Rep. Ben Bakeberg

Maddy summaryHF 2305 requires child care providers in Minnesota to publicly post certain licensing actions for ten years when accompanied by a maltreatment investigation memorandum. Specifically, if a conditional license or suspension order includes such a memo (prepared under sections 626.557 or 260E), the provider must display both documents prominently for ten years - instead of the standard two-year period. This applies to all licensed family child care providers and centers. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes sections 142B.16 and 142B.18 to mandate this extended public posting period.

Maddy summaryHF 1435 modifies Minnesota's education innovation framework by updating requirements for school districts offering experiential learning programs and P-TECH schools. It requires districts to publicly adopt and regularly review plans for innovation programs (like work-based learning or project-based schools), including student outcome assessments. The bill also revises the P-TECH school approval process to mandate specific application details, such as written agreements with colleges/businesses, economic development alignment, and budget plans. These changes affect Minnesota school districts seeking to implement innovation programs or P-TECH schools, focusing on transparency and program structure. The bill recodifies related education innovation statutes without altering core program eligibility.

Maddy summaryHF 1766 appropriates $800,000 annually to the Minnesota Council on Economic Education to fund teacher training and classroom resources focused on economic and financial literacy. The bill directly supports K-12 teachers (especially those teaching grades 9-12 personal finance) by providing professional development, curricular materials, and direct student programs. It requires the Council to report annually on training participation, program content, and research results to the state education commissioner. This policy change aims to strengthen financial education standards across Minnesota public schools through targeted teacher support and measurable program evaluation.

Maddy summaryHF 29 suspends the scheduled 2030-2031 review of Minnesota's social studies academic standards and repeals requirements for schools to include ethnic studies content in their curriculum. It also cancels funding allocated for ethnic studies programs. The bill modifies existing education statutes by removing mandates for schools to integrate ethnic studies or Indigenous education into social studies standards, effectively eliminating these curriculum components. This directly affects Minnesota public schools and students by removing specific educational content requirements and associated funding. The changes take effect upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 1052 modifies Minnesota's student discipline laws to protect younger students. It prohibits school dismissals (including suspensions) for preschool/pre-K programs and kindergarten through grade 3 students, limiting K-3 dismissals to no more than three school days. The bill requires schools to first use alternative disciplinary approaches and provide educational services before considering dismissal, and mandates districts to track student progress during any dismissal period. These changes apply to all Minnesota public schools and take effect July 1, 2025. The bill repeals outdated sections related to student discipline (121A.425 subd. 2 and 121A.611).

Maddy summaryHF 2318 updates Minnesota's Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) system. It increases pension adjustment revenue for school districts (e.g., setting St. Paul's rate at 3.25% for 2026+ and other districts at 2.0% for 2026+), raises employer contribution rates (e.g., requiring 9.5% for coordinated members and 13.5% for basic members by 2025), and provides unreduced retirement annuities for teachers who reach age 62 with 30 years of service. These changes directly affect public school districts (as employers) and TRA members (teachers). The bill appropriates funds to support these adjustments and amends specific sections of Minnesota Statutes.

Maddy summaryHF 2201 increases local optional aid for Minnesota schools and limits state-paid free school lunches to families with incomes at or below 500 percent of the federal poverty level. The bill establishes a "free enhanced school meals program" requiring participating schools to provide two free meals per day (breakfast and lunch) to students from families earning between 185% and 500% of the federal poverty level. It amends school meal financing rules to adjust state aid payments and appropriates funds to support these changes, effective for fiscal year 2026. This directly affects schools, families with children in the specified income range, and the state's education budget.

Maddy summaryHF 1950 amends Minnesota law to establish mandatory minimum fines for drivers who fail to stop for school buses. It sets fines at $500 for first violations, $700 for a repeat within ten years, and $950 for two or more prior violations. The bill also creates a gross misdemeanor for passing a school bus on the passenger side or when children are outside the bus on the street or sidewalk. This directly affects drivers who violate school bus stop arm laws, effective August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 200 appropriates $35 million in state funds for Minnesota towns' road and bridge maintenance, with $25 million specifically for roads and $10 million for bridges. The funds will come from bonds issued by the state under Minnesota law, to be distributed by the commissioner of transportation according to existing rules (Minnesota Statutes §162.081). This bill directly affects Minnesota towns needing infrastructure repairs by providing dedicated funding for local road and bridge projects. The bond sales and fund distribution follow established procedures outlined in Minnesota Statutes and the state constitution.

Maddy summaryHF 1355 requires permit holders harvesting or destroying aquatic plants in Minnesota public waters to use scuba diving equipment safely and establishes safety standards for commercial diving operations. It mandates that applicants provide documentation of a recent third-party safety survey by a qualified professional (like a DLI consultant or insurance underwriter) and ensures divers have valid certification from accredited programs. The bill also requires employers to provide buoyancy control devices for workers using scuba equipment during these activities. These requirements apply directly to commercial entities and contractors seeking permits under Minnesota Statutes §103G.615 for aquatic plant management. The law aims to improve workplace safety for divers working in Minnesota's waterways.