Rep. Julie Greene

Maddy summaryHF 2550 establishes a new Local Business Construction Impacts Assistance Program to support businesses affected by highway and street construction projects in Minnesota. It requires transportation authorities to appoint business liaisons and create communication plans for projects expected to cause "substantial business impacts" (like reduced access, parking, or visibility for at least one month). The program provides financial assistance to eligible businesses experiencing "extensive business impacts" (impairment for 60+ days) due to covered projects, such as highway work in cities or counties. This bill directly affects local businesses near construction zones and aims to mitigate economic disruption through proactive communication and financial support.

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 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 appropriates $3.5 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the commissioner of public safety. The funds will be provided as grants to the Fencing Consortium, which will distribute them to local government facilities in Minnesota that are members of the consortium. The money is specifically for purchasing anti-scale fencing, pedestrian doors, and vehicle gates to improve safety at these facilities. This is a one-time funding allocation with no new regulations or requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 2765 modifies Minnesota's optometry scope of practice by adding specific restrictions to the existing law. The bill directly affects licensed optometrists by prohibiting them from administering prescription medications via injection (except for anaphylaxis treatment), performing invasive surgeries (including laser procedures), prescribing certain strong oral medications (like Schedule II/III drugs or steroids), and extending the duration of some prescriptions (limiting oral antivirals to 10 days and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors to 7 days). These changes clarify the boundaries of optometric practice under Minnesota Statutes 148.56. The bill does not alter optometrists' core duties like vision testing, lens prescribing, or diagnosing eye conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 2359 establishes a Climate and Mental Health Advisory Task Force within Minnesota's Department of Health to study how climate change impacts mental health across the state. The 16-member task force includes legislative appointees and 12 community representatives specifically chosen to reflect vulnerable groups affected by climate change (such as Indigenous communities, farmers, people with disabilities, and those exposed to pollution). It will analyze mental health effects by demographics, identify communities most impacted now and in the future, and develop actionable recommendations for mitigation strategies. The bill appropriates a one-time sum for the task force in fiscal year 2026, available until June 2031, to support its work. This directly affects Minnesota residents, particularly those facing climate-related mental health challenges.

Maddy summaryHF 961 appropriates $250,000 for each of the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years to fund the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation's ProStart program. This program provides high school students with culinary and hospitality management education, including curriculum, tools, skills training, professional development, and scholarships. The funds directly support addressing workforce shortages in Minnesota's hospitality industry by enhancing career pathways for students. This is a one-time appropriation specifically designated for these educational services in participating high schools.

Maddy summaryHF 1584 requires healthcare providers to obtain written informed consent before performing pelvic, breast, urogenital, or rectal exams on patients who are anesthetized or unconscious. It directly affects patients under anesthesia/unconscious during medical procedures and healthcare professionals, including students and residents. The law allows exceptions when consent was already given for related surgery/diagnostic exams, the exam is medically necessary during unconsciousness, or a court orders it for evidence. Violations are classified as gross misdemeanors and may lead to disciplinary action by health licensing boards. The bill takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1989 increases funding for Minnesota school districts by raising the "local optional revenue" allowances used to calculate state aid. It sets the first-tier allowance at $550 for fiscal year 2027 (up from $300) and maintains the second-tier allowance at $424 through 2027, with future increases tied to the general education funding formula. School districts receive more state aid when they levy less than the maximum allowed under these new formulas, which include specific "equalizing factors" for different fiscal years (e.g., $626,450 for second-tier in 2025). The bill appropriates funds to cover this increased aid, effective for fiscal year 2027 and later.

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.