Maddy summaryHF 844 modifies Minnesota's broadband workforce reporting, investigative authority for utility infrastructure, and underground telecommunications installation rules. It requires broadband grantees serving over 100,000 customers to report detailed workforce data - including demographic breakdowns (e.g., Minnesota residents, people of color, women), pay rates ($25+ hourly), and benefits - annually. The bill also mandates that underground telecommunications installations near existing utilities must be performed by "safety-qualified installers" (with two present during directional drilling), starting July 2025 in the metro area and statewide by 2028. These provisions directly affect broadband providers, contractors, and telecommunications carriers working on infrastructure projects.
Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHF 794 establishes a state dementia services program under Minnesota's commissioner of health to coordinate existing Alzheimer's and dementia-related services. The program will link state agencies, Tribal Nations, community groups, and research organizations to improve public awareness, update Minnesota's Alzheimer's Disease State Plan, and integrate early detection strategies into public health efforts. The bill appropriates funding from the general fund for the program, starting with an unspecified amount in fiscal year 2026 and a base amount in 2027. This directly affects Minnesotans living with dementia, their caregivers, and the state agencies and community organizations providing related services.
Maddy summaryHF 1903 modifies Minnesota's "Safe Place for Newborns" law to clarify and expand where newborns can be safely left anonymously. The bill specifically adds detailed requirements for approved "newborn safety devices" (like secure boxes in hospitals or fire stations), including FDA approval, monthly alarm testing, and 24-hour staffing visibility. It also strengthens protections by stating safe places (hospitals, fire stations, or devices) cannot ask for the parent's identity, call police, or report the parent to authorities if the infant is unharmed. The law grants immunity from criminal or civil liability to staff who follow these procedures in good faith, including those who are mandated reporters under child welfare laws.
Maddy summaryHF 489 appropriates $25.8 million for 2026 and $26.9 million for 2027 from Minnesota's parks and trails fund to support state parks, recreation areas, and trails. It allocates $12.9 million annually for regional park and trail grants outside the Minneapolis metro area, requiring projects to align with the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks Strategic Plan. The bill also provides $652,000 annually for coordination between agencies and web-based park information, while extending project funding deadlines for specific initiatives like the Cannon Valley Trail and Spirit Mountain Recreation Area through 2027. This funding directly affects state park operations, regional park commissions, and local projects receiving grants under Minnesota Statutes § 85.535.
Maddy summaryHF 491 appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide grants to Hometown Hero Outdoors, a Stillwater-based nonprofit. The funding supports mental health services and outdoor recreational activities for current and former law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel. The bill directs these services to promote positive mental health, longevity, quality of life, and interactions with mental health professionals through organized outdoor programs. It does not create new policy but allocates specific funds to an existing nonprofit for targeted support of first responders.
Maddy summaryHF 843 requires legislators serving on Minnesota's children and family policy or finance committees to observe child care facilities for at least 12 hours every two years. This bill directly affects those committee members by adding a new duty to their legislative responsibilities. The key provision mandates these observations to help legislators understand child care operations, and the bill also requires both the House and Senate to adopt rules for implementing this requirement. The bill does not change child care regulations but establishes a procedural obligation for legislative committees.
Maddy summaryHF 961 appropriates $250,000 for each of the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years to fund the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation's ProStart program. This program provides high school students with culinary and hospitality management education, including curriculum, tools, skills training, professional development, and scholarships. The funds directly support addressing workforce shortages in Minnesota's hospitality industry by enhancing career pathways for students. This is a one-time appropriation specifically designated for these educational services in participating high schools.
Maddy summaryHF 1584 requires healthcare providers to obtain written informed consent before performing pelvic, breast, urogenital, or rectal exams on patients who are anesthetized or unconscious. It directly affects patients under anesthesia/unconscious during medical procedures and healthcare professionals, including students and residents. The law allows exceptions when consent was already given for related surgery/diagnostic exams, the exam is medically necessary during unconsciousness, or a court orders it for evidence. Violations are classified as gross misdemeanors and may lead to disciplinary action by health licensing boards. The bill takes effect August 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHF 897 amends Minnesota law to prohibit exposing children and vulnerable adults to fentanyl, methamphetamine, or related substances in specific locations. It makes it illegal for anyone to knowingly cause or permit such exposure in places like homes, public buildings, or overnight accommodations where children or vulnerable adults might be present. The bill adds criminal penalties for violations, including for exposing individuals to fentanyl (newly specified in the amendment) or methamphetamine-related materials. This directly affects caregivers, property owners, and anyone in environments where children or vulnerable adults could be present.
Maddy summaryHF 723 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of natural resources. This funding supports the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission in carrying out its duties under Minnesota Statutes section 85.536. The bill directly affects the commission and its ability to manage regional parks and trails across Greater Minnesota. It provides specific, concrete funding amounts for two consecutive budget years without altering existing park policies or programs.