Rep. Jeff Backer

Maddy summaryHF 1794 repeals a requirement that advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists, complete 2,080 hours of postgraduate practice under a collaborative agreement with physicians in hospital or integrated clinical settings. This change removes the need for APRNs to submit written evidence of this collaborative practice experience when applying for licensure in Minnesota. The repeal applies to all licensure applications submitted on or after August 1, 2025. It directly affects new APRN license applicants in Minnesota by eliminating a specific postgraduate practice requirement previously mandated by state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a felony to force or coerce a pregnant minor under 18 into seeking or obtaining an abortion, defining coercion broadly to include threats, isolation, financial pressure, and exploiting vulnerabilities. It requires hospitals and other facilities to screen and report suspected cases of human trafficking involving minors. Additionally, the law adds wrongful death as a cause of action for deaths resulting from abortions and mandates the creation of specific rules by the state health commissioner.

Maddy summaryHF 482 establishes "Choose Life" special license plates for Minnesota motor vehicle owners. To obtain these plates, applicants must pay a $25 initial fee and $25 annual contribution to a dedicated "Choose Life account," in addition to standard registration fees. Funds collected are deposited into this account and distributed by Choose Life Minnesota, Inc., to non-profit agencies within each county that assist pregnant women making adoption plans - excluding any agencies involved in abortion services or charging fees for services. The bill also specifies plate design requirements (featuring the "Choose Life" logo and inscription) and limits administrative costs for the program to 15% of funds. The program becomes effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 3452 classifies kratom as a Schedule II controlled substance in Minnesota, subjecting it to strict state regulations similar to opioids. The bill adds mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (the active compounds in kratom) to Schedule II, making unauthorized possession or sale illegal without a prescription. It repeals a prior law that only set penalties for selling kratom to minors or for minors possessing it. This change directly affects individuals who use or sell kratom, including businesses that currently sell kratom products, by applying full Schedule II restrictions.

Maddy summaryHF 3767 allocates $35 million in state bond proceeds to fund Minnesota town roads and bridges, with $25 million specifically for road improvements and $10 million for bridge projects. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds up to $35 million to cover this funding, which will be distributed by the commissioner of transportation under existing state law. This provides direct financial support for local infrastructure maintenance and upgrades across Minnesota towns. The funding mechanism is procedural, focusing on capital investment rather than changing eligibility or eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryHF 1232 requires health care worker platforms (like apps connecting temporary nurses to facilities) to register annually with Minnesota's Commissioner of Health. Platforms must submit ownership details, business documents, insurance proof, and pay a registration fee. The bill applies to all such platforms operating in Minnesota, with existing platforms needing to register by October 1, 2025. This ensures oversight of these platforms, which connect temporary health workers to facilities like nursing homes.

Maddy summaryHF 3328 requires Minnesota's Department of Education to increase awareness of library services for blind and print-disabled individuals. The bill mandates the department to develop an accessible online website with statewide resources and consult with agencies like Employment and Economic Development, Health, and Human Services to promote these services. It specifically directs the department to coordinate with the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library and its advisory committee to ensure resources reach blind and print-disabled Minnesotans. This bill directly affects blind and print-disabled residents by improving access to library services and related support programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the SAVE Minnesota Act, which requires voters to present a specific photo identification card to register to vote and to cast their ballots. To obtain this new voter identification card, applicants must provide proof of their U.S. citizenship and may receive certain vital records, such as birth certificates, without a fee. The legislation also creates a new voter identification card program, modifies existing driver's license requirements, and sets up a process for handling provisional ballots. Additionally, the bill includes funding provisions to support the administration of these new election procedures and establishes a children's trust fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new 100% tax on money obtained through fraud by individuals or organizations, regardless of whether they have already paid fines or restitution. It applies to those convicted by a court, those identified by the state revenue commissioner as having committed fraud, and anyone paid to help facilitate such fraudulent activities. The revenue collected from this tax must be used exclusively to provide relief for state income or property taxes. The law takes effect retroactively for fraud cases determined after December 31, 2019.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Minnesota's commissioner of health to conduct a comprehensive study on the state's capacity to support cell and gene therapies for rare diseases, which are conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 people nationwide. The study must examine research infrastructure, clinical trial capabilities, workforce needs, payment policies, and access barriers while gathering input from patients, healthcare providers, industry partners, and other stakeholders. By January 1, 2028, the commissioner must submit a report to the legislature with findings and recommendations for strategic investments, policy changes, and regulatory actions to strengthen Minnesota's position in this field. The bill also appropriates money to fund the study and report requirements.