Rep. Nathan Nelson

Maddy summaryHF 1620 removes keys, key chains, and key rings from Minnesota's restrictions on lead and cadmium in consumer products. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes by updating the definition of "covered product" to exclude these items from the list of products subject to chemical limits. This change directly affects manufacturers and sellers of keys and key accessories in Minnesota, allowing them to use lead or cadmium without violating the law. The bill modifies existing regulations without creating new requirements, focusing solely on clarifying which products are regulated.

Maddy summaryHF 3257 appropriates $45,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $45,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide grants for wolf-livestock conflict prevention. The funds, administered by the commissioner of agriculture, directly support livestock producers facing wolf encounters by covering nonlethal prevention methods. Key provisions include using the money for grants under Minnesota Statutes §3.737 and allowing partial funding for nonlethal work done by federal wildlife services. This bill creates a dedicated funding stream for proactive measures to reduce livestock losses without lethal wolf management.

Maddy summaryHF 2339 increases Minnesota's income threshold for the child tax credit, allowing more families to qualify for the full benefit before credits begin phasing out. The bill raises the phaseout threshold from $35,000 to $45,490 for married couples filing jointly and from $29,500 to $38,340 for other filers. This change directly affects Minnesota taxpayers with children who file individual income tax returns, as it prevents the credit from decreasing at lower income levels. The bill also requires future annual inflation adjustments to these thresholds starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 3238 appropriates $2 million from the general fund for the WonderTrek Children's Museum, a nonprofit organization in Baxter, to fund capital improvements for phase I of its nine-acre campus. The funding covers design, construction, and equipment for specific elements including a 2,400-square-foot classroom, four acres of nature play exhibits, infrastructure, landscaping, and outdoor recreation facilities. This one-time appropriation is available until the project is completed or abandoned, as specified in Minnesota Statutes. The bill directly affects the museum's ability to develop its physical campus and serves the community by providing educational resources for children.

Maddy summaryHF 601 appropriates $125,000 for livestock depredation compensation and $125,000 for crop damage compensation under Minnesota law, directly affecting farmers who suffer wildlife-related losses. The livestock funding covers compensation for destroyed or crippled livestock and allows up to $5,000 for university educators to assess fair market values. The crop funding supports compensation for damaged crops, includes $10,000 for claim investigations, and allocates $40,000 for grants to protect stored crops from elk. Both funds are one-time appropriations available until June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 2994 appropriates $1 million from the workforce development fund to create a child care pilot program for Hennepin County law enforcement and first responders. The funding, available until June 2027, will help the Sheriff's Office partner with WomenVenture to recruit child care providers who can accommodate irregular work shifts, covering costs like business planning, training, and family scholarships. The program aims to improve retention by addressing a key challenge for these workers. By December 2027, the Sheriff's Office must submit a report detailing how the funds were used and recommending future child care solutions for public safety staff.

Maddy summaryHF 1680 establishes a property tax exemption for agricultural riparian buffers (vegetation zones along waterways) on specific land classes (2a/2b) in Minnesota, directly affecting landowners who maintain these buffers. To qualify, landowners must apply through county assessors and comply with buffer requirements under section 103F.48, verified by soil and water conservation districts. The bill requires the state to reimburse local governments and school districts for lost property tax revenue caused by the exemption, calculated annually and paid in two installments. Reimbursements are funded from the state general fund, starting in 2026 for property tax exemptions and 2027 for school districts.

Maddy summaryHF 711 appropriates $500,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 to provide grants to the Minnesota Agricultural Education and Leadership Council. The funding supports the council’s existing programs under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 41D, which focus on agricultural education and leadership development. This bill directly affects the council by providing dedicated funding for its established initiatives, with no new policy requirements or program changes.

Maddy summaryHF 43 appropriates $4.5 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund grants for Minnesota gas stations upgrading equipment to dispense biofuels like E25. It directly affects retail petroleum dispensers with 15 or fewer sites in Minnesota, allowing up to $200,000 per station for equipment upgrades required to meet state biofuel goals. The bill mandates annual reports detailing project types, geographic distribution, minority-owned business participation, and program costs to legislative committees. Unused 2026 funds can roll over to 2027, with future funding base set at $3 million annually. The program aims to expand biofuel infrastructure access while requiring transparency through detailed reporting.

Maddy summaryHF 985 appropriates unspecified funds from the general fund for Minnesota's Soil Health Financial Assistance Program, administered by the Commissioner of Agriculture. The program provides financial support to agricultural operations implementing soil health practices, with a limit of $50,000 per recipient annually. Funds may also cover up to 6.5% of the appropriation for program administration, and unspent balances from fiscal year 2026 carry over to 2027, with grants encumbered by June 2027 remaining available until June 2029. This bill directly affects farmers and agricultural entities participating in the state's soil health initiative.