Minnesota Bills

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 16, 2026

HF 4810: Requirement for counties to fund ARMER network expansion eliminated, state funding for public safety radio communications infrastructure established, framework for collaboration and interoperability across law enforcement jurisdictions established, and money appropriated.

This bill, known as the Minnesota Public Safety Radio Communications Funding and Interoperability Act, removes the requirement for Minnesota counties to pay for the expansion and maintenance of the ARMER public safety radio network. Instead, the legislation creates a new state-funded account to cover these costs, ensuring that local governments are not forced to use property taxes for this infrastructure. The law also establishes a voluntary program where the state and local jurisdictions can share project costs on an equal basis, with the state covering at least 75 percent of any such expenses. Additionally, the bill sets up a framework to improve interoperability, allowing different law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical agencies to communicate effectively across jurisdictional lines. A new reporting requirement mandates that the commissioner of public safety annually update the legislature on how the funds are being used and the progress of the network.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 16, 2026

HF 4992: Health carriers required to offer reference-based pricing health plans, open-ended promise-to-pay contracts prohibited, provider number framework established, and rulemaking authorized.

This bill requires health insurance carriers in Minnesota to offer plans that use reference-based pricing and bans open-ended promise-to-pay contracts that hide the total cost of care from patients. It also establishes a provider number system to help consumers identify specific medical facilities and clarifies that patients must be informed of estimated costs before signing financial agreements. Additionally, the legislation holds hospitals financially responsible for treating infections patients acquire during their stay, prohibiting facilities from billing patients for these hospital-associated infection costs. These changes aim to increase price transparency and shift the financial burden of hospital-acquired infections back to the providers where they originated.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 16, 2026

HF 4981: Funding from environment and natural resources trust fund provided for a demonstration project to treat landfill leachate for PFAS, chloride, and other contaminants; and money appropriated.

This bill allocates $5.5 million from Minnesota's environment and natural resources trust fund to support a demonstration project at the Lyon County Regional Landfill. The funds are designated for the Pollution Control Agency to grant money to Lyon County for constructing a system that treats landfill leachate to remove PFAS, chloride, and other contaminants. The primary goal of this one-time appropriation is to protect groundwater from potential contamination. The legislation does not authorize any new taxes or change existing laws, but rather directs specific existing funds toward this environmental initiative.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 16, 2026

HF 5016: Prior Lake; marked Trunk Highway 13 trail improvements funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

This bill authorizes the construction of a new multiuse trail along Trunk Highway 13 in Prior Lake to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. To fund this project, the state will issue approximately $4.1 million in bonds from the trunk highway fund. The money will be used to design and build three segments of a paved path on the west side of the highway, aiming to create a safer route to local schools. The legislation also sets the rules for selling these bonds and requires the funds to be deposited into a specific state account.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 16, 2026

HF 4974: Income and property tax refunds; homestead credit refund co-pays reduced, commissioner of revenue authorized to implement a tax compliance program, and money appropriated.

This bill modifies Minnesota's homestead credit refund system by reducing the portion of the refund that homeowners must pay back, known as the co-pay. Under the new rules, the state will increase the maximum refund amount for various income levels while simultaneously lowering the percentage of income that claimants must contribute toward their property taxes. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the Commissioner of Revenue to create a tax compliance program and includes an appropriation of funds to support these changes. These adjustments directly affect Minnesota homeowners who rely on the homestead credit to offset their property tax bills.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 16, 2026

HF 5008: Academy for Sciences and Agriculture grant funding provided, and money appropriated.

This bill provides a one-time appropriation from the workforce development fund to the Academy for Sciences and Agriculture. The funding is intended to support agricultural education and the annual greenhouse sales program, focusing on student leadership and career success. The grant may be used specifically for equipment upgrades and greenhouse improvements within the program. These funds are designated for expenditure during the fiscal year 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 16, 2026

HF 5014: Distribution of local affordable housing aid modified.

This bill changes how local sales tax revenue is shared between cities and counties in Minnesota's metropolitan areas. Under the new rules, 75% of the funds will go to counties while 25% goes to cities, reversing the previous 50-50 split. The legislation also clarifies that money in the city aid account can come from donations or transfers, not just sales tax proceeds. These adjustments affect how housing assistance funds are allocated to local governments responsible for affordable housing programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 16, 2026

HF 4991: Benton Stearns Education District building renovations funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

This bill authorizes the issuance of state bonds to provide $11.5 million for renovating three schools in the Benton Stearns Education District. The funds will be used to update existing buildings to meet fire codes, improve accessibility, upgrade heating and air conditioning systems, and modernize classrooms and offices. The state will sell these bonds to raise the necessary money, which will then be given to the school district for construction and equipment projects. This legislation takes effect immediately upon final approval by the legislature.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 16, 2026

HF 5003: Brainerd; energy efficiency projects funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

This bill authorizes the state to issue up to $7.5 million in bonds to fund energy efficiency upgrades for Brainerd Public Utilities. The appropriated funds are designated for capital improvements such as upgrading or replacing turbine generators and modifying existing structures to support new equipment. The commissioner of commerce will distribute these funds as grants directly to the utility company, and the legislation takes effect immediately upon final passage.

Topics ✓ Energy

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 16, 2026

HF 4999: PROMISE grant program prior appropriations terminated.

This bill amends Minnesota's budget laws to adjust funding levels for the Business and Community Development portfolio, specifically reducing the total appropriation for the PROMISE grant program. The legislation directly affects various state agencies and grant recipients by establishing new spending caps and reallocating funds across multiple economic development initiatives, including small business centers, contaminated site cleanup, and child care provider grants. Key provisions detail specific dollar amounts for each program, set expiration dates for certain funds, and outline reporting requirements for grant recipients to track outcomes like job creation and new business start-ups. By modifying the statutory text for these appropriations, the bill ensures that future fiscal years adhere to the revised financial limits and administrative rules.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✗ Education

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 16, 2026

HF 4975: Time to use certain grant funds extended.

This bill extends the deadline for using certain grant funds allocated to the Office of Justice Programs, specifically allowing the Crossover and Dual-Status Youth Model Grants to remain available until December 31, 2026. The legislation amends existing state laws to clarify the timeframes for various public safety and victim services programs, ensuring that money designated for initiatives like restorative practices and youth intervention can be utilized as intended. Directly affecting the Office of Justice Programs and its grant recipients, the measure provides administrative flexibility to complete ongoing projects without the pressure of earlier expiration dates. By adjusting these specific dates, the bill aims to support continued service delivery to crime victims, survivors of violence, and youth involved in the justice system.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 16, 2026

HF 4944: Investigative specialist grant program established, and money appropriated.

This bill establishes a one-time $2 million grant program to help Minnesota law enforcement agencies hire and train investigative specialists. The funding is intended for agencies that struggle with high rates of unsolved crimes or lack sufficient staff to investigate cases effectively. These specialists will support detectives by handling administrative tasks and conducting investigations, but they will not have the full powers of peace officers. To receive funds, agencies must create specific job roles, training programs, and performance goals, and they are required to report on how the specialists impact crime-solving rates.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill results