Rep. Jess Hanson

Maddy summaryHF 2556 establishes an endometriosis research program at the University of Minnesota, directly affecting Minnesotans diagnosed with endometriosis. The program collects anonymized biological samples (like blood, tissue, and urine) and clinical data from patients with endometriosis and control groups, focusing on early detection and better treatments. It requires the university to create standardized protocols for sample handling, ensure diverse community representation, and report annually to legislators starting in 2026. The bill appropriates state funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support this research initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces a new 50 percent tax on the gross revenues of private detention facilities operating in Minnesota that are contracted by government entities. The tax applies to all money received by these facilities for providing incarceration or detention services and begins taking effect after December 31, 2026. The legislation defines private detention facilities as for-profit entities that hold people awaiting trial or serving court-imposed sentences, while excluding residential facilities like halfway houses and work release centers. Facilities that have already paid similar taxes to other states can claim a credit for those payments to avoid double taxation. All tax revenues collected will be deposited into Minnesota's general fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows state agencies to pay additional compensation to employees when payroll payments are delayed, ensuring workers receive timely pay. It amends Minnesota law to permit agencies to distribute financial penalties collected from late payroll payments directly to affected employees, provided such penalties are required by collective bargaining agreements. The change applies specifically to state employees whose agencies fail to make scheduled payroll payments and creates a mechanism to resolve grievances related to these delays. This provision does not alter existing payroll procedures but adds a specific exception for handling late payment penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota's data practices law by clarifying who holds authority over specific welfare system components. It designates responsible authorities for various agencies, including the commissioner of human services for the Department of Human Services and the director of county welfare agencies. The legislation also establishes that these authorities must allow other welfare system entities access to non-public data when needed for program administration or as required by law. This change affects how data sharing is managed across Minnesota's welfare system and which officials are accountable for data decisions.

Maddy summaryHF 771 establishes a supplemental energy assistance grant program in Minnesota to provide additional support for low-income households that may not have received full federal energy assistance. It targets residents with household incomes below 60% of the state median income, offering crisis grants, primary heat assistance, emergency heating repairs, and outreach support. The bill appropriates a specific sum for fiscal year 2026 (with up to 10% for administration and 5% for outreach to underserved communities) and requires the commissioner to publish annual reports starting in 2026 detailing program participation, benefits, and demographic data by county. This program operates alongside federal LIHEAP funding but prioritizes expanding assistance to new households over increasing aid for existing recipients.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the investigative authority of Minnesota's Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson to better protect children in foster care. It grants the ombudsperson the power to enter and inspect any facility where a foster youth lives, including detention centers and treatment facilities, without prior notice. The office will also gain direct access to social services and medical records, the ability to subpoena witnesses and documents, and the authority to receive complaints from any source regarding a child's safety or welfare. Additionally, the law requires placement managers and caregivers to immediately forward any communications from foster youth to the ombudsperson without opening them first.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $200,000 from the state's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to provide a grant to Helping Paws, Inc. for breeding, training, and placing service dogs for individuals with physical disabilities, veterans and first responders with service-related PTSD, and professionals working in courthouse, educational, and mental health settings. The funding is designated as a one-time honorarium in memory of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. The commissioner of health may also accept private donations to supplement the state appropriation, with all such funds deposited in a dedicated account that expires on July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryHF 1829 modifies Minnesota's property tax rules for a specific type of resort property called "homestead resort properties." It affects owners of properties that qualify as both recreational resorts (with 3+ rental units, seasonal use, and recreational services) and homesteads (where the owner or a family member lives there). The bill changes how these properties are taxed by adjusting the tier limits: the first $500,000 of value would be taxed at a lower rate, while higher value portions would follow different rules. This amendment applies to properties abutting water or state trails that meet all the specified criteria for seasonal rental and homestead use.

Maddy summaryHF 3332 removes dental, podiatric, chiropractic, optometric/optician, and psychological services from the definition of "health care provider" for tax purposes under Minnesota's health care provider tax. This means providers offering these specific services (like dentists, chiropractors, and optometrists) will no longer be subject to the tax that previously applied to certain health care providers. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 295.50, specifically adding these services to the list of excluded providers under subsection 2(b)(6). This change directly affects practitioners in these fields by eliminating a tax burden on their services.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's child care assistance program rules regarding how providers are reimbursed for days when enrolled children are absent. It maintains a standard limit of 25 absent days per child per year but creates exemptions for children with documented medical conditions, young parents pursuing education, and families affected by extraordinary events like natural disasters. The legislation also clarifies how partial-day absences are counted, establishes notification requirements for families about their absent day usage, and allows parents to substitute cultural or religious holidays for standard state and federal holidays.