2026 and applies only to private wells, not public water systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases funding for school districts' pupil transportation costs by adjusting how transportation aid is calculated. It requires districts to receive additional funds equal to 35-70% of the difference between their actual transportation costs and previous funding formulas, starting in fiscal year 2026. Charter schools receive similar adjustments based on district per-pupil funding. The bill appropriates specific funding for 2026 and 2027 to support these changes. It directly affects all Minnesota public school districts and charter schools that provide student transportation.

Maddy summaryHF 1415 increases funding for Minnesota's school unemployment aid program, which provides financial support to hourly school employees who face unemployment between academic terms. The bill appropriates specific additional funds from the general fund to the Department of Education for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This directly affects hourly school workers, such as those in maintenance or summer programs, who qualify for unemployment aid under existing rules. The change simply adds more money to an existing account without altering eligibility or program structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota permit to carry handgun holders to notify their issuing sheriff within 30 days of a legal name change. It amends Minnesota Statutes section 624.714 to specify that failure to provide this notification is a petty misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $25. Permit holders who update their name must also pay a $10 fee to obtain a replacement permit card. The law directly affects individuals holding concealed carry permits who legally change their name, ensuring official records reflect their current legal identity.

Maddy summaryHF 134 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to establish a violence prevention research center under the commissioner of public safety. The center must operate as a nonprofit, nonpartisan entity focused on reducing violence in Minnesota, with specific emphasis on gun violence. It will use data and analysis to improve criminal justice policies and practices in the state. The bill directly affects the commissioner of public safety (who administers the funds) and the research center itself.

Maddy summaryHF 497 appropriates $2.2 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund a statewide housing mediation program run by Community Mediation Minnesota. The program directly serves renters, residential property owners, and homeowners facing housing disputes, including eviction threats. Key provisions require the program to provide free dispute resolution services (like eviction prevention and mediation), increase access for seniors and renters with disabilities, partner with culturally specific organizations, and integrate with legal and resource services. The funding also mandates expanding mediator diversity and evaluating program effectiveness. This bill creates a structured state-funded system to resolve housing conflicts before they reach court.

Maddy summaryHF 1028 increases state funding for Minnesota school districts through multiple adjustments to education finance formulas. It raises the general education basic formula allowance, special education cross subsidy aid, English learner cross subsidy aid, school unemployment aid, and safe schools revenue. The bill modifies how compensatory revenue eligibility is calculated and allows school boards to renew voter-approved operating referendums more than once. These changes, effective for fiscal year 2027 and later, directly affect all Minnesota public school districts by altering their state funding calculations and administrative powers. The bill does not create new programs but adjusts existing funding mechanisms and eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryHF 846 allocates $3 million annually for 2026 and 2027 to fund registered special education apprenticeship programs. It provides $740,000 grants each year to four specific intermediate school districts (287, 288, 916, and 917) for these programs. The funds must cover program administration, apprentice stipends/tuition, mentor teacher stipends, and substitute teacher costs. This directly supports special education apprentices and their training partnerships with higher education institutions. The bill does not change existing laws but provides dedicated funding for these specific programs.

Maddy summaryHF 773 prohibits health insurance companies in Minnesota from requiring cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles) for specific short office visits for infants, children, and adolescents. The bill applies when visits are under 15 minutes and focus on evidence-based preventive care aligned with federal Health Resources and Services Administration guidelines. It also requires insurers to allow providers to bill separately for preventive services delivered during these visits. This directly affects health insurers, pediatric providers, and families seeking routine preventive care for young patients. The law amends Minnesota Statutes section 62Q.46 to add these protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HF 675) is a symbolic joint resolution designating January 16 as "Religious Freedom Day" in Minnesota. It commemorates the 1786 Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (written by Thomas Jefferson) and affirms the state's commitment to religious liberty as a fundamental right for all Minnesotans, regardless of their beliefs or lack thereof. The resolution urges the legislature to celebrate religious diversity and promote respect for all individuals, while encouraging protection of religious practice from interference by government or other entities. It has no legal effect beyond this symbolic recognition and does not create new laws or policies.