Rep. Peter Fischer

Maddy summaryHF 3007 establishes a preapplication evaluation process for projects requiring large water use (over 100 million gallons per year or 250,000 gallons per day), requiring applicants to consult with the state commissioner early in development and share details about water use, location, and source. The commissioner evaluates water availability at potential sites and responds in writing, with early communications kept confidential until a formal permit application is submitted. The bill also adds requirements for water permits to promote conservation and address conflicts, and mandates environmental impact statements for data centers expanding by 100 megawatts or more.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million from the state general fund for Minnesota's Lawns to Legumes program, which supports homeowners in replacing grass lawns with soil-enriching legume plants like clover. The funds, available until June 2029, are administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources and can be used to partner with local governments and organizations. The program aims to improve soil health and reduce fertilizer use by incentivizing legume-based lawn alternatives. This is a one-time funding allocation for fiscal year 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 3015 requires state commissioners to submit certain permit applications to affected Minnesota Tribal governments when the permit has a substantial direct effect on those tribes. Specifically, it mandates that commissioners send complete permit applications - and any additional significant information received later - to the tribal government's governing body as soon as possible. This applies to permits governed under sections 84.027 and 116.03 of Minnesota Statutes. The bill directly affects tribal governments by ensuring they receive timely notice of permit applications impacting their lands or resources.

Maddy summaryHF 1633 allocates $12 million from bond proceeds for capital improvements to public water access points and boating facilities on Minnesota's public waters, and $17.8 million for capital upgrades to state fish hatcheries. The funds will be raised through state bonds sold by the commissioner of management and budget. Specifically, $3 million of the hatchery funding is designated for planning and building a new St. Paul hatchery replacement in the seven-county metro area, designed for research and education. The bill authorizes these appropriations and bond sales under existing state statutes and constitutional provisions.

Maddy summaryHF 1914 appropriates state funds for three key human services programs in Minnesota. It provides emergency services grants for immediate crisis support, county grants to address homelessness gaps (prioritizing Tribal Nation partnerships and interventions like 24/7 shelters), and funding for provider capacity-building collaboratives. The capacity-building program helps service providers access stable funding streams, including Medicaid waivers and housing support programs. These funds are allocated for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with unspent first-year money rolling over to the second year. The bill directly affects counties, service providers, and people experiencing homelessness by expanding access to crisis support and housing-focused services.

Maddy summaryHF 2620 appropriates $5 million for fiscal year 2026 to address emerald ash borer infestations in the metro area and $5 million for community tree-planting grants statewide. The metro funds support local governments for ash borer response activities like waste facility planning, wood transportation, and disposal. The tree-planting grants, administered by the Department of Natural Resources under existing law, help communities replace lost trees. Both funds are one-time appropriations available until June 30, 2028.

Maddy summaryHF 3109 modifies Minnesota's family support and consumer support programs to expand covered services under disability waivers and consumer-directed community supports. It directs the commissioner to allow specific services - like adaptive or one-on-one swimming lessons for drowning prevention (based on CDC data) - that are "over and above normal costs" and directly tied to a person's disability. The bill requires services to help prevent out-of-home placement and ensures they are only used when no other public or private funds are available. It maintains the $250 monthly grant cap per eligible person, consistent with existing limits. This directly affects Minnesotans with disabilities and their families seeking community-based support.

Maddy summaryHF 2955 establishes the CARMA program (County-administered Rural Medical Assistance), allowing Minnesota counties to manage local medical assistance for low-income residents instead of the state. The bill requires the state commissioner of human services to involve county boards in developing contracts with health plans, including incorporating county-suggested local health goals into contracts if agreed upon. It sets a deadline of January 1, 2027, for counties with existing prepaid medical assistance programs to transition to county administration if they submit a proposal. The bill also creates a mediation process to resolve disputes between counties and the state over contract terms or local health goals.

Maddy summaryHF 264, the "Larry R. Hill Medical Reform Act," requires all licensed Minnesota correctional facilities (both public and private) to meet specific medical care standards. The bill amends state law to mandate facilities implement policies covering mental health screening, suicide prevention, medication verification, discharge planning with prescribed medications, telehealth use, and death reviews. These requirements directly affect incarcerated individuals by improving access to consistent medical and mental health care while holding facilities accountable through commissioner inspections. The law aims to standardize care practices without creating new programs, focusing on operational changes to enhance safety and treatment.

Maddy summaryHF 1005 adjusts payment rates for healthcare providers under Minnesota's medical assistance program. It increases reimbursement rates for certain residential services, sets a new statewide rate for behavioral health home services, and adjusts physician professional service rates. These changes directly affect hospitals, clinics, and care providers receiving state medical assistance payments for these specific services. The bill amends existing statutes to implement these rate adjustments while requiring budget neutrality for hospital payments. It does not create new programs but modifies existing payment structures for covered services.