Rep. Alex Falconer

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's requirements for site-governed schools, which are schools operated with significant autonomy from the district. It allows school boards to approve new site-governed schools based on proposals that must include teacher support (at least 60%) and community involvement in development. The bill requires districts and employee bargaining units to create memoranda of understanding that outline how existing contracts will support the new school model, and it establishes a three-year initial agreement that can automatically renew for five years if performance expectations are met. Under the new rules, site councils would have expanded powers to determine leadership models, budgets, curriculum, hiring practices, and school policies, while retaining powers not specifically delegated remain with the school board.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires independent presidential elector petitions in Minnesota to include sworn certifications confirming that the presidential and vice presidential candidates meet all constitutional eligibility requirements. It also mandates that major political party candidates submit an affidavit under oath stating they are not running for any other state office and meet constitutional qualifications. The Secretary of State would be prohibited from placing presidential or vice presidential candidates on the ballot without these certifications, which would also disqualify any associated elector nominees. These changes apply to non-major party candidates while major party candidates already undergo similar certification processes under existing law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health impact assessments for certain proposed projects to evaluate how they might affect human health, directly affecting government agencies and entities that approve or fund construction and development projects. It establishes a systematic, evidence-based process that must be completed before decisions are made on actions with potential significant environmental effects, requiring agencies to analyze physiological, social, economic, and other health-related factors. The legislation assigns specific duties to the commissioner of health and authorizes the Environmental Quality Board to create rules defining which projects need assessments, including exemptions for smaller ethanol and biobutanol facilities outside the metropolitan area. Additionally, the bill creates a public comment period for environmental assessment worksheets and sets requirements for publishing notices and gathering community input before determining if a full health impact assessment is necessary.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $200,000 from the state's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to provide a grant to Helping Paws, Inc. for breeding, training, and placing service dogs for individuals with physical disabilities, veterans and first responders with service-related PTSD, and professionals working in courthouse, educational, and mental health settings. The funding is designated as a one-time honorarium in memory of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. The commissioner of health may also accept private donations to supplement the state appropriation, with all such funds deposited in a dedicated account that expires on July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryHF 970 requires original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of farm equipment to provide independent repair shops with necessary tools, parts, and documentation on fair and reasonable terms. It directly affects Minnesota farmers and independent repair providers by ensuring they can access repair resources without being forced to use manufacturer-approved services or pay excessive fees. Key provisions include prohibiting OEMs from imposing unreasonable restrictions (like requiring repair shops to become authorized dealers) or charging more for parts/tools than they offer to their own authorized providers. The bill amends Minnesota law to define terms like "authorized repair provider" and "fair and reasonable terms" to clarify these requirements. This applies specifically to digital electronic farm equipment, aiming to increase repair options and reduce costs for farmers.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's HF 1269 requires health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved medical services and prescription medications for treating dementia, including diagnostic tests to assess treatment effectiveness. It also prohibits health plans from using "step therapy" (requiring patients to try cheaper drugs first) for dementia treatments. The bill modifies prior authorization rules for certain medications, ensuring automatic 60-day coverage for brand-name mental health drugs when generics become available, and streamlines approval for oral liquid drugs used with feeding tubes. These changes apply to health plans offered in Minnesota starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 2372 creates a voluntary "Minnesota Civic Seal" designation for high school students who complete specific civics requirements. To earn the seal, students must complete approved civics coursework, complete a project-based civic assessment, participate in at least one civic activity outside class (like voting in student elections or community service), and demonstrate civic dispositions. School districts may choose to participate but cannot charge students fees, must provide information about the program to all students, and must affix the seal to diplomas and transcripts for qualifying graduates. The program begins for students graduating in 2027 or later, with the Department of Education developing the insignia and guidelines to ensure equitable access for all students.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal claim in Minnesota allowing property owners to sue for trespass caused by airborne biological or chemical substances like pesticides and pollutants. It defines these substances as "intangible particulate matter" and states that liability arises when such matter interferes with a landowner's right to exclusive possession of their property. If a court finds a violation, it can award damages up to $100 per day of trespass, plus additional penalties or court orders to stop the contamination. The law applies to any person who causes these airborne substances to enter another person's land.

Maddy summaryHF 1857 prohibits elective declawing of cats in Minnesota, meaning veterinarians cannot perform surgery to remove a cat's claws for cosmetic or convenience reasons. The bill allows exceptions only for medically necessary procedures addressing infections, injuries, or health issues. Violators face civil penalties: $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $2,500 for third or subsequent violations. This directly affects veterinarians performing the procedure and cat owners seeking it, while prioritizing animal welfare through enforceable standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1.5 million from Minnesota's general fund to support the Somali Museum of Minnesota in building a new facility. The money will be used to design, construct, furnish, and equip the new building in Minneapolis to preserve Somali cultural heritage and display artifacts. This is a one-time appropriation available until the project is completed or abandoned, and the funds are managed by the commissioner of employment and economic development. The legislation directly affects the Somali Museum of Minnesota by providing financial resources for its expansion and preservation efforts.