Rep. Liz Reyer

Maddy summaryHF 2903 appropriates $1 million from Minnesota's general fund for fiscal year 2026 to fund transitional housing projects. The commissioner of human services will distribute grants to eligible organizations to renovate existing facilities into transitional housing, improve current transitional housing sites, construct new sites, or enhance safety and accessibility at existing sites. This one-time funding directly supports housing providers and individuals experiencing homelessness by expanding access to safe, habitable transitional housing. The bill specifies concrete uses for the funds but does not create new eligibility requirements beyond existing statutory provisions.

Maddy summaryHF 1913 creates a new limited medical license for graduates of foreign medical schools who meet specific criteria, including 60 months of practice outside the U.S. in the past decade, working in a collaborative agreement within a rural or underserved area, and providing evidence of a job offer. It requires employers of these limited license holders to carry medical malpractice insurance and pay at least the equivalent of a medical resident's salary, while prohibiting retaliation for reporting violations. Limited license holders must submit periodic certification to the medical board confirming their employment and good standing every six months. The bill also establishes a pathway to full licensure after two years of practice (1,692 hours annually), passing all USMLE/COMLEX-USA steps, and obtaining a recommendation letter.

Maddy summaryHF 3156 restricts local governments from blocking affordable housing developments by religious organizations on their own land. It requires cities to permit such projects as a "permitted use" in specific zones: up to three units on most residential lots, up to eight units outside single-family districts, and up to 12 units in mixed-use or commercial areas. The bill defines "affordable housing" as developments where 20-40% of units are for households earning ≤50-60% of area median income, and sets minimum density requirements (e.g., 1.25x existing density). This directly affects religious organizations seeking to build housing, cities with zoning codes that previously restricted such projects, and low-income residents in communities where these developments may be constructed.

Maddy summaryHF 2554 designates a specific bridge on Burnsville Parkway over Interstate Highway 35W in Burnsville, Minnesota, as the "Elmstrand * Finseth * Ruge Heroes Memorial Bridge." The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 161.14 to formally name the structure and requires the transportation commissioner to adopt appropriate signage for it. This is a commemorative measure naming a physical location, not a policy change affecting residents or creating new laws. The bridge itself is the direct subject of the designation, with no broader legislative impact beyond the memorial name and signage.

Maddy summaryHF 1373 appropriates $42,997,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $54,675,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the State Board of Civil Legal Aid. This funding will be distributed to civil legal aid programs across Minnesota, as required by Minnesota Statutes section 480.242. The bill establishes a base funding level of $68,512,000 for fiscal year 2028 and $84,498,000 for fiscal year 2029. The bill directly affects nonprofit legal aid organizations serving low-income Minnesotans by providing guaranteed state funding.

Maddy summaryHF 2915 appropriates $1.575 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1.575 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to the Family Tree Clinic. The funding is designated to support the clinic’s health services, educational outreach, and workforce training programs focused on culturally competent care. This bill directly affects the Family Tree Clinic, which provides healthcare to diverse communities in Minnesota. The key provision is the specific, multi-year funding allocation for these defined services, with no additional policy changes or eligibility requirements outlined.

Maddy summaryHF 1644 creates a grant program to fund family permanent supportive housing in Minnesota. It appropriates $1.5 million for fiscal year 2026 to provide $15,000 per family served to nonprofit organizations or Tribal governments operating housing for families facing barriers like homelessness, mental health challenges, or child protection referrals. The program requires grantees to offer specific services - including child-centered education, job training, counseling referrals, and 24/7 on-site staffing - to help families maintain stable housing and support children's well-being. Funding must serve 60% of families in the metro area, 40% outside it, and at least 10% from Minnesota Tribal Nations.

Maddy summaryHF 2764 requires Minnesota public schools (including charter schools participating in the National School Lunch Program) to offer at least one plant-based meal option daily starting with the 2026-2027 school year. A "plant-based meal" is defined as one without any animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, fish), and schools must provide this option within four weeks of a student's written request. Schools must also make the request process clear to students and parents, comply with federal nutrition standards, and report annually on implementation to the Department of Education. The bill applies to all public schools serving lunches through the National School Lunch Program.

Maddy summaryHF 1883 establishes requirements for central service technicians working in Minnesota hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. It mandates that these technicians must either hold a nationally accredited credential (like a Certified Registered Central Service Technician) or have been employed before December 31, 2027. Facilities must ensure technicians complete 10 hours of annual continuing education related to their role, and technicians without credentials have 18 months from hire to obtain one. The bill directly affects healthcare facilities and their central service staff, while allowing health care practitioners and supervised students to perform these tasks under specific conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 1645 appropriates $1 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the Minnesota Medical Association to run a "Treat Yourself First" campaign. The campaign aims to reduce stigma around mental health services, encourage healthcare workers experiencing burnout to seek help, and normalize seeking support for well-being. It specifically targets physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. This is a one-time appropriation available until July 1, 2030.