Rep. Patty Acomb

Maddy summaryHF 3716 adds a new provision (Minnesota Statutes § 103I.2091) allowing variances from standard water well isolation distance rules for submerged closed loop heat exchanger systems used in heating/cooling. It directly affects applicants seeking to install these geothermal systems near water supply wells, by requiring the commissioner to consider variance requests if strict compliance would create an undue burden. The bill specifies that variances must be evaluated based on factors critical to system efficiency, such as optimal well spacing for thermal performance and minimizing piping lengths to reduce energy loss. This change streamlines the approval process for these energy-efficient systems while maintaining water supply well protection standards.

Maddy summaryHF 793 establishes a voluntary certification program for commercial salt applicators (businesses that apply deicers for hire on private property) in Minnesota. To become certified, applicators must complete approved training on water-friendly snow/ice removal practices, pass an exam, and renew every decade. Certified applicators gain limited liability protection if they follow approved best practices and avoid gross negligence, but must maintain detailed records of deicer use and submit annual reports to the Pollution Control Agency. The program aims to reduce environmental harm from excessive salt runoff while providing a clear standard for commercial snow removal services.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Solar Energy Systems Consumer Protection Act to regulate the sale and leasing of solar energy systems in Minnesota. It directly affects solar energy companies and consumers by requiring businesses to register with the state and file specific reports regarding their operations. The legislation defines key terms such as agreements, leases, and loans to ensure clarity in contracts between providers and homeowners. Additionally, the bill sets rules for energy storage systems and clarifies how solar installations interact with existing real property laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies water supply planning and reporting requirements for the Metropolitan Council in Minnesota by amending existing state statutes. It establishes two new advisory committees: a policy advisory committee with representatives from state agencies, local governments, and Tribal communities to guide regional water planning, and a technical advisory committee of engineering and scientific experts to provide specialized expertise. The policy committee will help develop a metropolitan water supply plan emphasizing conservation, cooperation, and sustainability, while the council must report its findings and recommendations to the legislature every five years. The bill also outlines specific planning activities the council must conduct, including water demand projections, sustainability analyses, and recommendations for funding and streamlining decision-making processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health plans in Minnesota that offer maternity benefits to cover infertility treatment and standard fertility preservation services for their enrollees. It defines infertility based on medical criteria and specifies that coverage must match the cost-sharing terms applied to maternity care, including limits on oocyte retrievals but unlimited embryo transfers. The legislation also mandates that health plans cannot impose additional restrictions, waiting periods, or benefit maximums on these services beyond what applies to maternity coverage. Additionally, the state will reimburse health plans for the costs of providing these new benefits, but only for services that would not have been covered without this law.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts how members, officers, and employees of the Minnesota Senate and House of Representatives can use legislative email addresses, telephone numbers, and office space. It prohibits giving out official legislative contact information to anyone who is not a legislator, staff member, or authorized employee, and limits member phone lines to exclusive use by the member and their assigned staff. The law also requires written notification to caucus leaders before allowing non-legislators to occupy assigned office space. Enforcement and penalties for violations are handled through rules adopted by the Senate and House, with courts barred from intervening in disputes over these provisions.

Maddy summaryHF 2928 requires preapplication discussions with state agencies for large water projects (exceeding 100 million gallons yearly or 250,000 gallons daily) to assess water availability before final site selection. It mandates specific permit details for these projects and specifies that data center expansions of 100 megawatts or more require an environmental impact statement reviewed by the Public Utilities Commission. The bill exempts data centers from contributing to energy conservation plans and imposes a new fee on them, with revenues funding conservation efforts. These provisions directly affect developers of large water projects and data center operators in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals who own firearms in Minnesota to purchase and maintain liability insurance that covers damages from accidental or negligent discharges. The insurance must provide a minimum coverage of $250,000 per occurrence, and owners currently holding firearms must secure this coverage by February 15, 2027. Failure to obtain or keep this insurance is classified as a misdemeanor, with repeat offenses punishable as a gross misdemeanor and mandatory fines. Additionally, the bill mandates that insurers collect a surcharge on these policies, which will be deposited into a state fund designated for gun harm reduction. Law enforcement and active-duty military personnel acting in their official capacities are exempt from these requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 3792 creates a tax subtraction for Minnesota residents who receive AmeriCorps stipends or living allowances. It specifically excludes from taxable income four types of payments: AmeriCorps volunteer stipends (42 U.S.C. § 4955), National Civilian Community Corps living allowances (42 U.S.C. § 12618), AmeriCorps Seniors stipends (42 U.S.C. §§ 5011, 5013(b)), and National Service Educational Awards (42 U.S.C. §§ 12601-12604). This change reduces the taxable income of eligible AmeriCorps participants in Minnesota. The policy takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 3643 establishes Melissa and Mark Hortman Memorial State Park in Ramsey County, specifically within St. Paul, as a new public park. The bill designates precise boundaries for the park using 18 directional points in St. Paul and requires that no park permit or entry fee be charged. It directs the commissioner of natural resources to manage the park under standard state park rules, while specifying that the commissioner of administration and Minnesota Historical Society retain authority over existing buildings and monuments within the park. The legislation also appropriates funds for the park’s establishment, directly affecting public access to this newly designated green space in the city.