Rep. Robert Bierman

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $4 million for fiscal year 2026 and $4 million for fiscal year 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to support the Minnesota Zoo. The funding is designated for the zoo’s programs, facility development, expanding public access, engaging new audiences, and offering education about Minnesota’s cultural heritage. It directly affects the Minnesota Zoological Board and the zoo’s operations, providing stable funding for ongoing services and community engagement initiatives. The bill does not alter existing zoo policies but allocates specific annual funding for these purposes.

Maddy summaryHF 223 appropriates $8 million from state bond proceeds to fund capital improvements at the Apple Valley Sports Arena in Apple Valley, Minnesota. The funds will support specific upgrades including ADA compliance, energy efficiency, safety systems, administrative offices, public restrooms, locker rooms, and community spaces. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $8 million in bonds to cover these costs under Minnesota's bond laws. The money will be provided to Independent School District No. 196 (Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan) for the arena's renovation. This is a funding measure with no new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 235 appropriates $800,000 from state bond proceeds to fund specific capital improvements at Doug Woog Arena in South St. Paul, Minnesota. The funds are exclusively for roof replacement and HVAC system upgrades, to be used by the city for design, construction, and equipment. The state will issue up to $800,000 in bonds under Minnesota’s bond laws to cover this appropriation. This bill directly affects the city of South St. Paul and its public arena facility, with no broader policy changes beyond these targeted repairs.

Maddy summaryHF 262 prohibits employers from paying people with disabilities less than the state minimum wage, effective August 1, 2025 for new hires and August 1, 2027 for all current employees, ending the use of federal or state special certificates that allow subminimum wages. It requires providers of home and community-based services to report data on individuals currently paid subminimum wages by August 1, 2027, including personal details and employment metrics. The bill appropriates $38,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $75,000 in fiscal year 2027 to enhance the MnCHOICES system with employment-related resources. These changes directly affect employers, service providers, and people with disabilities working in supported employment programs across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HF 139) increases annual cost-of-living adjustments for retirees in Minnesota's Public Employees Police and Fire Retirement Plan and State Patrol Retirement Plan. It raises the standard adjustment from 1% to up to 1.5% annually (based on federal Social Security COLA), and shortens the required waiting period from 36 months to 12 months for full benefits. Retirees receiving benefits for less than 12 months will now get a pro-rated increase based on months served. The changes take effect for adjustments starting January 1, 2026, and apply automatically unless retirees opt out in writing.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota law updates family court rules to ensure unmarried parents are treated the same as married couples when determining child custody and parenting time. The bill mandates that courts prioritize scheduling expedited hearings within 30 days if a parent is denied access to their child for 14 consecutive days or faces financial hardship during a legal dispute. It also establishes new rights and responsibilities regarding assisted reproduction and directs the state to modernize legal terminology used in family law statutes. These changes aim to support children's relationships with both parents while providing faster relief for urgent situations involving access or support.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local jurisdictions in Minnesota to choose ranked choice voting for their local elections, where voters rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting just one. It establishes specific rules for how these elections would be conducted, including procedures for counting votes and handling ballots where a candidate is eliminated based on the rankings. The legislation also permits local areas to use electronic voting machines that can automatically reallocate votes to remaining candidates after an initial winner is determined. However, the bill did not pass during the 2024 legislative session and therefore will not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Minnesota Constitution to guarantee equal rights and prohibit discrimination for all people. It specifically protects individuals from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, and sex, with the definition of sex explicitly including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation. If voters approve the amendment at the 2026 general election, the change will become effective on January 1, 2027. The text also establishes that any state action denying these rights must be the least restrictive way to achieve a very important government goal.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new registration program for transfer care specialists, who are authorized to remove dead human bodies from the place of death under the direct supervision of a licensed mortician. It also creates or modifies licensure requirements for several other health occupations, including behavior analysts, veterinary technicians, specialty dentists, dental assistants, social workers, and marriage and family therapists. Additionally, the legislation removes certain collaboration requirements for physician assistants providing psychiatric treatment and updates pharmacy reporting rules. The bill includes provisions defining supervision standards for trainees and transfer care specialists, ensuring that supervisors are available to advise and correct performance as needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Minnesota Constitution to guarantee equality under the law. The amendment would prohibit the state, its cities, counties, and other political subdivisions from denying or abridging rights based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin. If approved by voters at the 2024 general election, the change would take effect on January 1, 2025. The measure is titled the "Equal Rights Amendment" and requires a simple yes or no vote from the public.