Rep. Nathan Coulter

Maddy summaryHF 2449 prohibits the sale or transfer of specific semiautomatic military-style assault weapons in Minnesota, including models like AK-47s, AR-15s, and Uzis, as well as firearms with certain features (e.g., folding stocks, pistol grips). The bill authorizes a state-funded buyback program for these weapons and appropriates money for implementation. It directly affects owners of the defined firearms, requiring them to stop selling or transferring these weapons and offering a process to return them for compensation. The law amends Minnesota Statutes to establish these prohibitions and buyback mechanisms, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 2617 modifies Minnesota's child care licensing system to improve clarity and support for providers. It requires the commissioner to create standardized inspection timelines and conduct rules for child care centers and family child care providers by January 2026, replacing mandatory technical assistance with a structured process for non-imminent violations. The bill also updates the definition of "education" to include relevant postsecondary coursework for staff qualifications and establishes a dedicated background study liaison to speed up processing for license holders. Additionally, it appropriates $50,000 for developing the standardized inspection system, directly affecting licensed child care providers and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

Maddy summaryHF 255 establishes Minnesota's Patient-Centered Care program to improve health outcomes and lower costs for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare recipients. The bill shifts payments directly from the state to individual health care providers (not managed care networks) for services, drugs, and vaccines, while ending contracts with existing managed care plans. It also authorizes monthly care coordination fees for primary care providers and community health workers, with higher rates for clinics serving populations facing health disparities. Additionally, the bill funds community outreach through grants to hire staff who connect homeless, mentally ill, or underserved patients to care and help them enroll in health programs.

Maddy summaryHF 3347 modifies Minnesota liquor licensing rules to authorize specific venues to sell alcohol without usual zoning restrictions. It allows St. Paul to issue on-sale licenses to the Fitzgerald Theatre, Science Museum of Minnesota, and Union Depot, bypassing typical distance requirements from schools or churches. The bill also updates rules for the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, permitting licenses for Northrop Auditorium, football stadiums (like TCF Huntington Bank Stadium), and up to seven other campus locations for events. These changes directly affect those specific venues and the Board of Regents by removing barriers to alcohol sales during permitted events.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HF 475) is a memorial resolution from Minnesota requesting the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve replacing the statue of Henry Mower Rice in the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall with a statue of Hubert H. Humphrey. It follows a 2000 law allowing states to replace statues after 10 years of display, noting Rice's statue has been in place since 1916. The resolution cites Humphrey's roles as a U.S. Senator, key architect of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and former Vice President, and states Minnesota will cover costs for removal and installation. The bill itself is procedural - it requests approval but does not enact any policy change.

Maddy summaryHF 1660 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to conduct a statewide assessment of out-of-school youth programs for children and teens under 21. The commissioner must gather data on current programs, funding, and populations served, while engaging youth, families, and community providers to identify barriers and gaps. By February 2026, the commissioner must submit a report with findings and recommendations to legislative committees, including proposals to improve access and quality. The bill appropriates a one-time $ amount in fiscal year 2026 specifically for this assessment and reporting process.

Maddy summaryHF 3281 requires Minnesota's Department of Health to hire a public health school health services consultant. The consultant must be a registered nurse with specific Minnesota licensure, three years of school nursing experience, and expertise in school health for children and adolescents. This position will develop policies, support school health professionals through training and resources, and improve coordination between schools, health centers, and agencies. The bill directly affects the Department of Health (which must hire the consultant), school nurses, and school health professionals statewide. It focuses on enhancing health services and educational outcomes for students in schools through structured support and resource development.

Maddy summaryHF 2582 appropriates $2.5 million for fiscal year 2026 and $2.5 million for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to provide child care improvement grants. These funds, administered by the commissioner of children, youth, and families, directly support child care providers who improve their facilities or services under Minnesota Statutes section 142D.20, subdivision 3, clause (7). The bill explicitly prohibits using any portion of these funds for administrative costs. This legislation provides dedicated state funding to enhance child care quality and accessibility for Minnesota families.

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.