Rep. Pete Johnson

Maddy summaryHF 2930 cancels $15 million previously allocated for ALS research and redirects that same amount to fund a new, one-time collaboration between the University of Minnesota Board of Regents and the Mayo Clinic. The $15 million in fiscal year 2026 will support ongoing ALS research aimed at improving patient lives and finding a cure, with funds to be used by the partnership until fully expended or by January 15, 2030. The bill requires the University of Minnesota to submit annual reports starting in 2026 detailing how the funds were used. This replaces prior funding mechanisms established in 2022 and 2024, which are now repealed.

Maddy summaryHF 443 modifies Minnesota's property tax rules for airport facilities. It provides a 50% reduction in tax capacity for specific airport properties in cities with 50,000-150,000 residents (not operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission) used as hangars for aircraft storage/repair or for passenger areas like check-in counters. This tax relief applies to property taxes payable from 2026 through 2037. The bill specifically targets smaller city airports, excluding those in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Metropolitan Airports Commission facilities.

Maddy summaryHF 2880 clarifies that direct primary care agreements - where patients pay a periodic fee directly to a primary care provider for services, instead of using health insurance - are not considered health insurance under Minnesota law. The bill defines these agreements as written contracts meeting specific requirements, including no penalties for early termination, clear service descriptions, and a prominent disclaimer stating the agreement isn’t insurance. It exempts such agreements and providers from health insurance regulations in chapters 60A-72A of Minnesota Statutes. This directly affects patients choosing this payment model and primary care providers offering it, reducing regulatory oversight for these arrangements. The changes take effect for agreements issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1,059,000 in state bond proceeds to fund capital improvements at the Great Lakes Aquarium. The funds will be provided to the Lake Superior Center Authority for specific projects, including renovating mechanical, electrical, and water treatment systems; upgrading utility infrastructure; adding life-safety features; and improving the building exterior, parking, and grounds. The money comes from bonds authorized under Minnesota law, with no new taxes required. The direct beneficiary is the Great Lakes Aquarium facility in Duluth, which will receive physical infrastructure upgrades.

Maddy summaryHF 2810 appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to fund horse-assisted therapy for eligible first responders in Minnesota. It directs these funds to 7 Stars Ranch to provide mental health therapy to first responders suffering from job-related trauma or PTSD, including police officers, firefighters (full-time and volunteer), ambulance personnel, 911 dispatchers, and correctional officers. The bill requires 7 Stars Ranch to submit two reports detailing program costs, participants served, and benefits received - initially by January 2026 and finally by January 2028. This is a one-time funding appropriation with no ongoing program mandate beyond the specified reporting.

Maddy summaryHF 1993 modifies Minnesota's requirements for substance use disorder (SUD) assessments and treatment provider qualifications. It specifies that comprehensive SUD assessments must be conducted face-to-face within five days (excluding the service initiation day) by qualified staff like alcohol and drug counselors, certain mental health professionals, or licensed nurses with addiction training. The bill also updates qualifications for treatment coordinators, requiring specific training, education, or certification, plus 2,000 hours of supervised experience working with SUD clients. Additionally, it mandates a study and report on limitations in SUD treatment practices. These changes directly affect SUD treatment providers and the clients receiving services under Minnesota's behavioral health system.

Maddy summaryHF 1769 establishes a new funding formula for community supervision services in Minnesota, directly affecting counties, Tribal Nations, and non-CCA jurisdictions (those not part of the Correctional Services Agreement). It provides a base $150,000 per jurisdiction plus funding calculated using a daily rate: $5.62 per person for felony cases and $2.81 for misdemeanors/juvenile cases, based on three-year average population data from annual probation reports. The bill appropriates $12.66 million in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund to fully cover this formula, including $250,000 annually for Tribal Nations to purchase probation services. The formula adjusts funding if appropriations differ from calculated needs and expires for certain provisions on June 30, 2029.

Maddy summaryHF 2707 appropriates $11.125 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to support sexually exploited youth or youth at risk of sexual exploitation under Minnesota Statutes §256K.47. At least $9 million annually must fund street outreach, emergency shelter, regional navigators, and housing services for these youth. The bill directly affects vulnerable youth in Minnesota by providing dedicated funding for critical safe harbor resources and housing support. It establishes concrete funding mechanisms without altering existing statutes or creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 2721 requires regular testing of fire life safety dampers in non-residential buildings with HVAC systems containing these dampers (excluding single-family homes and small multifamily buildings with four or fewer units). The bill mandates testing per national fire safety standards (NFPA 80, NFPA 92, etc.) to verify proper operation, including physical, visual, and functional checks. Testing must be performed by qualified inspectors - such as ICB-certified technicians employed by independent contractors meeting specific accreditation and insurance requirements. This applies directly to building owners and managers of commercial, institutional, and large-scale non-residential facilities subject to Minnesota’s State Fire Code.

Maddy summaryHF 2727 appropriates $2.3 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to stabilize a shoreline near Scandia Cemetery in St. Louis County. The funds will be used by St. Louis County to construct a retaining wall and a related access road. This bill directly affects residents and property near the Scandia Cemetery area by addressing shoreline erosion. It provides specific funding for a defined infrastructure project without altering broader environmental regulations.