Rep. Peter Fischer

Maddy summaryHF 2628 appropriates $1.5 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $1.5 million for fiscal year 2027 to Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The funding directly supports its homeless elders program, which assists homeless, isolated, and low-income older adults in transitioning to stable housing. This is a straightforward budget allocation with no new policy requirements or eligibility changes. The bill specifically targets funding for an existing program serving vulnerable seniors in the Twin Cities area.

Maddy summaryHF 1392 establishes a dedicated "consumer protection restitution account" to handle unclaimed funds from consumer protection cases in Minnesota. It requires that 50% of money recovered by the Attorney General in consumer enforcement actions - where funds aren't specifically designated for victims - be deposited into this account instead of the general fund. The account is used to distribute restitution to eligible consumers (those directly harmed by unlawful practices) who cannot be located or to whom payments weren't redeemed within 120 days, prioritizing cases with the oldest final court orders. This ensures unclaimed restitution money directly benefits victims rather than flowing into general state funding.

Maddy summaryHF 2907 allows certain human services providers, such as qualified residential treatment programs, psychiatric residential facilities, and certified behavioral health clinics, to use external accreditations (from the Joint Commission, CARF, or Council on Accreditation) instead of regular state licensing inspections. To qualify, providers must maintain good standing (no license suspensions or maltreatment findings in 5 years) and prove their accreditation meets state standards. If approved, providers would undergo inspections every five years through their accrediting body instead of annually by state officials, while still reporting survey results to the commissioner. The bill streamlines oversight for compliant providers without changing core licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million from the general fund for groundwater management activities in fiscal year 2026. Specifically, $1 million is allocated to the Metropolitan Council to develop a comprehensive plan for communities in the White Bear Lake area, as required under existing law. The funding is a one-time appropriation available until June 30, 2028, and directly supports local groundwater planning efforts in that region. It does not create new regulations but provides targeted financial resources for a defined planning project.

Maddy summaryHF 2855 amends Minnesota's statute of limitations for discrimination claims under the Human Rights Act, extending the filing deadline from one year to ten years after the discriminatory practice occurs. This change directly affects individuals who experience employment, housing, or public accommodation discrimination by giving them significantly more time to file a civil lawsuit. The bill also adds that the ten-year period is suspended during voluntary dispute resolution processes (like mediation or arbitration) if both parties notify the Human Rights Department in writing. The amendment modifies Minnesota Statutes section 363A.28, subdivision 3, to reflect these changes to filing timelines and suspension rules.

Maddy summaryHF 2187 removes a 48-hour admission requirement for crisis services at community-based program locations, giving service providers more flexibility in scheduling. The bill also makes technical changes to support the creation of the Direct Care and Treatment agency, which will manage certain human services programs. These changes directly affect community-based crisis service providers and the new agency’s operational structure. The bill does not alter eligibility criteria for services but streamlines administrative processes for providers and the agency.

Maddy summaryHF 1993 modifies Minnesota's requirements for substance use disorder (SUD) assessments and treatment provider qualifications. It specifies that comprehensive SUD assessments must be conducted face-to-face within five days (excluding the service initiation day) by qualified staff like alcohol and drug counselors, certain mental health professionals, or licensed nurses with addiction training. The bill also updates qualifications for treatment coordinators, requiring specific training, education, or certification, plus 2,000 hours of supervised experience working with SUD clients. Additionally, it mandates a study and report on limitations in SUD treatment practices. These changes directly affect SUD treatment providers and the clients receiving services under Minnesota's behavioral health system.

Maddy summaryHF 1779 authorizes an unreduced early retirement annuity for probation agency employees in Minnesota who separate from service after reaching age 60 or with at least 35 years of service, meaning they receive their full pension amount without reduction starting January 1, 2028. It also increases the employee contribution rate for these workers, requiring a higher percentage of their salary toward retirement benefits beginning January 1, 2026. The bill defines "probation agency employees" as county or state employees who provide community supervision services or oversee probation programs, including probation officers, supervisory staff, and program managers. These changes specifically affect probation staff in Minnesota's county and state agencies.

Maddy summaryHF 2854 appropriates $3 million from state bond proceeds to fund specific road safety improvements in the city of Little Canada. The bill directly affects residents and drivers using two intersections: Little Canada Road with Country Drive, and Little Canada Road with Lake Shore Avenue and County Road C. Key provisions include authorizing the state to issue bonds to cover the costs and requiring the city to construct roundabouts, reconfigure roads, and add pedestrian safety features at these locations. The funds are allocated for concrete physical upgrades, not general transportation funding.

Maddy summaryHF 2853 appropriates $7.5 million from state bond proceeds to fund a pedestrian and bicycle bridge in Little Canada, Minnesota. The bill directly affects the city of Little Canada and its residents by providing funds for environmental analysis, design, and construction of a bridge over Interstate 35E. The bridge will connect the Waterworks Right-of-Way Trail with Spooner Park, specifically north of Little Canada Road. The state will issue bonds up to $7.5 million to cover this appropriation, as authorized under Minnesota bonding laws. This is a capital investment bill focused on local infrastructure improvement.