Rep. Ethan Cha

Maddy summaryHF 2359 establishes a Climate and Mental Health Advisory Task Force within Minnesota's Department of Health to study how climate change impacts mental health across the state. The 16-member task force includes legislative appointees and 12 community representatives specifically chosen to reflect vulnerable groups affected by climate change (such as Indigenous communities, farmers, people with disabilities, and those exposed to pollution). It will analyze mental health effects by demographics, identify communities most impacted now and in the future, and develop actionable recommendations for mitigation strategies. The bill appropriates a one-time sum for the task force in fiscal year 2026, available until June 2031, to support its work. This directly affects Minnesota residents, particularly those facing climate-related mental health challenges.

Maddy summaryHF 1865 amends Minnesota law to exclude loans meeting the federal "qualified mortgage" points and fees threshold from being classified as "conventional loans." This change directly affects Minnesota mortgage lenders and borrowers by removing certain federally compliant loans from the state's conventional loan definition. The bill modifies Minnesota Statutes § 47.20 by adding a new exclusion (subdivision 2, paragraph 3(b)) that removes loans where borrower points and fees do not exceed the federal threshold under 12 C.F.R. § 1026.43(e)(3). As a result, these specific loans will no longer be subject to Minnesota's conventional loan regulations and requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 1361 appropriates $8 million from state bond proceeds to fund improvements at CHS Field in St. Paul. The city of St. Paul will receive the grant to cover predesign, construction, and equipment for upgrades meeting Major League Baseball standards, including a new locker room, enhanced visitor amenities, and environmental remediation of contaminated soil. The state will issue bonds up to $8 million to fund this appropriation, following Minnesota's bond sale procedures. This bill directly affects CHS Field's operations and the city's ability to modernize the stadium.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate Bill 1552 modifies financial reporting rules for grain buyers licensed under Minnesota law. It requires grain buyers to submit annual financial statements prepared by independent accountants, with different requirements based on annual grain purchases: buyers purchasing under $7.5 million annually need a CPA review, those buying $7.5-20 million need a CPA review, and buyers purchasing $20 million or more must undergo a full audit with an opinion statement. Small cash-based grain buyers purchasing under $1 million annually are exempt from these reporting requirements. The bill applies directly to licensed grain buyers operating in Minnesota, aiming to increase financial transparency and accountability.

Maddy summaryHF 2215 creates a state-run low-cost auto insurance program called the "Minnesota Lifeline Insurance Program" for low-income residents who meet specific eligibility criteria. The Commissioner of Commerce must establish this program, requiring a facility to develop and operate it, set affordable rates based on claims data and administrative costs, and offer online applications through a dedicated website. The bill appropriates state funds for the program, mandates annual reports to the legislature detailing participation and costs, and requires rates to cover claims, expenses, and investment income while remaining accessible. This program directly affects low-income Minnesotans who struggle to afford standard auto insurance, providing them with a state-supported alternative.

Maddy summaryHF 2386 makes administrative updates to Minnesota's public employee retirement rules managed by the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). It clarifies that employers must state the $425 monthly salary threshold for mandatory retirement coverage in advance, adds a 60-day deadline for public employees or officials to file membership election forms, and specifies timing for when coverage begins. The bill directly affects public employees and elected officials who choose to join PERA retirement plans, including those in local government, law enforcement, and correctional roles. Key changes streamline eligibility rules and filing procedures without altering benefit amounts or contribution rates.

Maddy summaryHF 1845 expands Minnesota's definition of "veteran" to include two specific groups: (1) Hmong veterans naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000, and (2) individuals who served honorably with secret guerrilla units or irregular forces operating from Laos in support of U.S. forces between February 28, 1961, and May 14, 1975. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 197.447 to add these categories to the existing definition, ensuring these veterans qualify for state benefits. It also creates an advisory task force of veterans, experts, and community members to help determine eligibility under the new definition. This change directly affects Hmong veterans and Laotian-based veterans who previously may not have met Minnesota's veteran criteria.

Maddy summaryHF 1582 modifies Minnesota's Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) benefits for educators. It allows teachers with 30 years of service to retire at age 60 without reduced annuity payments (previously requiring 35 years), adjusts early retirement penalties, and increases postretirement cost-of-living adjustments. The bill also raises employer contribution rates for school districts (from 13.3% to 17.3% for basic members) and increases pension adjustment revenue rates for school districts starting in 2026. These changes directly affect current and future TRA members, school districts funding retirement costs, and the state's retirement system budget.

Maddy summaryHF 2123 requires landlords with more than ten residential rental units to offer tenants the option to have their on-time rent payments reported to credit bureaus, without charging tenants or forcing participation. Tenants can opt out at any time, and landlords must stop reporting within 30 days of a request. The bill appropriates $500,000 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to provide grants to landlords - prioritizing those serving tenants at or below 50% of area median income - to cover costs for credit reporting services and technology. The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency must collect data on program participation and effectiveness, reporting findings to the legislature by March 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 2124 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office. The grant funds security services at cultural events in Ramsey County and enables peace officers to participate in culturally informed community engagement activities. This is a one-time appropriation specifically for event safety and community outreach, not for general law enforcement operations. The bill directly affects Ramsey County residents attending cultural events and the Sheriff's Office in delivering these targeted services.