Rep. Rick Hansen

Maddy summaryHF 2602 modifies and extends funding for replacing drought-killed seedlings on forested lands. It appropriates $5 million for fiscal year 2023 to replace seedlings on state lands and provide grants to Tribal, county, and private forestland owners (covering site prep, replanting, and tending). The bill extends the deadline for using this funding from June 30, 2027, to June 30, 2029.

Maddy summaryHF 2034 appropriates $17,057,000 annually from the general fund and $255,000 annually from the natural resources fund for the Minnesota Zoological Garden (Minneapolis Zoo) during fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The funds are allocated directly to the Minnesota Zoological Board to support the zoo's operations and maintenance. This bill provides specific, targeted funding without altering zoo policies or creating new requirements. It affects the zoo's budget directly through these fixed annual appropriations.

Maddy summaryHF 1361 appropriates $8 million from state bond proceeds to fund improvements at CHS Field in St. Paul. The city of St. Paul will receive the grant to cover predesign, construction, and equipment for upgrades meeting Major League Baseball standards, including a new locker room, enhanced visitor amenities, and environmental remediation of contaminated soil. The state will issue bonds up to $8 million to fund this appropriation, following Minnesota's bond sale procedures. This bill directly affects CHS Field's operations and the city's ability to modernize the stadium.

Maddy summaryHF 2481 modifies the membership and duties of Minnesota's Clean Water Council, which advises on water quality programs. The bill changes the council to have 17 voting members appointed by the governor from specific groups, including two farm organization representatives, two environmental groups, local government representatives (cities, counties, watersheds), tribal governments, and others. The council’s key duties include advising state agencies on water quality priorities, coordinating efforts across agencies, and recommending funding allocations from the Clean Water Fund. This directly affects the council members, state environmental agencies, and local organizations involved in water management across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 2468 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support mental health initiatives in Minnesota's construction industry. The funds, available until June 30, 2027, are designated for outreach, education, stigma reduction programs, and worksite strategies to prevent suicide. They can be used for grants to industry groups and developing resources targeting construction workers. This bill directly affects construction industry workers by funding concrete mental health support services through state-administered programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies licensing and operational rules for livestock markets, dealers, and meat packing companies in Minnesota. It adds definitions for "livestock dealer agent" and "meat packing company agent," requires annual licenses for livestock market agencies and public stockyards (expiring December 31), and mandates surety bonds for livestock dealers. The changes also update requirements for agents, license posting, and bond responsibilities, while repealing obsolete provisions. These modifications directly affect livestock market operators, dealers, meat packing companies, and their agents who must comply with the updated licensing and bonding rules.

Maddy summaryHF 2280 modifies Minnesota's beginning farmer program by adding specific eligibility requirements, such as net worth limits, financial management training, and profit potential documentation, directly affecting new and emerging farmers seeking program assistance. It revises grain buyer regulations and grants the Commissioner of Agriculture authority to coordinate with other agencies to protect public health from fertilizer and fertilizer by-product risks. The bill repeals a requirement for the Commissioner to report on implementing Minnesota's biodiesel fuel mandate. These changes aim to streamline program administration, clarify farmer eligibility, and adjust regulatory responsibilities for agricultural safety.

Maddy summaryHF 1098 appropriates funds from the general state budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to improve and expand infrastructure at food shelf facilities. The bill directs the commissioner of children, youth, and families to provide grants to nonprofit organizations, federally recognized Tribes, and local governments operating food shelves. These grants specifically fund physical infrastructure upgrades, such as building repairs or equipment, rather than operational costs. The legislation directly supports community food assistance programs by providing dedicated state funding for facility improvements.

Maddy summaryHF 2151 establishes a pilot program to fund training in plant-based food production. It appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 to provide grants to secondary career programs and colleges, prioritizing those partnering with local plant-based food producers. Grants cover equipment, facility renovations, and faculty training for plant-based food production instruction. The program is limited to a one-time funding cycle ending June 30, 2027. It directly affects educational institutions offering workforce training in this growing sector.

Maddy summaryHF 1582 modifies Minnesota's Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) benefits for educators. It allows teachers with 30 years of service to retire at age 60 without reduced annuity payments (previously requiring 35 years), adjusts early retirement penalties, and increases postretirement cost-of-living adjustments. The bill also raises employer contribution rates for school districts (from 13.3% to 17.3% for basic members) and increases pension adjustment revenue rates for school districts starting in 2026. These changes directly affect current and future TRA members, school districts funding retirement costs, and the state's retirement system budget.