Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar

Maddy summaryHF 2794 exempts dietary supplements from Minnesota's sales and use tax, which previously applied to them as taxable food items. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 297A.61 to specifically add dietary supplements to the list of items excluded from taxation under the "taxable food" definition. This change directly affects dietary supplement manufacturers, retailers, and consumers who purchase these products. The key mechanism is a targeted tax code amendment that removes dietary supplements from the taxable food category, aligning Minnesota's policy with similar exemptions for other health-related products.

Maddy summaryHF 1165 renames the Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority to the Minnesota Health and Education Facilities Authority and authorizes it to finance health care facilities in addition to its existing role supporting higher education. The bill increases the agency's bonding capacity, allowing it to issue more bonds to fund construction and improvements for both health care and educational facilities. This directly affects health care organizations and institutions of higher education in Minnesota by expanding their access to financing for facility projects. The legislation also updates the authority's board composition requirements to include members with expertise in health care, higher education, and finance.

Maddy summaryHF 2518 appropriates $8 million from the general fund for WomenVenture to support two specific groups: child care providers (through business training, shared services, and startup materials) and women food entrepreneurs (through business expansion, technical assistance, and supply chain development). The funds can be used for leasehold improvements, equipment, working capital, and other eligible business expenses, with up to 5% allocated for WomenVenture's administrative costs. By December 15, 2028, WomenVenture must report to the legislature on how the funds were distributed, including the number of entrepreneurs assisted, county breakdowns, and details on loans versus grants. This is a one-time appropriation available until June 30, 2028.

Maddy summaryHF 1847 appropriates $1.2 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1.2 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota STEM Ecosystem. The funds must support STEM learning opportunities and workforce development in science and technology fields across the state. The Minnesota STEM Ecosystem can award subgrants to programs that align with statewide STEM initiatives to ensure coordinated efforts. This bill directly affects STEM education programs and workforce development organizations receiving these grants.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota law to clarify and limit optometrists' authority to prescribe or administer certain drugs. It specifically sets new time limits: oral antivirals may not be prescribed for more than 10 days, oral steroids for more than 14 days (requiring physician consultation), and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors for more than seven days. These changes apply directly to licensed optometrists in Minnesota who prescribe medications for eye conditions under the Board of Optometry's rules. The bill maintains existing restrictions on intravenous injections, invasive surgery, and Schedule II/III oral drugs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota health insurance plans to cover acupuncture services for pain treatment when provided by licensed practitioners. It mandates at least 30 covered visits before a plan can require prior authorization for additional sessions. The law applies to all health plans offered, issued, or renewed to Minnesota residents starting January 1, 2027. This directly affects both patients seeking acupuncture for pain management and health insurance companies operating in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 443 modifies Minnesota's property tax rules for airport facilities. It provides a 50% reduction in tax capacity for specific airport properties in cities with 50,000-150,000 residents (not operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission) used as hangars for aircraft storage/repair or for passenger areas like check-in counters. This tax relief applies to property taxes payable from 2026 through 2037. The bill specifically targets smaller city airports, excluding those in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Metropolitan Airports Commission facilities.

Maddy summaryHF 2226 modifies Minnesota's background check process for child care providers. It requires the commissioner to submit requests every six months to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) seeking information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's Law Enforcement Services Portal regarding background study subjects. This new information can now be used to disqualify providers from direct contact roles, and the commissioner may not disclose the specific reason for disqualification if it comes from this source. The bill directly affects licensed child care centers, family child care providers, and certified license-exempt centers by changing how background check results are reviewed and applied.

Maddy summaryHF 2810 appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to fund horse-assisted therapy for eligible first responders in Minnesota. It directs these funds to 7 Stars Ranch to provide mental health therapy to first responders suffering from job-related trauma or PTSD, including police officers, firefighters (full-time and volunteer), ambulance personnel, 911 dispatchers, and correctional officers. The bill requires 7 Stars Ranch to submit two reports detailing program costs, participants served, and benefits received - initially by January 2026 and finally by January 2028. This is a one-time funding appropriation with no ongoing program mandate beyond the specified reporting.

Maddy summaryHF 2889 extends the Hermantown local sales and use tax in Minnesota from its original expiration date of December 31, 2036, to December 31, 2046. This bill directly affects Hermantown residents and businesses, as the tax funds city projects including bonds and improvements specified in earlier law. The extension allows Hermantown to continue collecting the tax for an additional 10 years to support these designated projects. The bill amends the termination clause in existing law without changing the tax rate or its intended purpose.