Rep. Katie Jones

Maddy summaryHF 3793 requires large groundwater users (those exceeding 100 million gallons annually or 50% of a municipality's current water allocation) to apply for their own water-use permits instead of modifying existing municipal permits. This affects industrial and commercial entities, including data centers, whose water use meets these thresholds. Key provisions include mandatory public comment periods for new permits, potential aquifer testing, and monthly reporting for threshold users - compared to annual reporting for smaller users. The bill aims to strengthen oversight of significant groundwater withdrawals while ensuring public input and watershed protection.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's commissioner of transportation to apply for federal funding to develop two new passenger rail routes: one from St. Paul to Fargo, North Dakota, and another from St. Paul to Kansas City, Missouri (with stops in Northfield, Albert Lea, and Des Moines, Iowa). It appropriates $1 million in fiscal year 2026 for planning, application costs, and state matching funds to secure federal grants for these routes. The funding covers activities like environmental analysis, cost estimates, and service development planning under the federal Corridor Identification and Development Program. The bill directly affects Minnesota's transportation agency and communities along the proposed rail corridors. The $1 million is a one-time allocation available until June 2028 for Minnesota's share of project costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires large employers in major Minnesota cities to offer pre-tax commuter benefits to their full-time staff. Specifically, companies located in first-class cities with at least 50 employees within one mile of public transit must allow workers to use pre-tax dollars for transit passes or other qualified transportation expenses like biking and carpooling. The law applies to employees who have worked for at least 120 days and ensures that these benefits do not override existing collective bargaining agreements. Additionally, the bill mandates that local transit authorities create a public map to help identify which employers are subject to these new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Greenhouse Gas Pollution Superfund in Minnesota to address climate change impacts. It establishes a program that requires fossil fuel companies responsible for over one billion metric tons of emissions between 1995 and 2026 to pay into a dedicated account. The collected funds will be used to finance climate change adaptation projects for state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as for disadvantaged communities. The bill defines specific terms like "responsible party" and "covered greenhouse gas emissions" to determine which companies must contribute and what types of projects can receive funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million in state bond proceeds to fund the expansion and renovation of St. David's Center at 1130 Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis. The funds will support early childhood education, children's mental health services, pediatric therapy, and family support programs aimed at improving educational and health outcomes for children and families in Hennepin County. The state will issue bonds up to $10 million to cover these costs, with the project required to use the funds for specific services outlined in the bill. The appropriation is available until the facility project is completed.

Maddy summarySF 1750 modifies Minnesota laws governing common interest communities (like homeowners associations). It bans property managers from having financial ties to contractors without written disclosure, prohibits accepting kickbacks from contractors, and stops them from earning fees based on collected fines. The bill also limits automatic contract renewals (requiring 30 days' notice for nonrenewal) and mandates 60 days' notice for termination. These changes directly affect homeowners associations and their property management companies operating under Minnesota Statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits research facilities in Minnesota from conducting specific animal testing procedures that are currently required to be reported to the federal government. It directly affects private and state-owned research facilities but excludes activities mandated by federal law and federal government facilities. The legislation establishes a civil penalty of $10,000 for each animal involved in a violation and allows courts to order defendants to pay the state's legal costs if the violation was willful.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a previous requirement that reduced special education funding by $250 million starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The legislation directly affects the state's education finance system and the Department of Education by removing the mandate to cut special education aid appropriations. Under this bill, the commissioner of management and budget will no longer be required to assume the $250 million reduction when preparing state revenue forecasts, and the commissioner of education will not need to adjust the special education cross subsidy aid factor to make up any shortfall. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026, restoring the previous funding structure for special education aid.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurance plans in Minnesota from covering conversion therapy for minors under 18 and vulnerable adults, effective January 1, 2027. It also requires the commissioner of human rights to take appropriate actions to protect Minnesotans from conversion therapy, including investigating complaints against mental health practitioners who engage in such practices. The legislation defines conversion therapy using existing state law definitions and directs the commissioner to prioritize investigating discriminatory practices related to this issue. Health plans offered, sold, issued, or renewed to Minnesota residents after the effective date must comply with these coverage restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a legal cause of action allowing individuals who were minors when they underwent conversion therapy to sue mental health professionals for harm caused by those practices. It defines conversion therapy as attempting to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, and specifies that psychological harm includes conditions like depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. If a lawsuit is successful, the court can award damages, order the professional to stop the practice, and require payment of at least $50,000 to the injured person or their guardian. The law also allows parents or guardians to file suits on behalf of minors or when the affected individual is deceased or unable to participate.