Rep. Leon Lillie

Maddy summaryHF 3249 modifies how Minnesota's public retirement systems calculate and manage funding gaps (unfunded liabilities). It adds a specific definition for "Standards for actuarial work" to ensure consistency in financial calculations and updates related provisions in Minnesota Statutes. This bill directly affects state retirement systems (like teachers' and public employee pensions) and the actuaries who assess their financial health. The changes are procedural, clarifying technical methods for determining retirement fund obligations without altering benefit levels or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $20 million ($10 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027) to create regional food bank grants. It directs the commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to distribute funds to regional food banks and federally recognized Minnesota tribes to purchase, transport, and distribute food through federal programs, with optional use for hygiene products like diapers. Recipients must comply with federal food assistance guidelines and report spending to the commissioner. The program aims to increase food availability for individuals and families in need across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 3147 appropriates $20 million from state bond proceeds to fund new habitats for lions, tigers, cougars, snow leopards, and wolves at St. Paul's Como Zoo. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $20 million in bonds to cover these construction costs, with funds directed through the Metropolitan Council to the City of St. Paul. The habitats must include space for animal care, training, enrichment, and veterinary services beyond basic exhibit areas. This legislation directly affects Como Zoo operations and the specific animal species listed, using state financing to modernize their facilities.

Maddy summaryHF 3190 would impose a 2% gross receipts tax on businesses providing specific professional services to other businesses within Minnesota. It directly affects companies offering services like legal, accounting, architectural, engineering, management consulting, and computer services to other trade or business entities. The tax applies to the total revenue from these business-to-business service sales, with businesses optionally collecting it from customers (if separately stated) or paying it directly to the state. Businesses that paid similar taxes to other states may claim a credit against this tax. The bill does not apply to services sold directly to end consumers or to personal services.

Maddy summaryHF 2764 requires Minnesota public schools (including charter schools participating in the National School Lunch Program) to offer at least one plant-based meal option daily starting with the 2026-2027 school year. A "plant-based meal" is defined as one without any animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, fish), and schools must provide this option within four weeks of a student's written request. Schools must also make the request process clear to students and parents, comply with federal nutrition standards, and report annually on implementation to the Department of Education. The bill applies to all public schools serving lunches through the National School Lunch Program.

Maddy summaryHF 2237 increases retirement benefits for Minnesota state employees covered under three plans: the General State Employees Retirement Plan, Legislators Retirement Plan, and Unclassified State Employees Retirement Program. The bill raises the annuity multiplier from 1.7% to 1.9% per year for retirement service after June 30, 2025, and increases the annual postretirement adjustment from 1.5% to 1.75% for recipients with over 12 months of benefits. These changes, effective July 1, 2025, will directly increase monthly retirement payments for eligible current and future retirees. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes sections 352.115 and 356.415 to implement these specific percentage adjustments.

Maddy summaryHF 1790 appropriates $3 million annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund to support the state's 12 regional library systems. The funding must be used to provide educational programs in Minnesota arts, history, literary arts, and cultural heritage, including promoting Minnesota authors from diverse backgrounds. Funds will be distributed using a specific formula based on Minnesota Statutes 134.355 (75%) plus an additional 25% distributed proportionally among all qualifying library entities. This bill directly affects regional library systems, public libraries, and community programs partnering with them to deliver these educational opportunities.

Maddy summaryHF 3154 appropriates $200,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $200,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide grants to the Rural Policy and Development Center. The funds are allocated through the commissioner of agriculture under Minnesota Statutes section 116J.421. This bill directly affects the Rural Policy and Development Center by providing dedicated funding for its operations and grant programs in Minnesota.

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 1679 allocates $5 million for fiscal year 2026 and $5 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state's arts and cultural heritage fund to support public television. The funding is specifically designated for the Minnesota Public Television Association (MPTA) to provide production and acquisition grants for public television programming. This bill directly affects MPTA's ability to fund local and national content for Minnesota viewers through existing state law. The funding mechanism provides stable, multi-year support for public broadcasting services.