Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2 million from state bond proceeds to fund cleanup efforts at Lake Superior College's Emergency Response Training Center, specifically targeting PFAS contamination. The funds will cover designing, engineering, and constructing infrastructure like wells, equipment, and treatment facilities to remove PFAS from the site. The state will issue up to $2 million in bonds to finance this project, as authorized under Minnesota's bond laws. The funding is directly tied to the college's campus improvements for environmental remediation.

Maddy summaryHF 3309 appropriates $10 million from state bond proceeds to fund infrastructure improvements in Hermantown, specifically targeting aging water, sewer, and utility systems in the city's southwest area. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $10 million in bonds to provide a grant to Hermantown for predesign, design, construction, and equipment related to rehabilitating and replacing these systems. This funding directly supports the city's efforts to address failing infrastructure, including drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer networks. The legislation enables Hermantown to upgrade critical public utilities without immediate local tax increases, using state bond financing.

Maddy summaryHF 1620 removes keys, key chains, and key rings from Minnesota's restrictions on lead and cadmium in consumer products. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes by updating the definition of "covered product" to exclude these items from the list of products subject to chemical limits. This change directly affects manufacturers and sellers of keys and key accessories in Minnesota, allowing them to use lead or cadmium without violating the law. The bill modifies existing regulations without creating new requirements, focusing solely on clarifying which products are regulated.

Maddy summaryHF 1950 amends Minnesota law to establish mandatory minimum fines for drivers who fail to stop for school buses. It sets fines at $500 for first violations, $700 for a repeat within ten years, and $950 for two or more prior violations. The bill also creates a gross misdemeanor for passing a school bus on the passenger side or when children are outside the bus on the street or sidewalk. This directly affects drivers who violate school bus stop arm laws, effective August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 47 modifies certification requirements for underground telecommunications installers in Minnesota. It mandates that workers performing installations near existing utilities or using directional drilling must be certified safety-qualified installers, requiring a 40-hour training course covering utility identification, incident response, and safety procedures. The law phases in requirements: certified installers must be used for new work in the seven-county metro area starting July 1, 2025, and statewide by January 1, 2026, with a 36-inch depth exemption for private property. Installers must pass an exam and complete refresher courses every three years to maintain certification. This directly affects telecommunications companies, installers, and construction projects involving underground utility work.

Maddy summaryHF 1355 requires permit holders harvesting or destroying aquatic plants in Minnesota public waters to use scuba diving equipment safely and establishes safety standards for commercial diving operations. It mandates that applicants provide documentation of a recent third-party safety survey by a qualified professional (like a DLI consultant or insurance underwriter) and ensures divers have valid certification from accredited programs. The bill also requires employers to provide buoyancy control devices for workers using scuba equipment during these activities. These requirements apply directly to commercial entities and contractors seeking permits under Minnesota Statutes §103G.615 for aquatic plant management. The law aims to improve workplace safety for divers working in Minnesota's waterways.

Maddy summaryHF 3254 prohibits the sale of food products containing seven specific artificial dyes - Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3 - in Minnesota. It directly affects food sellers, including restaurants, grocery stores, and manufacturers, who would no longer be allowed to sell items containing these dyes after the effective date. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2026, banning the sale, offering for sale, or distribution of such products. This is a direct regulatory change targeting food labeling and ingredients, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryHF 2725 establishes a Healthy Aging Subcabinet within Minnesota Management and Budget and a Citizens' Engagement Council to develop a statewide Minnesota Healthy Aging Plan. The bill requires a director (appointed by the governor with public health and aging expertise) to lead the Subcabinet, coordinate community input from older adults, caregivers, and Tribal Nations, and integrate aging considerations into state agency planning. Key provisions mandate analyzing healthcare access (including oral health and chronic conditions), family caregiving needs, and funding opportunities to support aging in place. The bill appropriates funds for the Office of Healthy Aging and its planning process, directly affecting older Minnesotans, caregivers, and state agencies delivering aging services.

Maddy summaryHF 2339 increases Minnesota's income threshold for the child tax credit, allowing more families to qualify for the full benefit before credits begin phasing out. The bill raises the phaseout threshold from $35,000 to $45,490 for married couples filing jointly and from $29,500 to $38,340 for other filers. This change directly affects Minnesota taxpayers with children who file individual income tax returns, as it prevents the credit from decreasing at lower income levels. The bill also requires future annual inflation adjustments to these thresholds starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $342,000 from the general fund for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to the Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council. It directly provides funding to support the council's operations under Minnesota Statutes section 256.4835. The funding mechanism is a straightforward annual appropriation for the council's existing statutory purpose, with no new program requirements or eligibility changes. The bill affects the council and the rare disease community it serves by ensuring ongoing financial support for its advisory work.