Rep. Pete Johnson

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's local government correctional service retirement plan by lowering contribution rates for both employees and employers while increasing the minimum postretirement cost-of-living adjustment. Starting January 1, 2027, employees will contribute six percent of their salary instead of the previous 6.83 percent, and employers will contribute nine percent instead of 10.25 percent. The plan's annual benefit increases for retirees will be raised from a minimum of 1.5 percent to 2 percent, with a maximum increase of 3 percent instead of the previous 2.5 percent, unless the plan's assets fall below certain thresholds. These changes directly affect correctional officers and other employees covered by the Public Employees Retirement Association's local government correctional retirement plan in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $200,000 from the state's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to provide a grant to Helping Paws, Inc. for breeding, training, and placing service dogs for individuals with physical disabilities, veterans and first responders with service-related PTSD, and professionals working in courthouse, educational, and mental health settings. The funding is designated as a one-time honorarium in memory of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. The commissioner of health may also accept private donations to supplement the state appropriation, with all such funds deposited in a dedicated account that expires on July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryHF 3455 renames Minnesota's State Office Building at 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in St. Paul as the "Melissa Hortman State Office Building." The bill requires the revisor of statutes to update all official references to the building in Minnesota Statutes and Rules. This is a ceremonial renaming with no policy changes or direct impact on residents or government operations.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's HF 1269 requires health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved medical services and prescription medications for treating dementia, including diagnostic tests to assess treatment effectiveness. It also prohibits health plans from using "step therapy" (requiring patients to try cheaper drugs first) for dementia treatments. The bill modifies prior authorization rules for certain medications, ensuring automatic 60-day coverage for brand-name mental health drugs when generics become available, and streamlines approval for oral liquid drugs used with feeding tubes. These changes apply to health plans offered in Minnesota starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $250,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to fund predesign and design work for a new community health and wellness center in western Duluth. The funds are specifically allocated to the Lake Superior Community Health Center to create a regional, multipurpose facility serving as a community hub for health programming and services. The appropriation is one-time and available until the project is completed or abandoned. It directly affects the Lake Superior Community Health Center and Duluth residents who will access the planned wellness center.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs $2 million from the state's general fund to the Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program for fiscal year 2027, providing additional funding to support loans for new business owners in Minnesota. The legislation allows the commissioner of employment and economic development to allocate up to four percent of these funds for administrative and monitoring costs. This is a one-time transfer intended to expand the program's capacity to offer financial assistance to entrepreneurs seeking to start or grow businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota employers with 50 or more employees to provide 90 days of advance notice before using artificial intelligence or automation to displace workers, and it mandates a 90-day transitional employment period during which affected employees receive continued wages and access to employer-funded retraining programs. The legislation defines technological displacement as job losses or significant hour reductions caused by AI systems and requires employers to notify employees, labor organizations, state labor officials, local government leaders, and workforce development boards about the changes. Employers who fail to comply face penalties including ineligibility for state grants and tax incentives for five years, potential civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation, and liability for up to 60 days of back pay and benefits to affected workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates policies and training requirements for assisted living facilities in Minnesota, directly affecting facility operators and unlicensed staff members who work there. It mandates that facilities maintain updated policies covering staff training, emergency procedures, infection control, and supervision of unlicensed personnel performing delegated tasks. The legislation also strengthens penalties for violations by allowing commissioners to assess investigation-related costs and increase fines for serious injuries or deaths caused by egregious conduct. Additionally, the bill requires facilities to ensure emergency-trained personnel are available 24 hours a day and to provide residents with clear information about their rights and facility procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides funding for Minnesota's Board of Public Defense, which supports public defenders representing low-income individuals who cannot afford legal representation. The legislation appropriates $6.9 million for fiscal year 2026 and $13.7 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state's general fund, with an additional base funding of $183.529 million starting in fiscal year 2028. These funds are intended to supplement existing appropriations and ensure continued financial support for the public defense system. The bill takes effect immediately upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 3748 appropriates $250 million from the general fund for grants to replace lead service lines in municipal water systems. This funding directly helps water utilities and homeowners affected by lead pipes, which pose health risks. The grants are administered by the Public Facilities Authority under Minnesota Statutes, section 446A.077, and are available until June 30, 2034. The bill provides one-time state funding to accelerate the replacement of hazardous lead pipes in drinking water infrastructure.