Rep. Sydney Jordan

Maddy summaryHF 3294 is a non-binding resolution passed by the Minnesota House of Representatives. It urges the President and Congress to fully fund Medicaid and oppose federal funding cuts, directly affecting Minnesota's 1.2 million Medicaid beneficiaries - including children (41% covered), seniors, people with disabilities, and communities of color (covering 80-90% of Black and American Indian births). The resolution has no new funding mechanisms or state policy changes; it solely requests federal action. It does not impose new requirements or alter existing Medicaid programs.

Maddy summaryHF 3184 repeals Minnesota Statutes section 471.9998, which previously prohibited local governments (like cities and counties) from banning paper, plastic, or reusable bags. This bill removes a state-level barrier, allowing municipalities to implement their own bag ban policies if they choose. The repeal directly affects local governments, which can now pass ordinances restricting bag use, and merchants who may face new local requirements. It does not create new bag bans but enables local decision-making on the issue.

Maddy summaryHF 3283 allows bars and restaurants with on-sale liquor licenses to prohibit off-duty peace officers from carrying firearms inside their premises. The bill amends Minnesota law to permit these venues to post a specific sign (meeting size and placement requirements) or verbally request that off-duty officers not carry firearms, with failure to comply resulting in a petty misdemeanor. This applies only to off-duty officers, not active-duty police, and does not affect parking areas or private residences. The law also clarifies that venues cannot ban active peace officers or restrict firearm possession in parking areas.

Maddy summaryHF 1982 eliminates specific deadlines for schools to provide active transportation safety training to students in Minnesota. It repeals Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 123B.935, subdivision 2, which previously required schools to provide training within set timeframes (e.g., by the end of the third week for some students). The bill removes these mandatory timelines, giving schools flexibility in scheduling the training. This directly affects K-12 public and nonpublic schools in Minnesota that previously had to meet these deadlines. The change only modifies existing timing requirements - no new training requirements are added.

Maddy summaryHF 2289 requires Minnesota hospitals to maintain registered nurse staffing levels consistent with nationally accepted standards, ensuring adequate care for patients. Hospitals must create and implement staffing plans specifying maximum patient-to-nurse ratios for each unit, developed with input from direct-care registered nurses, and report these levels to the state. The bill prohibits retaliation against nurses who raise staffing concerns and imposes civil penalties for noncompliance. It directly affects all licensed Minnesota hospitals, their nursing staff, and patients by mandating safer staffing practices. The law appropriates funding to support implementation of these requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 1306 is a Minnesota education bill affecting K-12 schools and students. It requires the state commissioner to seek input from diverse groups - including parents, teachers, tribal representatives, and students - when developing academic standards for subjects like math, science, and social studies. The bill also expands graduation credit options, allowing courses such as agriculture science, ethnic studies, and career technical education to count toward required credits in subjects like science, math, or social studies. For example, an agriculture class meeting science standards can fulfill a science credit, and ethnic studies courses meeting state standards can count toward multiple subject requirements. These changes aim to increase flexibility in course offerings while ensuring standards remain clear and measurable.

Maddy summaryHF 2709 modifies access rules for census workers and political candidates in apartment buildings (multiple unit dwellings). It requires buildings to permit access between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily for both groups, mandates 24-hour prior notice for entry, and encourages owners to notify residents when census workers or candidates plan visits. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes sections 2.92 (census access) and 211B.20 (candidate access), updating existing provisions without changing who may enter or the core access hours. It directly affects apartment building managers, census workers, and political candidates seeking voter contact. The changes focus on standardizing notice requirements and operating hours, not altering eligibility for entry.

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 2469 requires Minnesota public high schools to provide free administration of nationally recognized college entrance exams (like the ACT or SAT) to all students in grades 11 or 12 starting in the 2026-2027 school year. It mandates school districts to contract with approved providers for these exams, using them to meet federal accountability requirements in English, math, and science. Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals receive full fee coverage, while others may be charged but must be offered fee waivers. The bill also requires districts to provide parental access to exam details and preparation resources. This directly affects Minnesota high school students, school districts, and state education officials managing testing compliance.

Maddy summaryHF 3148 allows cities of the first class (like Minneapolis and St. Paul) to issue "social district licenses" that permit public consumption of alcohol in designated outdoor areas contiguous to licensed venues, but not sales. It requires strict rules: alcohol must be in non-glass containers (max 16 oz) with specific labeling, districts must have clear signage showing hours/days, and licensees must follow container requirements. The city must maintain safety plans online, post boundaries, and report to the legislature within 24 months on community impact, challenges, and public safety. This directly affects cities, licensed businesses, and residents/businesses near designated social districts.