Rep. Lucy Rehm

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 264, the "Larry R. Hill Medical Reform Act," requires all licensed Minnesota correctional facilities (both public and private) to meet specific medical care standards. The bill amends state law to mandate facilities implement policies covering mental health screening, suicide prevention, medication verification, discharge planning with prescribed medications, telehealth use, and death reviews. These requirements directly affect incarcerated individuals by improving access to consistent medical and mental health care while holding facilities accountable through commissioner inspections. The law aims to standardize care practices without creating new programs, focusing on operational changes to enhance safety and treatment.

Maddy summaryHF 2992 appropriates $16.5 million in fiscal year 2026 to fund specific traffic safety initiatives across Minnesota. It allocates $300,000 for work zone speed modifications, $1 million each for safe road zones on trunk highways (from highway funds) and safe road zones generally (from general funds), $10 million for rural high-risk road improvements, $2 million for rural road enforcement grants, $2 million for the Advisory Council on Traffic Safety, $2 million for officer training, and $500,000 for safe ride programs. These funds are directed to the commissioner of transportation, commissioner of public safety, and local law enforcement agencies to implement safety measures like road redesigns, speed enforcement, and community transportation programs. The appropriations are specific to fiscal year 2026 with some funds available through June 2029.

Maddy summaryHF 2474 modifies Minnesota's absentee voting rules to clarify administrative responsibilities and enhance ballot processing procedures. It requires city or town clerks to obtain county auditor approval or provide written notice before administering absentee voting, and mandates they have technical capacity to access the statewide voter registration system after receiving state-approved training. The bill also adds specific counting checks during ballot processing: election workers must verify envelope and ballot counts at multiple stages and document discrepancies in an incident log. These changes directly affect local election officials (city clerks and county auditors) and apply to absentee voting procedures for all Minnesota elections held 85 days after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHF 683 allows Minnesota cities and counties to adopt ranked choice voting (RCV) for local elections, such as mayoral or city council races. It establishes rules for how RCV would work, including counting votes by voter preferences and reallocating votes when candidates are eliminated. The bill permits local jurisdictions to use electronic voting systems that automatically handle vote reallocation, and it appropriates funds for implementation. This bill directly affects local governments choosing to implement RCV and voters in those jurisdictions participating in local elections. It does not change state or federal election rules.

Maddy summaryHF 2857 prohibits obstructing public roads that end at lakes, streams, or other water bodies in Minnesota. It specifically bans installing boat hoists, mooring boats overnight without permission, or blocking access to water without a recorded deed or easement. Violations are classified as misdemeanors, with each day of continued violation counting as a separate offense. The bill directly affects property owners and users of roads terminating at water access points.

Maddy summaryHF 2707 appropriates $11.125 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to support sexually exploited youth or youth at risk of sexual exploitation under Minnesota Statutes §256K.47. At least $9 million annually must fund street outreach, emergency shelter, regional navigators, and housing services for these youth. The bill directly affects vulnerable youth in Minnesota by providing dedicated funding for critical safe harbor resources and housing support. It establishes concrete funding mechanisms without altering existing statutes or creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's reimbursement rules for federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) that provide medical assistance. It requires FQHCs to submit detailed cost and visit reports within 90 days after each reporting period, using forms approved by the commissioner, and to provide copies of their Medicare cost reports as supporting documentation. The bill updates payment mechanisms, allowing FQHCs to choose between a prospective payment system or an alternative cost-based payment method (100% of Medicare-approved costs), effective January 1, 2021. These changes directly affect FQHCs operating in Minnesota that receive state medical assistance payments, ensuring consistent reporting and payment procedures aligned with federal requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 855 appropriates $1.5 million from the general fund to the Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture for a study on microplastics in meat and poultry sold in Minnesota. The study, to be conducted in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and the University of Minnesota, must be completed by February 1, 2026, with findings reported to relevant legislative committees. This bill directly affects state agencies (Agriculture, Health) and the University of Minnesota, which will conduct the research. The funding is a one-time appropriation, and the bill does not establish new regulations but requires a factual assessment of microplastic presence in food products.

Maddy summaryHF 1175 requires Minnesota public school districts and charter schools to develop written cardiac emergency response plans by the 2026-2027 school year. These plans must include specific steps for responding to cardiac arrests, such as placing automatic defibrillators in accessible locations, training staff in CPR and defibrillator use, and conducting annual emergency simulations. The bill appropriates $2 million from the general fund to help schools implement these plans, covering costs for defibrillators, training, and related equipment. It directly affects all Minnesota schools, ensuring they are prepared for cardiac emergencies during school activities.