Rep. Peter Fischer

Maddy summaryHF 2819 provides $3.3 million in one-time funding from the general fund to build wastewater infrastructure on the Red Lake Reservation. The bill directs the Public Facilities Authority to grant this money to the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians for constructing a wastewater stabilization pond and associated water/sewer lines in the Little Rock District. This funding directly supports the reservation's water infrastructure needs and is available until the project is completed. The appropriation is effective upon final enactment and aligns with existing state infrastructure grant procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota law enforcement officers from detaining or transporting suspects in vehicles not specifically designed for human transport, such as standard patrol cars. It requires all such vehicles to be owned/leased by a law enforcement agency, clearly marked with the agency's identification, and equipped with seats and seat belts for each person transported. Exceptions apply during emergencies threatening life/safety or for undercover operations. The law directly affects police departments and officers who transport detainees, aiming to standardize safe transport conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 1197 requires mining companies seeking permits for nonferrous sulfide ore projects in Minnesota to disclose all environmental violations, fines, or legal actions against them or their key personnel within the past 15 years. The bill prohibits state agencies from conducting environmental reviews or issuing permits to applicants who have been charged, convicted, or fined for environmental violations, bribery, or corruption in that timeframe. This directly affects companies applying for mining permits by blocking approval if they or their leadership have recent environmental compliance issues. The law aims to prevent entities with poor environmental records from obtaining permits for new mining projects.

Maddy summaryHF 2691 appropriates $5.25 million for fiscal year 2026 and $5.51 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the African American Child Wellness Institute. This culturally specific mental health provider, licensed as a community mental health center, will use the funds to expand trauma-informed, evidence-based services for African American children and families of all ages. The grant supports comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder care, supervision, training, and care coordination regardless of a family's ability to pay or location. The funding is intended to enhance the institute's capacity to provide these services across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 3702 appropriates $20,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for the Minnesota Historical Society to provide a grant to a nonprofit organization. The grant funds the repair or replacement of technology needed to digitize legacy media like videotapes, film, audio, and print materials - such as local news, documentaries, and historical stories - preserving Minnesota's history. The nonprofit must use the technology exclusively for converting media to digital format and make all digitized materials publicly accessible. This bill directly affects the nonprofit grant recipient and ensures public access to preserved historical content.

Maddy summaryHF 1816 establishes the Office of Animal Protection within Minnesota's Department of Public Safety to address animal cruelty more systematically. The office will coordinate investigations, prosecutions, forensic veterinary services, and public education on animal cruelty, while collecting statewide data on such cases. It also expands Minnesota's definition of "crime of violence" to include animal cruelty offenses. The bill appropriates funding for the office and requires an annual report on its operations to the legislature. This affects state agencies, law enforcement, and communities by creating a centralized approach to animal cruelty prevention and enforcement.

Maddy summaryHF 3610 modifies Minnesota's law on concealing identity in public places. It makes it generally illegal to hide one's identity using a robe, mask, or disguise in public (except for religious reasons, entertainment, weather protection, smoke/gas protection, or medical treatment), with a misdemeanor penalty. The bill specifically adds two exceptions for law enforcement: undercover officers may conceal their identity when necessary for investigations or safety, and tactical team members may use face masks to prevent facial disfigurement during operations. This change affects the public generally and law enforcement officers performing specific duties under defined circumstances.

Maddy summaryHF 3668 establishes an Office of Gun Violence Prevention within Minnesota's Department of Health. The office will coordinate prevention efforts, collect and report statewide data on gun incidents/deaths, conduct research, create public health campaigns, and support victims - working with agencies like Public Safety. It requires an annual report to legislative committees by February 15 each year. The bill appropriates unspecified funding from the general fund for the office's operations in fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 1296 requires Minnesota's Board of Animal Health to post specific information online about kennels, dealers, and commercial breeders, including current license statuses, annual inspection records, and reasons for license revocations. It also mandates that all advertising for animal sales must include the seller's current license number or a link to it. The bill clarifies that most breeder data (like addresses and premises locations) remains private, but the Board may disclose it for public health, safety, or law enforcement purposes. These changes directly affect licensed breeders, dealers, and the public seeking transparency about animal facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $4 million in state funding for Minnesota food shelf programs during fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It directs the state agency overseeing food shelves to use these funds to support community food banks that serve people facing food insecurity. The money comes from the state general fund and is added to existing base funding for these programs. This directly affects food shelves across Minnesota and the families and individuals they serve.