Rep. Leon Lillie

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the June 30, 2025 expiration date from Minnesota’s crossbow hunting and fishing allowance. It directly affects hunters and anglers who use crossbows to take deer, bear, turkey, common carp, or native rough fish during regular archery seasons. The key provision amends Minnesota Statutes section 97B.037 to eliminate the sunset provision, making the crossbow allowance permanent. This change ensures the existing crossbow hunting and fishing rules remain in effect without needing future legislative action to extend them. The bill does not alter the current requirements for licenses, transportation, or crossbow specifications.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands state veterans benefits to include Minnesota residents who served in the Secret War in Laos, specifically those who were naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act or who served honorably with special guerrilla units or irregular forces in Laos between 1961 and 1975. The legislation directs the commissioner of veterans affairs to create an eligibility verification process and issue certificates of eligibility for these veterans, granting them access to benefits such as veteran designation on driver's licenses, civil service recruitment opportunities, employment preference, and burial fee waivers. The bill also allows the commissioner to establish a fee schedule for interment of eligible spouses and dependents of these veterans, with provisions for fee waivers for indigent applicants. Technical changes are made to existing statutes to incorporate these new definitions and benefits, with an effective date of July 2, 2025 for most provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs approximately $189 million from Minnesota's outdoor heritage fund to support conservation projects for prairies and wildlife habitats over the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years. The funding is allocated to specific initiatives including the RIM Grasslands Reserve, wildlife management area acquisitions, and land purchases for the Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge. Money will be distributed to state agencies and partner organizations like Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and The Nature Conservancy to acquire land, establish conservation easements, and restore native habitats. The bill prioritizes acquiring lands eligible for the native prairie bank or those adjacent to protected prairie areas, with some funds designated for monitoring and enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the requirements for marriage and family therapists to obtain a Minnesota license through reciprocity with other states. It allows the state licensing board to issue licenses to out-of-state therapists who meet specific criteria, including holding a valid license in good standing elsewhere, passing a Minnesota jurisprudence exam, and having no criminal convictions or disciplinary actions. The changes streamline the application process by clearly outlining five conditions that applicants must satisfy, such as completing the required application and fees. Therapists seeking to practice in Minnesota from other jurisdictions would need to demonstrate their qualifications meet these new standards before receiving a state license.

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 summaryThis bill modifies the rules for the St. Paul Teachers Retirement Fund Association and adjusts pension funding for Independent School District No. 625. It increases the pension adjustment rate for ISD 625 to 5.95% for fiscal year 2027 and later, while setting a lower rate of 1.25% for other districts starting in 2025. Additionally, the legislation raises employee contribution rates for the basic program to 11.25% in 2026 and 11.5% thereafter, and adjusts employer contribution rates for coordinated members. These changes take effect on July 1, 2026, with specific provisions for pension revenue calculations beginning in fiscal year 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 3786 clarifies which children's museums can receive competitive grants from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund. It requires that only museums meeting the IRS's A52 tax-exempt classification (or a future equivalent) qualify for these grants. This directly affects children's museums seeking funding under the current grant program. The bill amends Minnesota law to specify this eligibility standard, ensuring grants are awarded only to qualifying institutions.

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 authorizes the state of Minnesota to issue up to $75 million in bonds to fund the renovation of the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul. The funds will be used by the city to upgrade the facility's infrastructure, including its heating and cooling systems, electrical and plumbing networks, and security features. Additionally, the project will expand and reconfigure interior and exterior event spaces while improving accessibility and storage areas for equipment. The legislation also includes upgrades to visitor amenities such as restrooms, seating, and sound systems to support ongoing operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Minnesota to permit residents to consume and display alcoholic beverages under specific conditions. The changes require that alcohol be consumed only by residents during resident-focused activities, with no one under 21 allowed to drink and all staff serving alcohol being at least 18 years old. Additionally, the bill prohibits selling alcohol or treating it as part of a commercial transaction within these facilities. The legislation directly affects nursing home operators, assisted living facility managers, and the residents who live in these care settings.