Rep. Jeff Backer

Maddy summaryHF 14 proposed a temporary moratorium on most light rail transit project development spending by the Metropolitan Council in seven Minnesota counties (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington). The bill prohibited funds for planning, design, environmental analysis, land acquisition, and construction of new light rail projects, but exempted the Southwest Light Rail (Green Line Extension) and prior contractor payments. The moratorium would have expired once the Green Line Extension began revenue operations. The bill was introduced, amended, and ultimately not passed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryHF 499 extends the validity period for temporary nursing permits in Minnesota from 60 to 90 days. It directly affects nurses applying for licensure by endorsement (from another state) or reregistration after completing a refresher course, who currently hold temporary permits. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 148.212 by changing the permit duration in two specific scenarios: (1) for out-of-state licensed nurses awaiting board action, and (2) for nurses in structured refresher programs. This change provides a longer grace period for these applicants to secure full licensure without interruption. The bill makes a specific, concrete change to permit timelines with no additional provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies reimbursement rules for ambulance services in Minnesota covering volunteer ambulance attendants' education costs. It sets specific reimbursement amounts: $1,200 for initial EMT training, $400 for continuing EMT courses, $600 for initial EMR training, and $200 for continuing EMR courses. Eligible ambulance services must have handled 5,000 or fewer emergency calls in the prior year. The bill appropriates $100,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund these reimbursements under Minnesota Statutes §144E.35.

Maddy summaryHF 27 repeals the Minnesota Department of Commerce's authority to submit a federal waiver application for a public option health care plan and eliminates $21 million in state funding designated for implementing such a plan. The bill specifically removes the contingent appropriation (section 2.21-2.27) that would have funded the public option upon federal waiver approval. This directly affects Minnesota's ability to advance a state-created public health insurance option, which was intended to expand coverage options for residents. The legislation effectively halts the state's planned implementation of a public option health care plan under the Affordable Care Act.

Maddy summaryHF 896 amends Minnesota law to permit certain retired law enforcement officers who are authorized to carry firearms to possess them on school property, changing the penalty from a felony to a misdemeanor. It directly affects retired officers with valid firearm authorization, allowing them to carry weapons in schools under specific conditions. The key provision modifies Minnesota Statutes § 609.66, subdivision 1d, to exempt these officers from the general prohibition on firearms in schools (which typically carries felony penalties), while clarifying that such firearms cannot be forfeited. The bill applies to authorized officers on school property but does not override existing rules for active officers or other exceptions. It becomes effective August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 229 appropriates $1,050,000 in state bond funds to create a 12-unit youth transitional facility in Perham, Otter Tail County. The facility will provide transitional housing with comprehensive supportive services for young people transitioning from foster care or other systems. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds to cover the cost, with funds directed to Otter Tail County for design, construction, and equipment. This directly affects youth in Perham needing housing support and Otter Tail County as the recipient of the grant.

Maddy summaryHF 899 modifies Minnesota's prohibition on American Indian mascots in public schools, effective September 1, 2026. It bans schools from using names, symbols, or images depicting American Indian tribes or traditions as mascots, nicknames, or team names - except for schools on tribal reservations with at least 95% American Indian students. The bill requires non-compliant districts to report progress by specific dates and establishes a $2,026,000 fund to reimburse schools for replacing prohibited mascots on uniforms, signage, and facilities. Schools applying for funding can delay compliance until their request is approved, with funds available until July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryHF 892 allows Minnesota parents to opt their children out of school face covering requirements without needing to provide a reason or health documentation. It applies to all public school districts and charter schools that require face coverings on school premises. Schools must permit the opt-out upon parent notification and cannot discipline students or treat them differently for this choice. The law takes effect the day after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryHF 894 amends Minnesota law to explicitly exclude undocumented noncitizens from eligibility for MinnesotaCare, the state's health insurance program. The bill defines "undocumented noncitizens" as individuals residing in the U.S. without approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This change directly affects noncitizens without legal immigration status who previously qualified for MinnesotaCare, while maintaining eligibility for U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawfully present noncitizens under existing rules. The amendment takes effect the day after final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 378 creates a temporary two-year income tax exemption for certain emergency responders in Minnesota, effective for tax years 2025-2026. It applies to individuals who worked at least 1,000 hours (as paid or volunteer) in ambulance services or as emergency medical responders in Minnesota during the tax year, with adjusted gross income under $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers). The exemption allows eligible individuals to avoid paying Minnesota individual income tax on their earnings during this period. This policy directly affects qualifying emergency medical personnel meeting these specific work and income criteria.