Rep. Peter Fischer

Maddy summaryThis bill requires a ten percent reduction in state aid to any Minnesota county or city that displays a state flag different from the design certified by the State Emblems Redesign Commission. To enforce this penalty, local governments must notify the commissioner of revenue by December 31 each year if they have used the incorrect flag, and the aid reduction applies to payments made in the following year. The law takes effect for aid distributed in 2027, directly impacting local municipalities that choose to fly a flag other than the officially certified version.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits businesses and individuals from operating prediction markets in Minnesota that allow wagers on outcomes related to sports, politics, people, catastrophes, or death. It makes it a felony to run platforms where participants place bets on these specific future events, with exceptions for private social bets and licensed horse racing. The law also criminalizes advertising these prohibited products during certain times, in media likely to reach minors, near schools, or on public property. Financial institutions and payment processors that continue to process payments for these activities after receiving a cease and desist order from the attorney general would also face felony charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale and use of paraquat dichloride, a pesticide, in Minnesota. Starting January 1, 2027, no one can sell or distribute this product, and by January 1, 2028, its use is also banned. The commissioner of agriculture must collect and dispose of any remaining stock of this pesticide and submit a report on its historical use and current supply chain status by January 1, 2028. The law directly affects pesticide sellers, distributors, and agricultural users who currently handle or apply this chemical.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands financial assistance for manufactured home owners in Minnesota who are forced to move due to significant increases in lot rent or utility costs. It defines "economic displacement" as a rent increase of over ten percent in one year, twenty percent over three years, or thirty percent relative to the owner's annual income. The legislation removes the previous cap on funding from the Manufactured Home Relocation Trust Fund, allowing more resources to be available for relocation expenses. Additionally, it clarifies how park owners can collect fees to contribute to this trust fund and outlines specific situations where owners are exempt from paying relocation costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two new advisory groups in Minnesota: an Advisory Council on Community Collaboration, Stability, and Preparedness and a Minnesota Common Ground Task Force. The council will include representatives from law enforcement, local governments, behavioral health, and community organizations to study how to better prepare for civil unrest and political instability. These groups will work together to develop strategies for building trust, improving communication, and creating toolkits for de-escalation during times of community tension. The bill also requires these groups to hold public meetings and submit annual reports to the governor and the legislature, with funding provided to support their operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals previous tax exemptions that allowed certain preferred seats and amenities at athletic events to be sold without sales tax. It also provides funding for safe harbor shelter and housing grants to support individuals experiencing homelessness. By removing the exemptions, the legislation ensures that these specific stadium seats and related amenities are now subject to standard sales tax like other retail items. The funding provision aims to allocate state money directly to organizations assisting with shelter and housing needs.

Maddy summaryHF 3454 modifies Minnesota's social work licensing rules to clarify when professionals can use titles like "social worker." It requires county social workers without a social work degree or license to stop using those titles in public by July 1, 2026, unless they were already employed by the county before July 1, 2027. The bill also mandates that all social workers using public-facing titles must display their license designation (e.g., LSW, LISW) and prohibits misleading claims about their qualifications. These changes directly affect county agency social workers and ensure title usage aligns with licensing status.

Maddy summaryHF 309 amends Minnesota Statutes §84.523 to tighten mining restrictions in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) and Rainy River headwaters. The bill requires the commissioner of natural resources to determine that proposed mining (for taconite, sand, gravel, or granite) in the Rainy River headwaters would not harm the BWCA before any permits are issued. This modifies existing law by adding this specific assessment step, directly affecting mining operations seeking approval in these areas. The change maintains the general prohibition on mining without legislative approval but adds a new administrative requirement for the commissioner to evaluate environmental impacts. The bill focuses on protecting the BWCA's wilderness character through stricter permitting conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 1420 allocates $20 million from state bond proceeds to fund a public realm project over Shepard Road in St. Paul, including adjacent rail lines and related infrastructure. The funds will be granted to Ramsey County for predesign, design, construction, and equipment of this public space. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $20 million in bonds to cover this appropriation, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. This project directly affects Ramsey County and residents of St. Paul by creating new public infrastructure along Shepard Road.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance companies in Minnesota to accept an individual taxpayer identification number instead of a Social Security number when processing new coverage applications. The law mandates that insurers must explicitly state on their application forms that they accept these alternative numbers if they ask for identification. This change takes effect on January 1, 2026, and applies to any insurance policies offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date. The primary impact is on consumers who may prefer or need to use an individual taxpayer identification number rather than a Social Security number for their insurance records.