Rep. Jeff Backer

Maddy summaryHF 1218 appropriates $22.1 million from Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund for specific research projects during fiscal years 2026-2027. The bill funds university and state agency studies on wildlife management, including deer population monitoring, walleye strain research, wolf-deer interactions, and wood turtle conservation. These one-time appropriations establish grant programs requiring final reports, directly affecting research institutions like the University of Minnesota and the Science Museum of Minnesota. The funding modifies prior allocations but does not create new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's legislature has passed a resolution requesting Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The resolution asks for proposed amendments to impose budget rules on federal spending, reduce federal government authority over states, and limit terms for federal officials and members of Congress. This is a procedural step - Minnesota is formally petitioning Congress, not creating new laws. The resolution serves as Minnesota's ongoing application for such a convention, pending similar actions by two-thirds of states.

Maddy summaryHF 25 establishes a state grant program administered by Minnesota's Department of Health to fund nonprofit women's pregnancy centers and maternity homes. The program provides financial support for services like housing, medical care, parenting education, and mental health resources to help pregnant women and new mothers - particularly those facing homelessness or crisis - carry pregnancies to term and care for their children. Eligible organizations must be nonprofits offering free or low-cost services without promoting abortion, providing abortion care, or referring women to abortion providers. Grant funds cannot be used for abortion-related activities, and strict privacy rules require written consent before sharing personal information about clients. The bill appropriates state funds for this program while reducing other health-related appropriations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state grant program to support community care hubs that connect health care providers with organizations addressing basic needs like food insecurity, housing instability, and transportation access. It appropriates $8.9 million for the grant and $1 million for evaluation, requiring grantees to coordinate social care services, centralize administrative operations, and report outcomes. Eligible applicants must already be recognized federal community care hubs with contracts to provide services to health plan members. The program begins July 1, 2025, aiming to create sustainable pathways for addressing health-related social needs across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 24 amends Minnesota Statutes section 145.423 to require that infants born alive during an abortion be immediately recognized as human persons under the law and receive medical care. The bill mandates that medical personnel take "all reasonable measures consistent with good medical practice" to preserve the life and health of such infants, including compiling appropriate medical records. It directly affects healthcare providers performing abortions in Minnesota by establishing specific medical care obligations for infants born alive. The proposed changes would have taken effect the day after enactment, though the bill was not passed.

Maddy summaryHF 2314 appropriates $1.5 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the Pollution Control Agency for a two-year grant to the city of Fergus Falls. The city must use the funds exclusively for nonchemical water quality improvement services, testing, infrastructure, training, and maintenance at Lake Alice. This bill directly affects Fergus Falls by providing targeted funding to address specific water quality concerns at the lake through approved methods. The appropriation is limited to the specified uses and timeframe without altering existing regulatory authority.

Maddy summaryHF 2310 reenacts Minnesota's existing prohibition on weather modification within state boundaries, directly affecting individuals or entities attempting activities like cloud seeding. The bill defines "weather modification" as intentionally altering weather through chemical or apparatus dispersal in the atmosphere, and prohibits such actions within Minnesota's borders or airspace above them. Violations are classified as misdemeanors, with each day of continued violation considered a separate offense. This law aims to protect public safety, health, and the environment by preventing unauthorized weather-altering activities.

Maddy summaryHF 2161 modifies rules for child care providers receiving state assistance. It clarifies that intentionally violating program rules - including taking bribes ("kickbacks") to secure funding - can lead to administrative disqualification. Providers must receive written notice 15 days before disqualification, have 30 days to appeal, and face a 3-year ban for first offenses or permanent removal for repeat violations. The bill directly affects child care centers and providers enrolled in Minnesota’s child care assistance program. It focuses on enforcement procedures, not new program eligibility.

Maddy summaryHF 2229 appropriates $1.5 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1.5 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to support residency programs at CentraCare's Rice Memorial Hospital and St. Cloud Hospital. The funds cover costs like administration, curriculum development, resident recruitment, training, and stipends for both new and existing medical residency programs. This bill directly affects medical training programs at these two specific hospitals, helping them establish and maintain physician residency tracks. The funding is targeted solely for operational and program development expenses at these facilities.

Maddy summaryHF 1814 provides $2 million in fiscal year 2026 and $2 million in fiscal year 2027 to fund grants for local governments, tribal entities, and state agencies using Minnesota's statewide public safety radio system (ARMER). The grants cover purchasing or upgrading portable/mobile radios and compatible equipment that work with the ARMER system. Local governments can receive only one grant, must provide a 5% non-state match, and funds expire June 30, 2028. This one-time appropriation aims to improve emergency communication interoperability across participating public safety agencies.