Rep. Alex Falconer

Maddy summaryHF 695 requires venues hosting public events (like concerts or festivals) to provide attendees with free access to drinkable water during events. Specifically, venues must offer one of three options: provide free bottled water, allow guests to bring their own bottled water, or let guests fill empty bottles with water on-site. The bill directly affects "places of entertainment" as defined in Minnesota law, including theaters, sports arenas, and event spaces. It creates a clear, practical requirement for water access without mandating specific infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHF 1120 establishes Minnesota's "Keep it Clean" program to prevent water pollution from garbage and human waste left on ice during winter activities on state waters. The bill directly affects local governments and nonprofit organizations by creating a grant program to fund projects like installing winter-ready waste stations, providing seasonal waste disposal services, increasing winter patrols, and running education campaigns. Key provisions include funding for infrastructure (e.g., dumping stations), enforcement support, and community outreach to promote responsible winter use. The bill appropriates state funds for the program's administration and grants, with at least a portion dedicated to local projects.

Maddy summaryHF 794 establishes a state dementia services program under Minnesota's commissioner of health to coordinate existing Alzheimer's and dementia-related services. The program will link state agencies, Tribal Nations, community groups, and research organizations to improve public awareness, update Minnesota's Alzheimer's Disease State Plan, and integrate early detection strategies into public health efforts. The bill appropriates funding from the general fund for the program, starting with an unspecified amount in fiscal year 2026 and a base amount in 2027. This directly affects Minnesotans living with dementia, their caregivers, and the state agencies and community organizations providing related services.

Maddy summaryHF 2475 reduces the percentage Minnesota homeowners must pay toward their homestead credit property tax refunds. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 290A.04 by lowering the "co-pay" rate for qualifying homeowners, decreasing the claimant's required payment from 12% to as low as 1.0% of property taxes for the lowest income brackets. This change directly affects homeowners with household incomes up to $135,409 who claim the homestead credit, increasing their state refund amount by reducing their out-of-pocket share. The state refund maximum remains $3,500 for most income levels, but the reduced co-pay means homeowners retain more of their property tax refund.

Maddy summaryHF 1678 expands access to essential community supports for older Minnesotans and people with dementia by lowering the age threshold from 65 to 60 and removing asset limits for eligibility. The bill increases annual funding for caregiver respite services grants by $2 million each year (fiscal years 2026-2027) and maintains a $400 monthly service cap. It directly affects individuals needing community-based care who don’t qualify for nursing facilities, allowing access to services like adult day care, homemaker support, and respite care. The changes require no asset assessment and mandate annual reassessment for continued eligibility.

Maddy summaryHF 2215 creates a state-run low-cost auto insurance program called the "Minnesota Lifeline Insurance Program" for low-income residents who meet specific eligibility criteria. The Commissioner of Commerce must establish this program, requiring a facility to develop and operate it, set affordable rates based on claims data and administrative costs, and offer online applications through a dedicated website. The bill appropriates state funds for the program, mandates annual reports to the legislature detailing participation and costs, and requires rates to cover claims, expenses, and investment income while remaining accessible. This program directly affects low-income Minnesotans who struggle to afford standard auto insurance, providing them with a state-supported alternative.

Maddy summaryHF 723 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of natural resources. This funding supports the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission in carrying out its duties under Minnesota Statutes section 85.536. The bill directly affects the commission and its ability to manage regional parks and trails across Greater Minnesota. It provides specific, concrete funding amounts for two consecutive budget years without altering existing park policies or programs.

Maddy summaryHF 2195 proposes adding a new constitutional section to Minnesota's state constitution, specifically stating "Marriage is a fundamental right and shall not be restricted based on gender or race" (Sec. 18). If approved by voters, this amendment would prohibit legal restrictions on marriage based on gender or race. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, with potential implementation starting January 1, 2027, if ratified. This bill directly affects marriage rights and legal protections for all Minnesotans, requiring voter approval rather than legislative passage alone.

Maddy summaryHF 2218 appropriates $1.5 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the Metropolitan Council. This funding will be used to provide grants to regional park agencies within the Metropolitan Council system to manage aquatic invasive species. The grants support prevention, containment, control, and enforcement efforts to reduce the spread of these species. The funds are available until June 30, 2027, and directly affect regional park management agencies in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

Maddy summaryHF 1485 requires Minnesota health insurers and medical assistance programs to cover over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptive drugs, devices, and products without cost-sharing (like co-pays or deductibles). It applies directly to health plans and enrollees, mandating coverage of all FDA-approved OTC contraceptives at the point of sale without prescription requirements or quantity limits. The bill also requires health plans to list covered contraceptive services accessibly and cover provider-recommended methods based on medical necessity. This law takes effect January 1, 2026, for health plans offered, issued, or renewed after that date.