Rep. Leigh Finke

Maddy summaryHF 3097 establishes annual state funding to compensate the cities of Falcon Heights and St. Paul for costs related to events at the State Fairgrounds. The bill provides $75,000 to Falcon Heights and $500,000 to St. Paul for 2026, with future payments adjusted annually for inflation based on a government spending index. The funding covers public safety (police/fire/EMS), traffic management, sanitation, and neighborhood cleanup costs tied to fairground events. Payments are made annually on July 20 from the state general fund, beginning in 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 3099 requires the State Agricultural Society to reimburse the cities of St. Paul and Falcon Heights for specific costs incurred due to events held on fairgrounds. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to mandate reimbursement for expenses including public safety, police, fire, emergency medical services, traffic management, sanitation, and neighborhood cleanup after events. This directly affects the State Agricultural Society (which operates the fairgrounds) and the two cities, shifting the cost responsibility from the cities to the society. The key provision clarifies that the society must cover these operational costs as part of its obligations under the statute. The bill does not alter the society's primary use of funds for fairs and fairgrounds improvements.

Maddy summaryHF 2621 appropriates $3 million from the general fund for community tree-planting grants administered by the Metropolitan Council. The funds are designated for fiscal year 2026 as a one-time allocation, available until June 30, 2028. This bill directly affects communities in the metropolitan area eligible to apply for these grants under Minnesota Statutes section 473.355, providing financial support for local tree-planting initiatives. The legislation establishes a specific funding mechanism without altering existing environmental policies.

Maddy summaryHF 3075 allows individuals to change, remove, or add the sex indicator on their birth records in Minnesota. It directly affects people whose birth records include a sex designation, including minors (with parental/guardian consent) and adults 18+ or emancipated minors. To request a change, applicants must provide acceptable documentation like a medical provider's statement, court order, or sworn statement confirming the request is in good faith and, for minors, in their best interest. If documentation meets requirements, the state must approve the change. After approval, the original birth record becomes confidential and can only be accessed with a court order.

Maddy summaryHF 3074 creates legal rights for transportation network company (TNC) drivers in Minnesota to form and join labor organizations for collective bargaining. It directly affects "active drivers" who completed at least the median number of rides in the most recent two quarters, as defined by the bill. The law establishes a certification process where drivers can designate an exclusive representative (like a union) through the Bureau of Mediation Services, while prohibiting TNCs from controlling or dominating driver representation groups ("company unions"). Drivers gain the right to negotiate terms and conditions of work, including grievance procedures, with TNCs, and the bill defines "lockout" to prevent TNCs from restricting driver access to the platform during disputes.

Maddy summaryHF 689 allows county attorneys to use official orders (administrative subpoenas) to obtain specific records during wage theft investigations. The bill amends Minnesota law to let county attorneys subpoena payroll, banking, and financial records from employers, including documents required under state labor laws. This directly affects employers facing wage theft allegations and county attorneys conducting these investigations. The change takes effect August 1, 2025, and applies only to business records, not private individuals' personal information.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $100,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to support a statewide Minnesota Youth Poet Laureate program. It directly affects young writers aged 13-19 through a competitive selection process modeled after the National Youth Poet Laureate program. The funds will be administered by the Minnesota Humanities Center via a grant to a nonprofit organization to operate the program, including awarding the Youth Poet Laureate and promoting the work of young writers across Minnesota. The program aims to celebrate youth literary talent and provide statewide opportunities for recognition.

Maddy summaryHF 2985 appropriates $1,125,000 from state bond proceeds to fund the renovation of the Guidant John Rose Minnesota OVAL facility in Roseville. The funds will cover predesign, construction, and equipment for improvements to the main building, systems, and support facilities. The state will issue bonds up to this amount under Minnesota's bond laws to provide the funding. This bill directly affects the city of Roseville, which will receive the grant to carry out the project.

Maddy summaryHF 856 creates a new position for a Common Interest Community Ombudsperson within Minnesota’s Department of Commerce to help resolve disputes between unit owners (like condo or HOA residents) and community associations. The ombudsperson will provide free dispute resolution services, maintain a public website with resources about rights and rules, and compile complaints - without making legal rulings or decisions. The bill classifies all personal data collected by the office as "private" or "nonpublic," requiring individual consent or court order for release. It appropriates funding for the office starting in fiscal year 2026, with the position effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1885 appropriates $100,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 and $100,000 for fiscal year 2027 to the Minnesota Department of Health. The funds are specifically for the Beautywell Project to support public awareness and education activities addressing colorism, skin-lightening products, and associated chemical exposures. This one-time appropriation expires on June 30, 2027, and directly supports the state's public health efforts through the Health Commissioner's office.