Rep. Kristi Pursell

Maddy summaryHF 3436 requires drivers approaching a stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights to stop at least 20 feet away. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 169.444 to mandate this stop until the bus retracts its stop arm and turns off the red lights. It also adds a new provision requiring drivers to prepare to stop within 20 feet when a bus shows prewarning amber lights, signaling red lights are about to activate. This law directly affects all drivers operating vehicles near school buses in Minnesota, aiming to improve safety for children boarding or exiting buses. The bill takes effect the day after final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 2461 transfers $10 million from Minnesota's general fund to the housing development fund for one-time use in FY2026. It appropriates $5 million to fund a manufactured home down payment assistance program administered by NeighborWorks Home Partners, helping buyers cover down payments for manufactured homes. Another $5 million funds a program to convert manufactured home parks to cooperative ownership, managed by Northcountry Cooperative Foundation through loans, grants, or subsidies. All converted parks must remain as manufactured home parks for 30 years under a land covenant. The bill directly affects manufactured home buyers and park owners seeking affordable housing options.

Maddy summaryHF 970 requires original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of farm equipment to provide independent repair shops with necessary tools, parts, and documentation on fair and reasonable terms. It directly affects Minnesota farmers and independent repair providers by ensuring they can access repair resources without being forced to use manufacturer-approved services or pay excessive fees. Key provisions include prohibiting OEMs from imposing unreasonable restrictions (like requiring repair shops to become authorized dealers) or charging more for parts/tools than they offer to their own authorized providers. The bill amends Minnesota law to define terms like "authorized repair provider" and "fair and reasonable terms" to clarify these requirements. This applies specifically to digital electronic farm equipment, aiming to increase repair options and reduce costs for farmers.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's HF 1269 requires health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved medical services and prescription medications for treating dementia, including diagnostic tests to assess treatment effectiveness. It also prohibits health plans from using "step therapy" (requiring patients to try cheaper drugs first) for dementia treatments. The bill modifies prior authorization rules for certain medications, ensuring automatic 60-day coverage for brand-name mental health drugs when generics become available, and streamlines approval for oral liquid drugs used with feeding tubes. These changes apply to health plans offered in Minnesota starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 2372 creates a voluntary "Minnesota Civic Seal" designation for high school students who complete specific civics requirements. To earn the seal, students must complete approved civics coursework, complete a project-based civic assessment, participate in at least one civic activity outside class (like voting in student elections or community service), and demonstrate civic dispositions. School districts may choose to participate but cannot charge students fees, must provide information about the program to all students, and must affix the seal to diplomas and transcripts for qualifying graduates. The program begins for students graduating in 2027 or later, with the Department of Education developing the insignia and guidelines to ensure equitable access for all students.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal claim in Minnesota allowing property owners to sue for trespass caused by airborne biological or chemical substances like pesticides and pollutants. It defines these substances as "intangible particulate matter" and states that liability arises when such matter interferes with a landowner's right to exclusive possession of their property. If a court finds a violation, it can award damages up to $100 per day of trespass, plus additional penalties or court orders to stop the contamination. The law applies to any person who causes these airborne substances to enter another person's land.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the city of Northfield, Minnesota, to collect a local sales and use tax of up to 0.5% if approved by voters in a local election. The tax revenue must be used to fund specific projects, including $2.8 million for the public library, $2.8 million for the community resource center, and $7.5 million for riverfront parks, along with costs for collecting the tax and issuing bonds. The city may issue up to $13.1 million in bonds to finance these projects without being subject to certain state debt limitations. The tax would expire after 20 years or once the city determines it has collected enough money to cover the approved project costs and related expenses.

Maddy summaryHF 3748 appropriates $250 million from the general fund for grants to replace lead service lines in municipal water systems. This funding directly helps water utilities and homeowners affected by lead pipes, which pose health risks. The grants are administered by the Public Facilities Authority under Minnesota Statutes, section 446A.077, and are available until June 30, 2034. The bill provides one-time state funding to accelerate the replacement of hazardous lead pipes in drinking water infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHF 821 appropriates $3.866 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund nitrate mitigation for private drinking water wells in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona counties. It directly affects private well owners in these counties with nitrate levels exceeding 10 mg/L, prioritizing households at or below 300% of the federal poverty guideline and those with infants or pregnant individuals. The funding covers reverse osmosis systems, well repairs, and reconstruction, plus education and outreach. The commissioner of agriculture may also transfer funds to the commissioner of health to administer the program, with up to 6.5% of the appropriation allowed for administrative costs.

Maddy summaryHF 1795 appropriates state funds for Minnesota's farm-to-school and early childhood care programs, directly supporting schools and child care providers serving children. The bill allocates specific funding for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to purchase Minnesota-grown fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, grain, and dairy for these settings, including reimbursements for equipment and food purchases. It also sets aside $150,000 annually for a statewide coordinator to assist farmers and institutions, and allows limited state funding (up to 7.5% of federal funds) to support federal program administration. Eligible entities must participate in federal nutrition programs like the National School Lunch Program.