Rep. Jeff Backer

Maddy summaryThis bill allows employees in Minnesota to choose not to participate in the state's paid family and medical leave program by submitting an opt-out form. The legislation requires the commissioner to create and provide both physical and online versions of this opt-out form for eligible workers. Once enacted, the change takes effect immediately, giving employees the option to decline participation in the benefit program. This policy adjustment directly impacts workers covered under Minnesota's paid leave system by adding an additional choice regarding their enrollment status.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's social studies standards to include information about the dangers and perils of communism and socialism, specifically during the 2030-2031 review and revision of state academic standards. The legislation mandates that the state commissioner incorporate details about estimated lives lost and negative outcomes associated with these ideologies into the updated curriculum. It directly affects Minnesota public school systems by setting a specific requirement for future social studies education content. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, and does not change current curriculum requirements but establishes a mandate for future revisions.

Maddy summaryHF 16 prohibits Minnesota cities, counties, or local governments from passing laws that block law enforcement from sharing immigration status information with federal authorities. It requires county attorneys to notify federal immigration agencies when someone without legal status is arrested for a violent crime. The bill overrides any local "noncooperation" policies that would restrict this information sharing or federal immigration enforcement. It applies to all local law enforcement and government entities in Minnesota, ensuring consistent cooperation with federal immigration enforcement on specific matters.

Maddy summaryHF 362 establishes a state licensing system for massage therapists and Asian bodywork therapists in Minnesota. It requires practitioners to meet specific educational standards (including minimum contact hours), pass a credentialing exam, and obtain a license from the Minnesota Department of Health. The bill defines both practices (e.g., Asian bodywork therapy uses techniques like pressing and stretching based on Chinese medical principles), sets application and renewal fees, and includes criminal penalties for practicing without a license. This directly affects therapists seeking to legally provide these services and ensures they meet standardized training and safety requirements, while also providing funding for implementation.

Maddy summaryHF 1593 allows counties and municipalities in Minnesota to delay compliance with certain state mandates until funding is provided. It specifically exempts local governments from mandates that affect daily operations, change resource allocation, or alter spending priorities - unless the required funding is minor relative to the local budget. Exceptions include mandates for financial audits, public safety, and health protections, which must still be followed. The law applies to state mandates effective after June 30, 2025, and modifies Minnesota Statutes sections 373.52 (for counties) and 471.343 (for municipalities).

Maddy summaryHF 13 would amend Minnesota Statutes section 609.06 to eliminate the requirement that individuals must attempt to retreat before using reasonable force in self-defense or defense of others. The bill specifically removes the "duty to retreat" provision, allowing people to use force without first trying to avoid confrontation if they reasonably believe it is necessary. This change would directly affect Minnesotans using force to defend themselves or others in situations where they perceive an immediate threat. The bill was introduced but not passed, as it was laid on the table during the 2025 legislative session.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the administrative fees charged when purchasing hunting and fishing licenses in Minnesota. It directly affects residents and nonresidents who buy licenses for activities like deer hunting, fishing, trapping, and other wildlife permits. The key change is raising the standard issuing fee from $1 to $4 for most licenses, with higher fees of $6 for nonresidents on certain big game licenses, while keeping some fees at $1 or eliminating them for lifetime licenses and simultaneous stamp validations. The bill also clarifies that these fees serve as commissions for license sellers and takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that any changes to medical assistance programs must explicitly state whether they apply to county-based purchasing systems. It also mandates that the state commissioner publish written estimates of how these changes would financially affect counties or groups of counties managing these purchasing plans. The law ensures that counties are informed about potential fiscal impacts before new medical assistance modifications take effect. This applies to both administrative changes and modifications to covered benefits or services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that any changes to Minnesota's medical assistance program must explicitly state if they apply to the county-administered rural medical assistance (CARMA) program, ensuring rural counties are not inadvertently affected by state-level modifications. It also mandates that the state commissioner publish written estimates of how proposed changes would financially impact counties or groups of counties running CARMA before those changes take effect. Additionally, the bill establishes a payment system for CARMA that includes full monthly payments for services, risk-sharing mechanisms, and provisions allowing counties to retain savings after three years of operation. These measures aim to provide greater transparency and financial stability for rural counties administering the program while maintaining consistency with state medical assistance requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state agencies, local governments, and businesses in Minnesota from requiring individuals to receive vaccinations against communicable diseases or to provide proof of vaccination for entry, employment, or service provision. The law defines key terms such as communicable disease and political subdivision to clarify its scope and applies immediately upon enactment. However, it includes exceptions for existing vaccine requirements already established in specific state statutes and administrative rules related to healthcare and public health. The legislation prevents new mandates while preserving current vaccination policies that are already in place under separate legal authorities.