Rep. Sandra Feist

Maddy summaryHF 31 modifies how Minnesota school districts calculate eligibility for compensatory revenue funding (used to support students from low-income backgrounds). It changes the method to combine both direct certification (using existing eligibility data) and application of education benefits to determine funding. The bill also allows districts to allocate up to 20% of compensatory funds off-site for broader student needs, while requiring 80% to stay at the school building level. Additionally, it establishes a Compensatory Revenue Task Force to review the system and updates professional development requirements for teachers under the Read Act.

Maddy summaryHF 1147 amends Minnesota law to allow school-age care programs to serve eligible prekindergarten students. It expands the definition of "eligible children" to include children not yet enrolled in kindergarten who have a disability (per state disability law), are experiencing temporary family issues, or are enrolled in kindergarten through grade 6. The bill does not change existing requirements for school-age care programs, such as adult supervision during school breaks, parental involvement, or partnerships with schools. This change enables school districts to extend existing care services to younger children meeting these specific criteria.

Maddy summaryHF 1312 prohibits hospitals and health systems from charging separate "facility fees" for nonemergency services at off-campus provider-based clinics (located at least 250 yards from main hospital buildings) and for specific services like outpatient evaluations. It directly affects patients receiving care at these clinics and hospitals that previously added such fees to professional service charges. The bill requires hospitals to submit annual reports by January 15, 2027, and each year after, detailing all facility fees charged, billed, and collected, including facility locations, patient visits, fee amounts, and revenue sources. These reports must be published publicly and include data on top procedures generating facility fee revenue.

Maddy summaryHF 1909 modifies Minnesota's guardianship laws to strengthen rights for people under guardianship or conservatorship. It expands the "Bill of Rights" section (524.5-120) to explicitly include the right to be consulted about personal property disposal, to challenge communication restrictions imposed by a guardian (requiring court approval for such restrictions), and to execute health care directives. The bill directly affects Minnesotans under court-appointed guardianship or conservatorship, ensuring greater autonomy in decisions about their care, property, and medical preferences. These changes require guardians and courts to follow specific procedures when limiting rights, emphasizing person-centered decision-making.

Maddy summaryHF 1776 appropriates $5 million from state bonds to fund ADA-compliant upgrades for public sidewalks and curb ramps in Minneapolis. The bill directs this money specifically to the city of Minneapolis for construction projects meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The state will issue bonds to cover the cost, with funds becoming available only when Minneapolis secures sufficient nonstate funding for the projects. This targeted funding aims to improve accessibility for people with disabilities in Minneapolis's public right-of-way facilities.

Maddy summaryHF 1812 establishes a state-run Minnesota Health Plan to guarantee comprehensive, affordable health care for every Minnesota resident. The plan covers all necessary medical, dental, vision, mental health, and long-term care services without co-pays, with premiums based on income. It creates new state entities including the Minnesota Health Board, Health Fund, Office of Health Quality and Planning, a patient advocacy ombudsman, and an auditor for the plan. The bill also requests a federal waiver under the Affordable Care Act to modify certain health insurance requirements and appropriates funding for implementation.

Maddy summaryHF 1160 appropriates funds from the general fund for a one-time grant to Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The grant will support the design and construction of a new women and children's family shelter and transitional housing at 376 Western Avenue in St. Paul, as well as capital improvements at the men's campus at 435 University Avenue East in St. Paul. The appropriation is designated for fiscal year 2026 and remains available until the projects are completed or abandoned. This bill directly provides funding for specific facility projects at the nonprofit's St. Paul locations.

Maddy summaryHF 1648 modifies Minnesota landlord-tenant law to strengthen tenant protections. It requires landlords to provide tenants with the name, address, phone number, and email of the property owner, manager, and authorized agent in writing before lease signing (Section 2). The bill prohibits landlords from listing minor children’s names in leases or eviction complaints, except when the minor is the sole tenant (Section 3). It also establishes a prospective tenant’s right to view a rental unit before signing a lease and increases penalties for violations, including treble damages or $1,000 (Section 3). The law takes effect August 1, 2025, applying to new or renewed leases after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 1350 modifies Minnesota's county veterans service office grant program by increasing funding based on each county's veteran population. Counties receive a base $7,500 grant plus supplemental amounts up to $20,000 depending on veteran population size (e.g., $10,000 for counties with 10,000-20,000 veterans). The bill appropriates $60,000 annually for fiscal years 2026-2027 to the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers, allocating $20,000 each for specialized coordinators focused on women veterans, suicide prevention, and justice-involved veterans. These funds support training, administrative costs, and technical assistance to enhance veteran services statewide. The bill directly affects counties with veterans service offices and the statewide association.

Maddy summaryHF 1566 requires landlords in Minnesota to make reasonable safety modifications for tenants with children who have autism, specifically when hazards like lakes, rivers, or other water bodies are near rental properties. Tenants must request these accommodations, and landlords can ask for documentation unless the child's condition is obvious. Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants making such requests and must adjust policies or property features to protect the child, unless the change would fundamentally alter the property. This bill directly affects tenants with autistic children and their landlords in rental housing.