Rep. Sandra Feist

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Greenhouse Gas Pollution Superfund in Minnesota to address climate change impacts. It establishes a program that requires fossil fuel companies responsible for over one billion metric tons of emissions between 1995 and 2026 to pay into a dedicated account. The collected funds will be used to finance climate change adaptation projects for state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as for disadvantaged communities. The bill defines specific terms like "responsible party" and "covered greenhouse gas emissions" to determine which companies must contribute and what types of projects can receive funding.

Maddy summaryHF 3624 appropriates $5,392,000 from the general fund for Minnesota's food shelf programs in fiscal year 2027. The funding, added to the base allocation, supports existing food shelf operations under Minnesota Statutes section 142F.14, administered by the state agency for children, youth, and families. This bill directly affects community food shelves that provide emergency food assistance to Minnesotans in need, without changing program eligibility or creating new requirements. The measure focuses solely on providing dedicated state funding for current food shelf services.

Maddy summaryHF 3586 establishes a $10 million annual grant program for regional food banks and Minnesota Tribal governments in Minnesota, funded through the general fund for fiscal years 2027-2029. The program distributes funds based on poverty and unemployment data in each area, requiring grantees to use money for purchasing, transporting, and distributing food and hygiene products (like diapers) at no cost to recipients. Funds cannot cover staff salaries or other ineligible expenses, and grantees must report spending and maintain records for oversight. This bill directly supports food banks serving low-income individuals and families by expanding access to essential food and hygiene supplies.

Maddy summaryHF 2700 modifies Minnesota's Consumer Data Privacy Act by explicitly classifying consumer health data as a type of sensitive data requiring heightened protections. The bill adds new consent requirements for businesses processing health information and strengthens safeguards for all sensitive data, including health, genetic, and biometric information. It directly affects Minnesota residents whose health data is collected by businesses and requires those businesses to obtain clear, specific consent before using such data. The law amends key sections of Minnesota Statutes (325M.11-325M.20) to implement these changes, repealing the previous section that defined health data protections.

Maddy summaryHF 1073 requires pipeline owners in Minnesota to follow specific steps when abandoning pipelines. Pipeline owners must notify landowners 60 days before ceasing operations and remove all abandoned pipelines, equipment, and infrastructure within 90 days after certifying the pipeline is purged of materials. They are also responsible for restoring land by replacing topsoil, establishing vegetation, and controlling invasive species for five years. Landowners can request removal or ask to leave pipelines in place by submitting written requests to pipeline owners and state agencies.

Maddy summaryHF 3476 establishes Minnesota's Patient-Centered Care program, which directly affects medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees by changing how healthcare providers are paid. The bill requires the state to pay healthcare providers directly for services (instead of through managed care plans), authorizes contracting with administrative organizations for tasks like claims processing (without financial risk), and mandates care coordination services. Key provisions include fee-for-service payments to providers, flat payments for primary care coordination, and funding for community outreach to help vulnerable patients access care. This replaces existing managed care contracts and aims to improve health outcomes while increasing transparency for public health programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1234 requires Minnesota public contracting agencies to provide detailed payment notifications to contractors and subcontractors within three business days of making payments on public projects. The bill mandates that notifications include the payment amount, date, recipient name, scope of work covered, and reasons for any withheld retainage or payment. This directly affects contractors and subcontractors working on state-funded construction or public improvement projects. The law aims to increase transparency by ensuring all parties receive clear, timely information about payments and withholdings. It amends Minnesota Statutes sections 15.72 (subd. 4) and 337.10 to enforce these requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 955 modifies Minnesota's requirements for financial assurance related to nonferrous mining permits. It requires the commissioner to annually review the amount of financial assurance (such as bonds or deposits) held by operators of nonferrous mining operations to ensure it covers reclamation costs and corrective actions for permit violations. This change directly affects companies seeking or holding permits for nonferrous metallic mineral mining (like copper or nickel). The bill updates existing statutes to mandate this annual review process, ensuring funds remain sufficient as project costs may change over time. It does not alter the initial fee amounts or the types of coverage required.

Maddy summaryMinnesota bill SF 3622 makes technical and clarifying updates to the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act, which governs condominiums, cooperatives, and planned communities. It adjusts specific sections of the law to correct inconsistencies, update references, and clarify existing provisions - such as insurance requirements and board composition rules - without creating new policies. The changes directly affect common interest communities in Minnesota by ensuring the statute aligns with current legal standards and practices. This bill does not alter substantive rights or obligations but streamlines the law for clearer application.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two new advisory groups in Minnesota: an Advisory Council on Community Collaboration, Stability, and Preparedness and a Minnesota Common Ground Task Force. The council will include representatives from law enforcement, local governments, behavioral health, and community organizations to study how to better prepare for civil unrest and political instability. These groups will work together to develop strategies for building trust, improving communication, and creating toolkits for de-escalation during times of community tension. The bill also requires these groups to hold public meetings and submit annual reports to the governor and the legislature, with funding provided to support their operations.