Rep. Kristi Pursell

Maddy summaryHF 2523 appropriates $9 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to provide grants to community-based HIV/AIDS support services providers in Minnesota. This funding, available until June 30, 2027, directly supports organizations offering critical services to people living with HIV/AIDS. The bill establishes a base appropriation of $9 million for fiscal year 2028, ensuring ongoing funding for these services. It does not change eligibility or service requirements but provides dedicated state funding for existing community support programs.

Maddy summaryHF 3160 would allow Minnesotans under 18 to vote in primary elections if they meet all other voting requirements (U.S. citizenship, 20 days residency in Minnesota) and will turn 18 by the time the general election occurs. It specifically permits voting only for candidates seeking nomination in the primary, not for ballot questions or propositions. This amendment to Minnesota Statutes section 201.014 creates a limited exception to the standard 18-year age requirement for primary elections. The bill directly affects eligible minors who will reach voting age before the general election.

Maddy summaryHF 2761 updates Minnesota's pesticide regulations to include pesticides from treated seeds in the commissioner's management plans and monitoring. It requires new coordination between state agencies, local governments, and public health agencies for pesticide management, and adds monitoring for pesticides from treated seeds and their breakdown products in groundwater, surface water, and air. The bill establishes new labeling requirements for certain pesticide-treated seeds and defines "systemic pesticides" (like neonicotinoids) for a new regulatory program. These changes primarily affect farmers using treated seeds, state environmental agencies, and local communities managing water and air quality.

Maddy summaryHF 2462 appropriates $20 million from Minnesota's general fund to the housing development fund for fiscal year 2026, with an additional $20 million transferred to the Housing Finance Agency. This one-time funding supports the agency's workforce housing development program under Minnesota Statutes §462A.39, directly aiding housing developers focused on creating affordable homes for essential workers. The bill provides concrete financial resources for housing projects targeting workforce housing needs without altering existing program requirements. It affects the Housing Finance Agency, developers participating in the program, and Minnesotans seeking affordable housing options.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota law to clarify and restrict optometrists' authority to prescribe or administer certain medications for eye conditions. It specifically prohibits optometrists from administering drugs via IV, IM, or injection (except for anaphylaxis treatment or specific eye injections), performing invasive surgery (including laser procedures), or prescribing Schedule II/III oral drugs. The bill also sets strict time limits: oral antivirals cannot exceed 10 days, steroids require physician consultation after 14 days, and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are limited to 7 days. These changes directly affect licensed optometrists in Minnesota who provide medical eye care.

Maddy summaryHF 2921 appropriates $300,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $300,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to create a pilot program for the Rural Cancer Institute. The program directly affects rural cancer care providers and health care students by funding a community-based initiative to expand oncology clinical staffing in underserved rural areas. Key provisions include increasing cancer care clinicians in rural districts and training students in rural cancer care challenges through a community-based model. This is a one-time appropriation focused on addressing the specific shortage of cancer care workers in rural Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 711 appropriates $500,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 to provide grants to the Minnesota Agricultural Education and Leadership Council. The funding supports the council’s existing programs under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 41D, which focus on agricultural education and leadership development. This bill directly affects the council by providing dedicated funding for its established initiatives, with no new policy requirements or program changes.

Maddy summaryHF 985 appropriates unspecified funds from the general fund for Minnesota's Soil Health Financial Assistance Program, administered by the Commissioner of Agriculture. The program provides financial support to agricultural operations implementing soil health practices, with a limit of $50,000 per recipient annually. Funds may also cover up to 6.5% of the appropriation for program administration, and unspent balances from fiscal year 2026 carry over to 2027, with grants encumbered by June 2027 remaining available until June 2029. This bill directly affects farmers and agricultural entities participating in the state's soil health initiative.

Maddy summaryHF 1790 appropriates $3 million annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund to support the state's 12 regional library systems. The funding must be used to provide educational programs in Minnesota arts, history, literary arts, and cultural heritage, including promoting Minnesota authors from diverse backgrounds. Funds will be distributed using a specific formula based on Minnesota Statutes 134.355 (75%) plus an additional 25% distributed proportionally among all qualifying library entities. This bill directly affects regional library systems, public libraries, and community programs partnering with them to deliver these educational opportunities.

Maddy summaryHF 969 exempts farm fencing and related materials from Minnesota's sales and use tax. It adds fencing used directly in agricultural production (such as for crop growing or livestock containment) to the list of tax-exempt items under Minnesota Statutes § 297A.69, subdivision 4. The exemption applies to fencing materials, supplies, and equipment incorporated into fencing construction or repair for farming operations. It becomes effective for sales after June 30, 2025, directly benefiting Minnesota farmers purchasing qualifying fencing.