Rep. Jeff Backer

Maddy summaryHF 1869 delays the prohibition on PFAS-containing firefighting foam at Minnesota airport hangars until January 1, 2028. This bill directly affects airport operators, requiring them to submit annual reports to the state fire marshal on their transition to PFAS-free foam and disposal plans until the state makes a determination that federal guidance, a qualified foam product database, and commercial availability exist. The law also allows airport operators to request one-year extensions with approval from the Pollution Control Agency and state fire marshal, provided environmental and public safety protections are maintained. This amendment modifies Minnesota Statutes section 325F.072 to extend the existing exemption for airport hangars.

Maddy summaryHF 1972 appropriates $7.3 million from state bond proceeds to fund the design, construction, furnishing, and equipping of a community center in Breckenridge, Minnesota. The city of Breckenridge is the direct recipient of this grant, which may also enter lease or management agreements for the center's operation. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $7.3 million in bonds under Minnesota law to cover this funding, with the appropriation effective upon final enactment. This measure provides concrete financial support for a specific community facility project in Breckenridge.

Maddy summaryHF 89 amends Minnesota Statutes section 147A.02 to modify requirements for physician assistant collaborative agreements. Currently, the law requires physician assistants to complete 2,080 hours of practice under a collaborative agreement in a hospital or integrated clinical setting, with specific conditions like shared patient care experience between the PA and collaborating physician. This bill changes those requirements, though the exact modifications are not detailed in the provided text. The bill directly affects physician assistants and the physicians they collaborate with in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 1975 modifies how Minnesota hospitals are paid for inpatient services. It establishes specific payment methods: critical access hospitals use cost-based rates, long-term and rehab hospitals use Medicare-style per diem or distinct part rates, and all other hospitals use diagnosis-related groups (DRGs). The bill rebases payment rates effective November 1, 2014, using 2012 as the base year while maintaining budget neutrality (total payments stay equal to previous levels). It also requires the commissioner to adjust rates for specific services like pediatric, trauma, and rural hospital care to avoid excessive changes (no more than 5% increase/decrease per hospital).

Maddy summaryHF 22, titled "Parent's Bill of Rights," establishes specific rights for parents of minor children (under 18) in Minnesota. It requires schools and healthcare institutions to respect parental authority over education, access to school/medical records, moral/religious training, and consent for medical procedures or recordings of minors. The bill prohibits employees from coercing children to withhold information from parents or discriminating against parents who exercise these rights. It explicitly states these rights do not override child abuse laws or court orders, and does not limit other existing parental rights. This bill directly affects parents, schools, and healthcare providers serving minors.

Maddy summaryHF 10 prohibits Minnesota state-funded financial assistance, including health coverage and college scholarships, for undocumented noncitizens. The bill explicitly excludes undocumented noncitizens (defined as those residing without U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approval) from MinnesotaCare (state health insurance) and the North Star Promise scholarship program. It amends state statutes to require that these programs deny eligibility to individuals without lawful immigration status. The policy change takes effect upon final enactment, with scholarship eligibility applying to awards beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.

Maddy summaryHF 1825 clarifies supervision requirements for speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) in Minnesota. It requires supervising licensed pathologists to document at least one hour of consultative supervision per SLPA every 30 days, maintain specific credentials (including a clinical certificate and 10 hours of supervision training), and limit supervision to no more than two full-time SLPAs per pathologist. The bill also updates licensure fees for SLPAs to $493 for both initial licensure and renewal. These changes directly affect SLPAs, their supervising pathologists, and healthcare facilities employing them under Minnesota’s health occupation regulations.

Maddy summaryHF 1937 establishes Minnesota's Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), creating a new service model for seniors aged 55+ who qualify for Medicaid or specific home care waiver programs. It allows PACE providers to coordinate both Medicare and Medicaid services under one program, replacing traditional home-based waiver services for eligible participants. The bill sets Medicaid rates for PACE providers to not exceed current fee-for-service costs and requires voluntary enrollment for participants. This directly affects elderly Minnesotans seeking integrated care and providers who may operate PACE programs.

Maddy summaryHF 17 amends Minnesota's handgun permit law to create lifetime permits for carrying concealed handguns, replacing the previous temporary permits. It also reduces the application fee for these permits, capping it at $100 or the actual processing cost (whichever is lower), with $10 of each fee deposited into the general fund. The bill maintains existing requirements, including proof of firearm safety training (via certified courses or peace officer employment) and in-person application submissions with specific documents like training certificates and photo ID. This directly affects Minnesotans seeking or renewing concealed carry permits, streamlining the process by eliminating renewal fees and duration limits.

Maddy summaryHF 1827 requires Minnesota school districts to allow students with disabilities to bring their service animals (trained dogs or animals assisting with disabilities) into school settings as part of their individualized education plans. The bill prohibits schools from denying access to service animals and mandates that districts provide staff support - such as helping with tethering or water - for students to use their animals safely. Schools must modify policies by August 2025 to comply with federal law, but they are not responsible for the animal’s care, feeding, or veterinary needs. The bill ensures students with disabilities can serve as their own service animal handlers without requiring a third party.