Rep. Alex Falconer

Maddy summaryHF 2130 modifies several driver's license and ignition interlock requirements for individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI). It extends the required use period for ignition interlock devices after license reinstatement and adds criminal penalties for drivers who operate vehicles without these devices. The bill also adjusts procedures for license revocations, judicial review of extensions, temporary license issuance, and the process for reissuing impounded license plates. These changes primarily affect drivers with DUI convictions who are required to use ignition interlocks or face license restrictions.

Maddy summaryHF 3023 creates additional unemployment benefits for iron ore mining workers laid off due to reduced operations between March 15 and June 16, 2025. It provides up to 26 weeks of benefits at the same weekly rate as their regular unemployment benefits, available only after workers exhaust their standard unemployment benefits. Eligibility requires being laid off by an employer in the iron ore mining industry that cut 50%+ of its workforce during the specified period, or by an explosive manufacturer serving that industry. The benefits are retroactive to March 15, 2025, and do not apply to those receiving federal Trade Readjustment Allowance.

Maddy summaryHF 2059 requires Minnesota local governments with over 5,000 residents to create automated online platforms for approving residential solar permits. These platforms must instantly issue permits for small solar systems (up to 200-amp capacity on single- or two-family homes) without manual review, processing at least 75% of typical applications. Local governments must submit an initial compliance report within 60 days of adopting the platform and annual reports starting in 2027 detailing permit usage and progress toward the 75% processing goal. The bill directly affects municipal permitting offices and residential solar customers by streamlining the approval process for rooftop solar installations.

Maddy summaryHF 3344 creates a new "LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights" in Minnesota. It directly affects residents of long-term care facilities, home care clients, and home and community-based services recipients who are LGBTQIA2S+ or living with HIV. Key provisions require facilities to provide staff training in LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV cultural competency, prohibit specific discriminatory acts (like forcing clothing against gender identity or refusing chosen names/pronouns), mandate clear notices of residents' rights, and allow civil lawsuits if rights are violated. The bill appropriates funds to support these changes, aiming to prevent discrimination in care settings.

Maddy summaryHF 3339 reinstates a citizen advisory board for Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which was eliminated by the legislature in 2015. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to require the governor to appoint eight citizen members who must reflect the state's racial, gender, and geographic diversity, including at least one Tribal Nation member, three members from environmental justice communities, one small farmer, and one labor union member. This board will review specific agency decisions - such as permits, environmental impact statements, and rule changes - and provide public input on environmental policies. The change directly affects how the MPCA makes decisions, adding a layer of public oversight previously removed.

Maddy summaryHF 3334 modifies rules for health insurance companies' review of medical treatments, requiring their reviewing physicians to contact a patient's attending doctor before denying coverage. It creates a legal right for patients injured by wrongful denials - where the denial contradicts medical norms or the attending doctor's recommendation - to sue the insurance company or reviewing physician. The law also allows Minnesota's attorney general to enforce these rules. This directly affects patients seeking care, health insurance companies, and physicians reviewing treatment requests.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (not a bill with policy changes), passed by the Minnesota House. It urges Congress to exercise its constitutional authority to oversee the Executive branch and defend the Constitution. The resolution specifically cites concerns about the Executive branch allegedly bypassing courts, impounding funds, and infringing on free speech, and asks Congress to "assert its constitutional oversight authority." It directs Minnesota's Secretary of State to send copies to Congress and Minnesota's federal representatives.

Maddy summaryHF 3310 appropriates $250,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund to provide grants to businesses in communities adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The grants, up to $15,000 per business on a first-come, first-served basis, fund staff who issue entry permits to visitors. This directly affects local businesses near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area by helping cover costs for permit processing staff. The bill specifies that grant amounts are treated as a tax subtraction and excluded from taxable income under Minnesota law.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution, not a law. Minnesota's legislature formally urges the President to respect and comply with federal court rulings, specifically referencing the Trump administration's refusal to follow a court order regarding an immigration case. The resolution directs Minnesota's Secretary of State to send copies to the President, Congress, and Minnesota's congressional delegation. It has no legal effect but serves as a formal statement supporting judicial independence.

Maddy summaryHF 3301 allocates 3.7% of regional transportation sales tax revenue collected in the metropolitan area directly to SouthWest Transit. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to require the Metropolitan Council to share this specific portion of funds exclusively with SouthWest Transit, as specified in section 473.4465, subdivision 2(c). This funding mechanism ensures SouthWest Transit receives a dedicated share of existing transportation tax revenue for its operations and services. The bill directly affects SouthWest Transit as the designated recipient of this allocated funding, with no new tax or program creation.