Rep. Larry Kraft

Maddy summaryHF 97 modifies coverage for chiropractic services under MinnesotaCare and medical assistance programs. It specifies that covered services - including spinal manipulation, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercises for spinal conditions - must be provided by a licensed professional using accepted standards. The bill limits non-x-ray services to one annual evaluation and 24 visits per year, requiring prior authorization for more visits. It also restricts x-ray coverage to full spine or specific spinal area exams necessary for diagnosing subluxation. The bill repeals the previous coverage description in Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256L.03, subdivision 3b.

Maddy summaryHF 3057 establishes a public option within MinnesotaCare, allowing Minnesotans to enroll in a government-run health plan alongside private insurers. It expands eligibility to more residents and sets income-based premiums for public option enrollees. The bill requires the commissioner of commerce to seek federal approval for a special waiver (Section 1332) and appropriates funding for implementation. This directly affects individuals purchasing health insurance in Minnesota's individual market, particularly low- and middle-income residents seeking affordable coverage options.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million from the state general fund for Minnesota's Lawns to Legumes program, which supports homeowners in replacing grass lawns with soil-enriching legume plants like clover. The funds, available until June 2029, are administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources and can be used to partner with local governments and organizations. The program aims to improve soil health and reduce fertilizer use by incentivizing legume-based lawn alternatives. This is a one-time funding allocation for fiscal year 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 2140 requires certain Minnesota municipalities to create "mixed-use housing zones" by June 30, 2027. Covered cities include those in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington counties, plus any municipality with 10,000+ residents. These zones must permit residential developments with at least three units (within 0.5 miles of certain streets) or four units (within 0.25 miles), including duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. The bill defines "mixed-use development" as buildings where at least 50% of usable space is for residential units, and it exempts these zoning changes from requiring comprehensive plan amendments before 2029.

Maddy summaryHF 341 amends Minnesota Statutes section 171.24 to establish minimum fines and enhance penalties for repeat driving without a valid license. It specifically targets individuals convicted of driving while license is suspended, revoked, or canceled who: (1) cause injury or death in a collision, or (2) have prior convictions for similar offenses within 10 years. The bill sets a minimum fine amount for these repeat violations, raising them to gross misdemeanor level when the specified conditions are met. This directly affects drivers with repeated license violations who operate vehicles without authorization. The changes apply to offenses under existing statutes related to license suspension, revocation, or disqualification.

Maddy summaryHF 161 allows Minnesota cities to establish land-value taxation districts, where property taxes are calculated primarily based on land value (excluding improvements) rather than total property value. This directly affects property owners within designated districts, as their tax burden would shift toward land value. Cities must adopt an ordinance describing the district boundaries, tax reallocation method (using uniform rates on land value or similar measures), and conduct public hearings with advance notice. The law requires cities to evaluate long-term economic impacts for at least 15 years and takes effect for 2026 property taxes.

Maddy summaryHF 1614 amends Minnesota's definition of a "child in need of protection or services" (specifically Minnesota Statutes §260C.007, subd. 6(4)) to clarify when a child is considered without necessary special care due to a physical, mental, or emotional condition. The bill explicitly states that a parent, guardian, or custodian cannot be deemed unable or unwilling to provide such care if a child remains in an emergency department or hospital because residential treatment is unavailable or safe discharge to the family isn't possible due to service gaps. This change directly affects children with special healthcare needs who are stuck in hospital settings due to lack of community-based support services. The provision aims to prevent unnecessary child welfare involvement when the barrier is systemic unavailability of care, not parental neglect.

Maddy summaryHF 1309 prohibits Minnesota local governments (cities and counties) from requiring minimum parking spaces for new residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. The bill directly affects developers and property owners by removing a common zoning requirement that previously mandated a set number of parking spots. Key provisions state that political subdivisions cannot impose these minimums, though they may still require ADA-compliant disability parking or make non-binding parking space recommendations. This change aims to increase flexibility for development projects, potentially allowing more housing or commercial space without dedicated parking.

Maddy summaryHF 697 appropriates $1.27 million for fiscal year 2026 and $2.05 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to purchase weather forecasting radar data. The funding aims to fill five critical radar coverage gaps in Minnesota during the first year, expanding to eight gaps annually thereafter, to improve weather monitoring. The procured data must be shared with the Departments of Agriculture, Transportation, and Pollution Control. This funding directly supports the Public Safety Commissioner’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division for enhancing public safety through better weather planning and response.

Maddy summaryHF 1641 requires Minnesota public school districts to maintain opiate antagonists (medication for opioid overdose emergencies) at all school sites, including at least two nasal doses per building. It allows high school students in grades 9-12 to possess and administer these medications to other students if their parent or guardian provides written authorization. Schools must follow state guidelines for storage and administration, and student possession is protected under existing law (section 604A.04). This bill directly affects high school students, schools, and parents/guardians by enabling student-led emergency response with parental consent.