Rep. Nathan Nelson

Maddy summaryHF 819 establishes the Minnesota Sustainable Foraging Task Force to develop science-based recommendations for foraging regulations on state lands. The task force, composed of 16 diverse members including Indigenous knowledge holders, scientists, conservation representatives, and foraging advocates, must gather data on foraging impacts, review current rules, and create guidelines balancing public access with ecological protection. It is required to produce a report with specific, actionable recommendations - including a permitting model allowing volunteer options - by December 1, 2026. The bill directly affects Minnesotans who forage on public lands and aims to guide future regulations through data-driven, inclusive processes.

Maddy summaryHF 1523 exempts certain agricultural workers from Minnesota's Paid Leave Law. Specifically, it excludes workers employed by a farmer, family farm, or family farm corporation who either work for a farm with five or fewer total employees, or work on the farm for 28 days or fewer each year. This amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 268B.01, directly affects small-scale farm workers who meet these criteria. The bill clarifies that these workers are not covered by the state's paid leave requirements, while other agricultural workers remain subject to the law.

Maddy summaryHF 1780 establishes a new payment system for "other lakeshore land" owned by the state and administered by the commissioner or county. It defines this land as parcels of state-owned "other natural resources land" abutting lakes identified by the Department of Natural Resources. Counties with such land will receive annual payments equal to either $5.133 per acre or 0.75% of the land's appraised value (whichever is greater), starting in 2026. Funds are distributed with 40% going to county general funds for property tax reduction, and the remainder supporting resource development on the land. This directly affects counties holding state-owned lakeshore parcels.

Maddy summaryHF 1796 modifies Minnesota's Livestock Investment Grant Program to change how grants are calculated. Instead of awarding 10% of the first $500,000 in qualifying expenditures, the bill establishes a tiered system: 50% of the first $20,000 plus 20% of the next $220,000. The bill expands eligible expenses to include specific items like pasture development (fencing, watering systems), livestock housing equipment (freestall barns, milking parlors), and waste management facilities (digesters, manure storage). This directly affects Minnesota livestock producers raising eligible animals (beef cattle, dairy, swine, poultry, goats, etc.) who make qualifying capital investments in their operations.

Maddy summaryHF 1702 allocates $100,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $100,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to support mental health outreach and farm safety programs for Minnesota farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. The funding will cover services like 24-hour hotlines, stigma reduction efforts, and educational programs under existing law (Minnesota Statutes §17.1195). Unused funds from 2026 will carry over and remain available until June 30, 2027, per the bill’s provisions. This bill directly affects agricultural communities by expanding access to mental health and safety resources.

Maddy summaryHF 1701 establishes a grant program to support Minnesota-based fertilizer manufacturers. The commissioner of agriculture will award grants to businesses operating in Minnesota for manufacturing, processing, and handling fertilizer, with priority given to those supplying fertilizer to agricultural producers for crop years starting in 2026. The bill appropriates state funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support these grants. This policy directly affects Minnesota fertilizer producers and aims to increase the local supply of fertilizer made within the state.

Maddy summaryHF 1626 eliminates maximum dollar limits on tax credits for Minnesota agricultural asset owners who sell or rent property to beginning farmers. Previously, credits were capped at $50,000 for sales and $7,000-$10,000 annually for rentals; this bill removes those caps, allowing credits to be calculated based on actual qualifying transaction values (8%, 10%, or 15% of sale price or rental income). The change applies to credits under Minnesota Statutes sections 41B.0391 and 290.06, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024. It directly affects agricultural landowners and beginning farmers participating in Minnesota’s tax credit program.

Maddy summaryHF 1359 increases funding for solid waste management by changing how fees collected from waste management are allocated. Starting in 2026, 7% of these fees will go to a resource management account (rising to 20% in 2027 and 30% after 2028), instead of the general fund. The funds must be distributed to counties for waste management programs under state law. This directly affects counties receiving these allocations and changes the percentage of fees dedicated to environmental resource management over time. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases funding for career and technical education (CTE) programs in Minnesota school districts by raising the reimbursement rate from 35% to 50% of eligible program costs. It establishes new annual funding caps ($17.85 million for 2012, $15.52 million for 2013, $20.66 million for 2014) and creates a revenue guarantee ensuring districts receive at least the previous year's funding or 100% of approved costs. For fiscal year 2026 and later, it sets a fixed $46.46 million annual funding target for CTE programs. The bill directly affects school districts operating approved CTE programs, ensuring stable funding for staff salaries, instructional supplies, and program development.

Maddy summaryHF 1423 amends Minnesota Statutes section 273.124, subdivision 8, to increase the maximum number of shareholders, members, or partners allowed for certain agricultural entities to qualify for homestead property tax treatment from 12 to 18. This change directly affects family farm corporations, joint farm ventures, limited liability companies (LLCs), and partnerships operating farms, allowing them to have up to 18 qualifying members while still qualifying for class 1b or class 2a property tax classifications. The bill does not alter tax rates but expands eligibility for existing homestead tax benefits by raising the shareholder cap. It takes effect for homestead applications filed in 2025 and later.