Rep. Alex Falconer

Maddy summaryHF 3292 requires Minnesota to study how U.S. tariffs and retaliatory tariffs from other countries impact state households and businesses. The bill appropriates funds to the commissioner of management and budget to examine these economic effects, specifically breaking down impacts by household income level and business sector/size. The study must be completed and reported to legislative committees by February 1, 2026. This bill directly affects all Minnesotans and businesses through the mandated analysis of existing tariff policies.

Maddy summaryHF 3294 is a non-binding resolution passed by the Minnesota House of Representatives. It urges the President and Congress to fully fund Medicaid and oppose federal funding cuts, directly affecting Minnesota's 1.2 million Medicaid beneficiaries - including children (41% covered), seniors, people with disabilities, and communities of color (covering 80-90% of Black and American Indian births). The resolution has no new funding mechanisms or state policy changes; it solely requests federal action. It does not impose new requirements or alter existing Medicaid programs.

Maddy summaryHF 3184 repeals Minnesota Statutes section 471.9998, which previously prohibited local governments (like cities and counties) from banning paper, plastic, or reusable bags. This bill removes a state-level barrier, allowing municipalities to implement their own bag ban policies if they choose. The repeal directly affects local governments, which can now pass ordinances restricting bag use, and merchants who may face new local requirements. It does not create new bag bans but enables local decision-making on the issue.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota public schools to include overdose prevention education in health classes for students in grades 6 through 12. It adds specific content about recognizing, preventing, and responding to overdoses to existing health education standards. The mandate applies to all school districts statewide and is integrated into the current curriculum framework under Minnesota Statutes section 120B.215. This change directly affects school curricula and students in those grade levels, without altering funding or creating new programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1355 requires permit holders harvesting or destroying aquatic plants in Minnesota public waters to use scuba diving equipment safely and establishes safety standards for commercial diving operations. It mandates that applicants provide documentation of a recent third-party safety survey by a qualified professional (like a DLI consultant or insurance underwriter) and ensures divers have valid certification from accredited programs. The bill also requires employers to provide buoyancy control devices for workers using scuba equipment during these activities. These requirements apply directly to commercial entities and contractors seeking permits under Minnesota Statutes §103G.615 for aquatic plant management. The law aims to improve workplace safety for divers working in Minnesota's waterways.

Maddy summaryHF 1653 appropriates $1 million from state bonds to fund electric bus charging stations for school buses statewide. The bill directs the commissioner of commerce to provide grants to eligible school districts or public transit agencies under Minnesota Statutes §216C.374, specifically for installing Level 2 and Level 3 charging infrastructure. Funding comes from bonds sold by the state under established procedures, with grants awarded through the existing electric school bus deployment program. This measure directly affects school transportation systems seeking to transition to electric fleets, effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 2523 appropriates $9 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to provide grants to community-based HIV/AIDS support services providers in Minnesota. This funding, available until June 30, 2027, directly supports organizations offering critical services to people living with HIV/AIDS. The bill establishes a base appropriation of $9 million for fiscal year 2028, ensuring ongoing funding for these services. It does not change eligibility or service requirements but provides dedicated state funding for existing community support programs.

Maddy summaryHF 2770 prohibits the sale, use, or application of neonicotinoid pesticides throughout Minnesota. It directly affects all pesticide sellers, farmers, gardeners, and other users within the state. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, banning these pesticides for all purposes, including agricultural and residential use. This is a direct policy change eliminating the legal availability of neonicotinoid pesticides in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 2761 updates Minnesota's pesticide regulations to include pesticides from treated seeds in the commissioner's management plans and monitoring. It requires new coordination between state agencies, local governments, and public health agencies for pesticide management, and adds monitoring for pesticides from treated seeds and their breakdown products in groundwater, surface water, and air. The bill establishes new labeling requirements for certain pesticide-treated seeds and defines "systemic pesticides" (like neonicotinoids) for a new regulatory program. These changes primarily affect farmers using treated seeds, state environmental agencies, and local communities managing water and air quality.

Maddy summaryHF 2134 strengthens protections for Minnesota's wild rice waters by requiring a "wild rice risk justification" before certain pesticide permits are issued. It prohibits watercraft operations that threaten uncultivated wild rice beds and mandates the commissioner of natural resources to maintain current maps of wild rice waters. The bill appropriates funds to support these measures, including enforcement and map upkeep. These changes directly affect pesticide permit applicants, watercraft operators in wild rice areas, and state agencies managing natural resources.