Rep. Sandra Feist

Maddy summaryHF 1957 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Technology Association. The funds support the SciTech internship program, which matches college students (including graduate students) in STEM fields with paid internships at small Minnesota tech companies (under 250 employees worldwide). The grant reimburses employers for 50% of intern wages, capped at $3,000 per intern, and requires efforts to increase participation from women and other underserved groups. This one-time funding directly supports students seeking STEM internships and small employers hiring them.

Maddy summaryHF 982 creates a new education benefit in Minnesota for dependents of disabled veterans. It provides full tuition, mandatory fees, and book coverage (after subtracting other aid) for dependents of veterans with a 100% permanent disability, and 50% coverage for dependents of veterans with a 70%+ disability rating. The benefit applies to undergraduate programs at Minnesota state colleges, universities, or the University of Minnesota Board of Regents institutions. Eligible students must be enrolled at these institutions, and institutions apply for the benefit on their behalf through the Office of Higher Education.

Maddy summaryHF 2384 establishes a grant program to help counties clean up blighted properties and address environmental contamination on tax-forfeited or tax-foreclosed properties they own or hold in trust. The bill appropriates funds for fiscal years 2026-2027, allowing counties to apply for grants to cover remediation costs, testing, monitoring, and fixing unsafe conditions. Counties must submit detailed applications proving property ownership, contamination evidence, blight documentation, and a remediation plan. The Pollution Control Agency will award grants, prioritizing counties' ability to fund projects without grants and ensuring statewide distribution.

Maddy summaryHF 1021 increases funding for the Minnesota Family Resiliency Partnership by reallocating more court and marriage license fees. It raises the amount from dissolution court fees (currently $30) to $60 per fee, and increases the marriage license fee contribution from $25 to $55 per license. These additional funds are directed to the Partnership’s special revenue fund under section 116L.96. The bill directly affects the Partnership’s budget, providing increased resources for its programs without changing eligibility or service delivery.

Maddy summaryHF 1845 expands Minnesota's definition of "veteran" to include two specific groups: (1) Hmong veterans naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000, and (2) individuals who served honorably with secret guerrilla units or irregular forces operating from Laos in support of U.S. forces between February 28, 1961, and May 14, 1975. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 197.447 to add these categories to the existing definition, ensuring these veterans qualify for state benefits. It also creates an advisory task force of veterans, experts, and community members to help determine eligibility under the new definition. This change directly affects Hmong veterans and Laotian-based veterans who previously may not have met Minnesota's veteran criteria.

Maddy summaryHF 2352 increases funding for Minnesota schools offering approved recovery programs that support students recovering from substance abuse. It raises the maximum annual grant per program from $125,000 to $325,000 to cover costs for recovery staff, student support, and approved transportation. The bill appropriates $1.95 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1.95 million for 2027, with unused 2026 funds carrying over to 2027. These changes apply to programs recognized by the state and take effect starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 2261 clarifies and modifies Minnesota's landlord-tenant laws, directly affecting residential landlords and tenants. The bill updates landlord covenants (Minnesota Statutes 504B.161) requiring properties to be fit for use, in reasonable repair, energy-efficient under specific cost-saving conditions, and compliant with health/safety laws. It provides tenants with a clearer process to deposit rent with the court administrator if landlords fail to fix violations after 14 days (Minnesota Statutes 504B.385), while adding a 14-day written notice requirement for landlords before tenant legal action (Minnesota Statutes 504B.395, subdivision 4). These changes aim to streamline dispute resolution without altering core tenant protections.

Maddy summaryHF 2220 prohibits Minnesota state agencies from charging parking fees to state employees at facilities owned or operated by the state. It directly affects all state employees who park on state property, whether working or with manager approval for personal use. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes (sections 16B.04 and 16B.58) to require free parking, removing all fees, fines, or penalties for eligible employees. This change applies to all state parking lots managed under the Department of Administration, ensuring employees receive a free parking permit.

Maddy summaryHF 774 requires health insurance plans in Minnesota to cover vasectomies as part of contraceptive services. Currently, state law excludes vasectomies from the definition of "contraceptive service," meaning plans weren't obligated to cover them; this bill removes that exclusion. The law amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 62Q.522, to include vasectomies under required contraceptive coverage without cost-sharing. The requirement takes effect January 1, 2026, for health plans offered, issued, or renewed after that date, directly affecting insurance providers and individuals seeking vasectomy procedures.

Maddy summaryHF 2227 appropriates $375,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to fund shelter services for racially diverse youth. The money will be distributed as $125,000 grants to 180 Degrees programs in Rochester, St. Cloud, and central Minnesota (west of the Twin Cities) to address racial disparities in shelter usage. These programs must provide community outreach, mobile case management, family reunification, aftercare, and follow-up services, with specific focus on rural areas served by these shelters. The bill directly affects at-risk youth in those regions who use shelter services, aiming to improve support through targeted funding.