Rep. Peter Fischer

Maddy summaryHF 3449 allows Minnesota legislators to choose coverage under the general state employees retirement plan instead of the current legislative retirement system. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to explicitly include "members of the legislature who elect under section 352D.02, subdivision 3" as eligible for the general retirement plan. This change provides legislators with a new option for their retirement benefits without altering existing coverage for other state employees. The bill focuses solely on expanding election options for legislators, not creating new benefits or changing contribution requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 3434 bans the possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons (like AR-15s and AK-47s) and large-capacity ammunition magazines (holding more than 10 rounds) in Minnesota. It defines these weapons by specific models (e.g., Colt AR-15, Beretta AR-70) or features (folding stocks, pistol grips, threaded barrels). The bill creates criminal penalties for possessing these banned items and amends state law to clarify prohibited firearms and magazines. It directly affects individuals who own or possess these specific weapons or magazines. The law does not cover all semiautomatic firearms but targets models and features associated with military-style weapons.

Maddy summaryHF 2449 prohibits the sale or transfer of specific semiautomatic military-style assault weapons in Minnesota, including models like AK-47s, AR-15s, and Uzis, as well as firearms with certain features (e.g., folding stocks, pistol grips). The bill authorizes a state-funded buyback program for these weapons and appropriates money for implementation. It directly affects owners of the defined firearms, requiring them to stop selling or transferring these weapons and offering a process to return them for compensation. The law amends Minnesota Statutes to establish these prohibitions and buyback mechanisms, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 255 establishes Minnesota's Patient-Centered Care program to improve health outcomes and lower costs for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare recipients. The bill shifts payments directly from the state to individual health care providers (not managed care networks) for services, drugs, and vaccines, while ending contracts with existing managed care plans. It also authorizes monthly care coordination fees for primary care providers and community health workers, with higher rates for clinics serving populations facing health disparities. Additionally, the bill funds community outreach through grants to hire staff who connect homeless, mentally ill, or underserved patients to care and help them enroll in health programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1346 modifies the training requirements for mandatory reporters, such as teachers, healthcare workers, and social workers, who are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. The bill updates current training standards to better equip these professionals with necessary knowledge and procedures. This change directly affects individuals in these roles who must complete the mandated training. The law became effective on August 1, 2025, following its approval by the governor on April 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 3 is an omnibus appropriations bill that allocates state funding for various environment and natural resources programs. It would provide budget authority to state agencies managing parks, wildlife conservation, water quality initiatives, and environmental protection efforts. The bill does not change existing laws but sets specific financial resources for these programs during the upcoming fiscal year. This funding would directly support how these agencies operate and deliver services to the public.

Maddy summaryHF 8 is a funding bill that appropriates $150 million over two years (2026-2027) to Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency for environmental programs. It directly affects state agencies, municipalities, and businesses by funding water quality monitoring ($144,000 annually), air pollution monitoring ($1.18 million annually), and PFAS chemical regulations. Key provisions include creating a foraging task force, modifying fees for wastewater labs, and requiring new reports on environmental permitting. The bill also adjusts existing funding streams from the Environmental Trust Fund and modifies prior environmental statutes. It does not create new taxes or impose direct costs on residents.

Maddy summaryHF 3339 reinstates a citizen advisory board for Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which was eliminated by the legislature in 2015. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to require the governor to appoint eight citizen members who must reflect the state's racial, gender, and geographic diversity, including at least one Tribal Nation member, three members from environmental justice communities, one small farmer, and one labor union member. This board will review specific agency decisions - such as permits, environmental impact statements, and rule changes - and provide public input on environmental policies. The change directly affects how the MPCA makes decisions, adding a layer of public oversight previously removed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota's legal definition of "mental illness" to clarify criteria for determining serious mental health conditions. It changes reimbursement rates for medical transportation under public assistance programs and allocates new funding for two specific initiatives: a grant program supporting children at risk of bipolar disorder, and the Children's First Episode of Psychosis program. The bill also requires a report on mental health services but does not specify the report's content. These changes directly affect individuals seeking mental health care, medical providers, and state mental health programs in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 1163 clarifies how grant funds for Minnesota's hometown heroes assistance program must be used to support firefighters. The bill directs the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative to provide monetary support for firefighters diagnosed with critical illnesses (like cancer) after August 1, 2021, and to develop a mental health program offering up to five annual therapy sessions with peer support. It also requires annual training for all firefighters on occupational health risks (including cancer, heart disease, and emotional trauma), evidence-based suicide prevention, and wellness strategies. The program directly affects all Minnesota firefighters through these health support services and training.