Sen. Matt Klein

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's property tax exclusion for veterans with service-connected disabilities. It increases the exclusion amount to $300,000 for veterans with 100% permanent disability (up from $150,000) and adds automatic annual inflation adjustments starting in 2027, using the Bureau of Economic Analysis deflator. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans or service members who died in active duty can now retain the full $300,000 exclusion indefinitely - until remarriage, sale, or transfer of the property - without needing reapplication. The changes directly affect veterans with 70%+ disability, their primary family caregivers, and surviving spouses of veterans or service members who died in service.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts deadlines and procedures for Minnesota's premium security plan, which provides reinsurance to health insurance companies. It requires the association administering the plan to pay reinsurance for 2027 by September 30 (instead of June 30) and imposes a one-time assessment on group health insurance companies operating under the plan in 2027. Companies must pay this 2028 assessment by August 29, with possible deferrals if financially impaired. Companies that pay the assessment can claim a tax credit against their premiums tax starting in 2029. The changes directly affect Minnesota health insurers and the state's reinsurance program administration.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires entities administering very high deductible health plans (VHDHPs) to ensure prompt payment for emergency room and ambulance charges incurred by enrolled patients. It directly affects patients with VHDHPs (who often face high out-of-pocket costs during emergencies) and the health plan administrators managing their coverage. The key mechanism adds a new requirement that VHDHP administrators must comply with specific payment procedures outlined in section 62Q.025, subdivision 3, ensuring emergency providers receive timely payment. This policy change aims to prevent patients from facing excessive financial burdens during medical emergencies while clarifying administrative responsibilities for VHDHPs.

Maddy summarySF 2852 modifies Minnesota's optometry scope of practice by adding specific restrictions to optometrists' authority. It directly affects licensed optometrists in Minnesota by limiting their ability to prescribe or administer certain medications and treatments. The bill explicitly prohibits: administering prescription drugs via IV/IM/injection (except for anaphylaxis), performing invasive surgery (including laser procedures), prescribing Schedule II/III oral drugs or steroids, prescribing oral antivirals beyond 10 days, and prescribing oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors beyond 7 days. These changes clarify the boundaries of optometric practice under existing law. The bill does not expand optometrists' authority but defines specific limitations on their current scope.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $6.5 million in state bonds to fund a new swimming pool and aquatics center in South St. Paul. The city of South St. Paul directly receives the funds for site preparation, construction, equipment, and furnishings. Key provisions require the facility to include environmentally focused features like high-efficiency lighting, native landscaping, water-saving plumbing, accessibility amenities for active transportation, and photovoltaic-ready infrastructure. The state will issue bonds to cover the cost, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals injured because someone failed to provide aid in certain emergencies to file a civil lawsuit seeking damages, costs, and attorney fees. It directly affects people who suffer harm when others do not assist in situations covered by existing Minnesota law (specifically violations of sections 609.662, subd. 2(a) or 3(a)). The key provision adds a new civil remedy to the statute, enabling victims to pursue compensation for injuries caused by this failure to act. The law will take effect on August 1, 2026, applying to cases occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to sell bonds to fund the design of a new interchange at the intersection of Trunk Highways 10/61 and 70th Street in St. Paul Park. It appropriates money from the trunk highway fund specifically for preliminary and final design work on this project. The state would issue bonds up to a specified amount, with proceeds deposited back into the trunk highway fund. This is a funding mechanism for infrastructure planning, directly affecting the City of St. Paul Park's transportation infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes THC potency limits for cannabis and hemp products sold in Minnesota's adult-use market. It sets a maximum of 15% THC for cannabis flower, 30% for concentrates, and 500mg per package for topical/transdermal products. Retail cannabis businesses must post specific health warnings at locations (e.g., about heart/lung risks, psychosis risks for young people, delayed effects of edibles) and include similar warnings on product labels. The law directly affects licensed cannabis retailers and consumers by regulating product strength and requiring standardized health disclosures.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for peer-to-peer car sharing in Minnesota by defining key terms and clarifying regulatory status. It specifies that peer-to-peer car sharing - where vehicle owners rent their cars to others through a platform - is not considered a "lease or rental" under Minnesota law for vehicles (passenger cars, vans, or pickup trucks) used for 28 days or less. The bill directly affects vehicle owners who share their cars via platforms and drivers who use these services, distinguishing this model from traditional rental companies. It amends insurance and vehicle regulations to ensure these arrangements fall outside standard rental/lease licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 4 appropriates $42.3 million for Minnesota's Department of Commerce in fiscal year 2026, with $42.9 million for 2027. It funds specific programs including $400,000 annually for a financial inclusion initiative targeting low-income and underserved populations to build savings and credit, and $543,000 yearly for additional examiners to oversee financial institutions. The bill also allocates $353,000 per year for cybersecurity upgrades to the unclaimed property system and $500,000 to operate the Prescription Drug Affordability Board. These funding mechanisms directly support commerce and consumer protection activities under the Department of Commerce's budget.