Rep. Isaac Schultz

Maddy summaryHF 254 modifies Minnesota's process for updating the public waters inventory map, which identifies bodies of water designated as public waters. It requires the commissioner to reclassify certain wetlands (types 3, 4, and 5) as public waters only if they meet specific criteria, such as having shoreland management classification or being declared necessary for public ownership. The bill mandates written notice to local governments, counties, and watershed districts 60 days before changes take effect, allowing objections that could halt the revision. It also authorizes map updates for errors, trout stream adjustments, large quarries/pits meeting zoning criteria, and permit-required changes, with $1 million annually allocated for this work through 2032.

Maddy summaryHF 451 eliminates the dedicated funding source for pollinator habitat work by repealing the statutory requirement to appropriate money to the "pollinator account" (previously established under Minnesota Statutes 103B.101, subd. 19). It also repeals the "Lawns to Legumes" grant program (Minnesota Statutes 103B.104), which provided financial assistance to homeowners and communities for planting native, pollinator-friendly vegetation. These changes end two specific programs administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources that supported habitat restoration for declining pollinators like the rusty patched bumble bee. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 447 allows high school students (grades 10-12) to enroll in summer college courses at Minnesota postsecondary institutions. The bill amends Minnesota law to require institutions to permit these students to take summer courses under the same policies applied to regular college students. It specifically adds a provision ensuring summer course access is consistent with existing institutional policies for postsecondary enrollment. This change directly affects secondary students seeking to earn college credit during summer breaks, without altering course requirements or enrollment priorities.

Maddy summaryHF 236 amends Minnesota's tax code to allow veterans and surviving spouses of veterans to subtract all of their taxable Social Security benefits from their state taxable income, without the income-based phaseouts that apply to other taxpayers. Currently, Minnesota reduces Social Security benefit subtractions for higher-income earners, but this bill creates an exception for veterans and their surviving spouses. The change applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and defines "veteran" per Minnesota Statute 197.447. This directly benefits eligible veterans and surviving spouses by reducing their state income tax burden on Social Security benefits.

Maddy summaryHF 304 repeals the automatic annual increases to Minnesota's motor fuels excise taxes that were previously tied to the Minnesota Highway Construction Cost Index. The bill removes the requirement that gasoline, E85, M85, and other fuel tax rates adjust each August based on construction cost changes, meaning these taxes will no longer automatically rise each year. This directly affects fuel retailers and consumers by freezing the tax rates at current levels (e.g., 25 cents per gallon for standard gasoline) unless new legislation changes them. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all motor fuels subject to the state's excise tax.

Maddy summaryHF 305 amends Minnesota law regarding blackout special license plates by changing where the $30 annual contribution from plate applicants is deposited. The bill modifies Minnesota Statutes section 168.1287, specifying that these contributions must now go to the highway user tax distribution fund (under section 299A.705) instead of the previous account. This change affects individuals who purchase blackout special license plates, as it redirects the $30 annual fee they pay. The bill does not alter the fee amount, eligibility requirements, or plate design - only the fund receiving the contributions. The amendment takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 267 requires Minnesota's Department of Transportation to submit a detailed report by January 31, 2026, on costs related to preserving cultural resources (such as historic sites, archaeological finds, and burial grounds) during trunk highway construction or reconstruction projects. The report must cover fiscal years 2020-2027, including total annual expenditures, budget versus actual spending comparisons, and project-specific breakdowns by resource type. A one-time $ appropriation from the trunk highway fund is provided specifically for preparing this report. This bill affects state transportation officials and legislators by mandating transparency on these costs, without changing highway project requirements or funding for preservation work itself.

Maddy summaryHF 154 modifies Minnesota's individual income tax structure by lowering the first tax rate tier from 5.35% to 2.8% for all filer types. It increases the income threshold for this rate to $47,620 for married couples filing jointly, $32,570 for single filers, and $40,100 for heads of household. This change applies to taxable income earned in years beginning after December 31, 2024. The bill directly affects all Minnesota residents who file individual income tax returns, reducing taxes for those earning within the new first-tier bracket. The rate adjustment is part of the state's annual tax bracket inflation adjustment process.

Maddy summaryHF 153 reduces all Minnesota individual income tax rates by one percentage point across every tax bracket. It directly affects all Minnesota residents who pay state income tax, lowering their tax burden for all income levels. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 290.06 to adjust rates uniformly, such as changing the lowest bracket from 5.35% to 4.35% for married couples filing jointly. This is a direct policy change to the state's tax code with no additional provisions or exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HF 139) increases annual cost-of-living adjustments for retirees in Minnesota's Public Employees Police and Fire Retirement Plan and State Patrol Retirement Plan. It raises the standard adjustment from 1% to up to 1.5% annually (based on federal Social Security COLA), and shortens the required waiting period from 36 months to 12 months for full benefits. Retirees receiving benefits for less than 12 months will now get a pro-rated increase based on months served. The changes take effect for adjustments starting January 1, 2026, and apply automatically unless retirees opt out in writing.