Rep. Brad Tabke

Maddy summaryHF 2416 modifies how counties pay for mental health care in state facilities. Counties now pay 0% for the first 30 days of care, 20% for days 31 and beyond if clinically appropriate, and 100% when discharge is deemed appropriate. The bill temporarily (until June 30, 2025) exempts counties from paying for certain clients awaiting transfer to another facility under specific conditions. It also requires a public dashboard showing waitlist data for mental health services, including average wait times and referral metrics, to increase transparency. These changes affect counties, mental health facilities, and individuals receiving care in Minnesota's state-operated mental health programs.

Maddy summaryHF 45 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support Minnesota's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Outreach Program. This funding directly assists the commissioner of children, youth, and families in operating outreach efforts to help eligible Minnesotans access food assistance benefits. The bill provides specific, dedicated funding for the program under Minnesota Statutes, section 142F.12, without changing eligibility rules or benefit amounts. It ensures consistent financial support for outreach services that connect residents to existing nutrition assistance programs.

Maddy summaryHF 2243 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund to support thoroughbred racing. The funds are directed to a licensed Class A racetrack in Minnesota that primarily conducts thoroughbred and quarter horse racing, as defined by state law. The grant must be used specifically to expand opportunities for Minnesota-bred racehorses at the racetrack. This bill directly affects licensed racetracks meeting the criteria and supports Minnesota's cultural heritage related to thoroughbred racing.

Maddy summaryHF 2254 adds a $400 "baby bonus" to Minnesota's existing child credit for each qualifying child born during the tax year. This directly affects Minnesota taxpayers with newborn children, increasing their state income tax credit. The bill modifies the child credit calculation by adding the $400 per newborn (without reducing the minimum credit amount) and allows for potential advance payments. It takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 261 appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 to fund horse-assisted mental health therapy for eligible first responders in Minnesota. It directly affects active or retired peace officers, firefighters (full-time and volunteer), ambulance personnel, 911 telecommunicators, and correctional officers suffering from job-related trauma or PTSD. The funds will go to Abijah's on the Backside for therapy services, requiring two reports detailing program costs, participants, and outcomes by 2026 and 2028. This is a one-time appropriation to support existing mental health services for first responders, not a new statewide program.

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.

Maddy summaryHF 1955 creates a new license for home-based food businesses in Minnesota, allowing individuals to legally prepare and sell food from their residences. The bill establishes a "microenterprise home kitchen operation" license, valid annually from January 1 to December 31, requiring the commissioner to issue licenses within 30 days of application. It directly affects small home food entrepreneurs who want to sell prepared foods (like baked goods or meals) without needing a full commercial kitchen license. The license is separate from existing food handler classifications and requires annual renewal, with specific rules for application processing and fees. This change modifies multiple Minnesota statutes to add this new licensing category and appropriates funding for implementation.

Maddy summaryHF 2144 appropriates unspecified funds from the general fund for the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program under Minnesota Statutes § 462A.204, for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The bill directly affects families in Minnesota at risk of homelessness by providing funding for prevention and assistance services. Key provisions include directing the Housing Finance Agency to administer the program using these allocated funds. This is a funding bill with no new policy requirements, solely authorizing budget resources for an existing state program.

Maddy summaryHF 983 appropriates $15 million from bond proceeds and $11.5 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to fund Minnesota's Local Road Wetland Replacement Program. This program replaces wetlands drained during public road repairs, as required by state law (Minnesota Statutes §103G.222), and is administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources. The bill authorizes the sale of $15 million in state bonds and allocates an additional $7.5 million annually from 2026-2027, plus $2 million yearly for program administration. It requires fair market value pricing for land/easement purchases and allows the Board to acquire wetland replacement credits through agreements with federal agencies or private entities.

Maddy summaryHF 35 requires all health insurance plans in Minnesota to create a maternal mental health program by January 1, 2026. The program must ensure comprehensive care for pregnant and postpartum individuals by mandating screenings during the perinatal period, requiring fair reimbursement for providers who conduct screenings or provide treatment, and ensuring timely referrals to mental health specialists when needed. This directly affects health insurance plans covering these services and aims to improve access to mental health care for this population. The bill prohibits unreasonable delays in referrals for clinically indicated cases, such as positive mental health screenings or reports of suicidal thoughts.