Rep. Sandra Feist

Maddy summaryHF 3339 reinstates a citizen advisory board for Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which was eliminated by the legislature in 2015. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to require the governor to appoint eight citizen members who must reflect the state's racial, gender, and geographic diversity, including at least one Tribal Nation member, three members from environmental justice communities, one small farmer, and one labor union member. This board will review specific agency decisions - such as permits, environmental impact statements, and rule changes - and provide public input on environmental policies. The change directly affects how the MPCA makes decisions, adding a layer of public oversight previously removed.

Maddy summaryHF 3329 requires that if a defendant has a public defender or court-appointed attorney in a criminal case, that same attorney must represent the defendant's property in related civil forfeiture litigation. The bill mandates that civil forfeiture cases must be paused ("stayed") until after the criminal case concludes. Defendants have up to 90 days after the criminal conviction to respond to the civil forfeiture complaint, and failure to respond before conviction does not automatically result in a default. This applies directly to individuals facing both criminal charges and civil forfeiture of property under Minnesota Statutes § 609.531, subdivision 6a.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (not a bill with policy changes), passed by the Minnesota House. It urges Congress to exercise its constitutional authority to oversee the Executive branch and defend the Constitution. The resolution specifically cites concerns about the Executive branch allegedly bypassing courts, impounding funds, and infringing on free speech, and asks Congress to "assert its constitutional oversight authority." It directs Minnesota's Secretary of State to send copies to Congress and Minnesota's federal representatives.

Maddy summaryHF 3320 establishes a statewide ban on all new billboards in Minnesota, effective immediately after enactment. It prohibits state agencies and local governments from issuing permits for new billboards or allowing their construction anywhere in the state. Existing billboards are declared "nonconforming uses," meaning they can remain but cannot be expanded, replaced, or relocated. The bill directly affects billboard owners, advertising companies, and local governments responsible for land use permits, aiming to preserve Minnesota's natural scenery to support tourism.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House resolution (H.R. No. 5) passed by the Minnesota House of Representatives, not a binding law. It condemns federal executive orders targeting immigrants and expresses support for immigrant communities in Minnesota. The resolution urges federal lawmakers to oppose current immigration policies, calls for comprehensive reform including a pathway to citizenship, and specifically references the Neighbors Not Enemies Act (which would repeal the Alien Enemies Act of 1798). It directs Minnesota's congressional delegation to actively oppose these policies and sends copies to the President and federal legislators. The resolution has no legal effect but formally states the House's position.

Maddy summaryHF 1660 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to conduct a statewide assessment of out-of-school youth programs for children and teens under 21. The commissioner must gather data on current programs, funding, and populations served, while engaging youth, families, and community providers to identify barriers and gaps. By February 2026, the commissioner must submit a report with findings and recommendations to legislative committees, including proposals to improve access and quality. The bill appropriates a one-time $ amount in fiscal year 2026 specifically for this assessment and reporting process.

Maddy summaryHF 3281 requires Minnesota's Department of Health to hire a public health school health services consultant. The consultant must be a registered nurse with specific Minnesota licensure, three years of school nursing experience, and expertise in school health for children and adolescents. This position will develop policies, support school health professionals through training and resources, and improve coordination between schools, health centers, and agencies. The bill directly affects the Department of Health (which must hire the consultant), school nurses, and school health professionals statewide. It focuses on enhancing health services and educational outcomes for students in schools through structured support and resource development.

Maddy summaryHF 2289 requires Minnesota hospitals to maintain registered nurse staffing levels consistent with nationally accepted standards, ensuring adequate care for patients. Hospitals must create and implement staffing plans specifying maximum patient-to-nurse ratios for each unit, developed with input from direct-care registered nurses, and report these levels to the state. The bill prohibits retaliation against nurses who raise staffing concerns and imposes civil penalties for noncompliance. It directly affects all licensed Minnesota hospitals, their nursing staff, and patients by mandating safer staffing practices. The law appropriates funding to support implementation of these requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 104 makes statements and documents created during restorative justice practices (like conferences or circles) inadmissible in court. It protects confidentiality for all participants - including those who caused harm, those harmed, and community members - and classifies their personal data as private. The bill prohibits using such statements or data in legal proceedings unless exceptions apply, such as preventing serious harm or crime. This directly affects individuals participating in Minnesota's restorative justice programs by ensuring their discussions remain confidential during the process.

Maddy summaryHF 1653 appropriates $1 million from state bonds to fund electric bus charging stations for school buses statewide. The bill directs the commissioner of commerce to provide grants to eligible school districts or public transit agencies under Minnesota Statutes §216C.374, specifically for installing Level 2 and Level 3 charging infrastructure. Funding comes from bonds sold by the state under established procedures, with grants awarded through the existing electric school bus deployment program. This measure directly affects school transportation systems seeking to transition to electric fleets, effective upon final enactment.