Rep. Dave Pinto

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Minnesota Business Recovery Loan Program to provide financial assistance to businesses that have suffered revenue losses exceeding 30% due to staffing shortages or disruptions caused by increased immigration enforcement activities. The program allocates $100 million in one-time funding, with $18 million designated for zero-interest loans to businesses in greater Minnesota and $82 million for zero-interest loans to businesses in the seven-county metropolitan area through nonprofit lenders. To qualify, businesses must be Minnesota-based, in good standing, and demonstrate that their revenue decline stems from immigration-related events between the bill's enactment and December 1, 2025. Loan amounts vary by business size and location, ranging from $25,000 to $200,000, and funds must be used exclusively for business operations within Minnesota rather than debt repayment or real estate investment.

Maddy summaryHF 2904 requires certain Minnesota school employers - including school districts, charter schools, and vocational education centers - to join the state's public employees insurance program. It establishes an "educator group insurance program" specifically for school employees, mandating coverage tiers that match existing school employee pool options and including high-deductible plans. The bill creates a labor management committee with 12 members (including seven from Education Minnesota and representatives from unions and school administrators) to study program issues like cost efficiency. It also requires mutual agreement between the commissioner and the committee before changing cost-sharing plans. This bill directly affects school employees and their employers by integrating them into the state's insurance framework with specific administrative structures.

Maddy summaryHF 3732 repeals several unfunded programs within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, including specific sections related to green economy initiatives and redevelopment priorities. The bill removes these programs from state law and makes necessary adjustments to other statutes to eliminate references to them. This action simplifies the department's legal framework by eliminating outdated or unnecessary program requirements without affecting current funding. The repeal does not create new obligations or change existing programs, as the repealed provisions were unfunded and inactive.

Maddy summaryHF 955 modifies Minnesota's requirements for financial assurance related to nonferrous mining permits. It requires the commissioner to annually review the amount of financial assurance (such as bonds or deposits) held by operators of nonferrous mining operations to ensure it covers reclamation costs and corrective actions for permit violations. This change directly affects companies seeking or holding permits for nonferrous metallic mineral mining (like copper or nickel). The bill updates existing statutes to mandate this annual review process, ensuring funds remain sufficient as project costs may change over time. It does not alter the initial fee amounts or the types of coverage required.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of up to $75 million in state bonds to fund capital improvements for bus rapid transit projects in Minnesota. The money will be distributed to the Metropolitan Council, which is responsible for acquiring property, designing routes, and constructing arterial bus rapid transit systems. The council must decide how to allocate these funds based on specific criteria such as project readiness, expected ridership, and alignment with existing transportation plans. Once the bonds are sold, the resulting revenue will be used to pay for construction costs, utility relocation, and the equipping of facilities for these transit projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the rules for the St. Paul Teachers Retirement Fund Association and adjusts pension funding for Independent School District No. 625. It increases the pension adjustment rate for ISD 625 to 5.95% for fiscal year 2027 and later, while setting a lower rate of 1.25% for other districts starting in 2025. Additionally, the legislation raises employee contribution rates for the basic program to 11.25% in 2026 and 11.5% thereafter, and adjusts employer contribution rates for coordinated members. These changes take effect on July 1, 2026, with specific provisions for pension revenue calculations beginning in fiscal year 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates supplemental funding to the state's Department of Employment and Economic Development to support jobs and economic development programs. It establishes emergency relief loans for small businesses and creates competitive grants for workforce development and community projects. The legislation also updates construction codes and licensing provisions while appropriating money for these initiatives over the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years. Specific allocations include $10 million for business relief loans and $3.5 million for workforce development services.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state of Minnesota to issue up to $75 million in bonds to fund the renovation of the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul. The funds will be used by the city to upgrade the facility's infrastructure, including its heating and cooling systems, electrical and plumbing networks, and security features. Additionally, the project will expand and reconfigure interior and exterior event spaces while improving accessibility and storage areas for equipment. The legislation also includes upgrades to visitor amenities such as restrooms, seating, and sound systems to support ongoing operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Metropolitan Airports Commission to increase transparency regarding flights at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport that transport detained immigrants. Specifically, it mandates that the airport operator notify the commission whenever U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrives or departs with passengers being held in restraints. The legislation also requires the commission to install a live-streaming camera to record these flights and to submit monthly reports detailing the number of detained individuals, including minors, on each trip. These measures are designed to provide the public and state officials with real-time data and regular updates on immigration-related air traffic at the airport.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires peace officers in Minnesota to mandate breath tests for individuals suspected of carrying a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It increases penalties for this offense, elevating repeat violations from misdemeanors to felonies and raising the punishment for carrying a firearm with an elevated blood alcohol concentration from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor. Additionally, the law extends the period during which convicted individuals are banned from carrying firearms, ranging from one year to a lifetime depending on the number of prior convictions. The legislation also clarifies that firearms involved in these violations will generally not be confiscated unless the offense is a second or subsequent one.