Rep. Dan Wolgamott

Maddy summaryHF 2721 requires regular testing of fire life safety dampers in non-residential buildings with HVAC systems containing these dampers (excluding single-family homes and small multifamily buildings with four or fewer units). The bill mandates testing per national fire safety standards (NFPA 80, NFPA 92, etc.) to verify proper operation, including physical, visual, and functional checks. Testing must be performed by qualified inspectors - such as ICB-certified technicians employed by independent contractors meeting specific accreditation and insurance requirements. This applies directly to building owners and managers of commercial, institutional, and large-scale non-residential facilities subject to Minnesota’s State Fire Code.

Maddy summaryHF 2733 creates a legal claim for pet owners whose companion animals are injured by others. It allows owners to seek compensation for medical costs, actual damages, emotional distress, and punitive damages from the person who caused the injury. The bill specifically covers nonhuman mammals, birds, or reptiles kept as companions (excluding livestock), and does not apply to licensed veterinarians acting within their scope of practice or under state law. This change directly affects pet owners and individuals who may cause harm to pets, expanding legal remedies beyond previous options.

Maddy summaryHF 107 modifies Minnesota's unemployment insurance rules for workers involved in labor disputes. It specifies that workers participating in or directly affected by a labor dispute can receive benefits until the end of the week the dispute was active, while those not involved are eligible until the dispute began. The bill clarifies that certain situations - like employer safety violations, lockouts, or being fired before a dispute starts - do not make applicants ineligible. This directly affects workers who stop working due to labor conflicts, ensuring they maintain eligibility under defined conditions. The changes amend Minnesota Statutes section 268.085, subdivision 13b.

Maddy summaryHF 1756 increases property tax exclusions for Minnesota veterans with service-connected disabilities and modifies benefits for surviving spouses. Veterans with a 70% or higher disability rating receive a $150,000 exclusion (doubling to $300,000 for 100% disability), with the base amount adjusted annually for inflation using a federal economic index. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans or service members who died in active duty can continue the full $300,000 exclusion until they remarry or sell the home. The bill directly affects veterans, their spouses, and primary family caregivers who qualify under the existing program.

Maddy summaryHF 2767 increases maximum grant amounts for Minnesota's Dual Training Competency Grant Program, doubling the annual cap from $6,000 to $12,000 per employee (capped at $24,000 total per employee). It appropriates $2 million for fiscal year 2026 and $2 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support this program. The bill directly affects training providers (including institutions under Minnesota Statutes §136A.103) and employees participating in eligible training programs. A key provision requires applicants to secure Pell and state grants before receiving program funds for employee training.

Maddy summaryHF 1642 appropriates $35 million from state highway funds to begin converting U.S. Highway 10 to a freeway in Sherburne County, Minnesota. This funding covers Phase 1 construction - including an interchange at 15th Avenue SE in St. Cloud and nearby improvements - along the route from St. Cloud to Clear Lake. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $35 million in bonds to finance this project, with unspent funds potentially used for Phase 2. The direct effect is on Sherburne County residents, commuters, and local infrastructure, specifically targeting the U.S. Highway 10 corridor between St. Cloud and Clear Lake.

Maddy summaryHF 195 exempts property owned and operated by congressionally chartered veterans service organizations from Minnesota property taxes. The bill removes the standard property tax classification rate for this specific property and establishes a direct tax exemption. It requires the commissioner of veterans affairs to annually provide a list of qualifying organizations to the commissioner of revenue by January 1. The exemption takes effect for property assessments beginning in 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 566 amends Minnesota law to clarify rules for operating all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on public roads. It specifies that ATVs may be operated on the right shoulder or extreme right side of county/state highways (for accessing businesses/trails) and in ditches/slopes under certain conditions, while restricting operation in agricultural zones (April 1-August 1) and between sunset and sunrise. The bill also updates local government authority to allow ATVs on roads for access to businesses/residences via ordinance, with specific speed and access requirements for smaller communities. These changes directly affect ATV operators, local municipalities creating ordinances, and agricultural workers using ATVs for farm access.

Maddy summaryHF 1751 requires Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to use state funds to provide hospital, medical, and dental benefits to part-time or adjunct faculty who teach six or more credits annually and currently lack such coverage. The bill appropriates specific funding for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to cover these benefits for eligible faculty. It also mandates that the Board of Trustees collect participation data and submit a cost analysis report to legislative committees by November 1, 2027, to inform future budget decisions. This is a one-time appropriation focused on expanding benefits for a specific group of faculty members.

Maddy summaryHF 1973 appropriates $420,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $420,000 for fiscal year 2027 to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud. The funds are specifically designated to support the operation of their senior dining program, which provides meals to older adults in the St. Cloud area. This bill directly affects seniors utilizing the program and Catholic Charities as the recipient organization. It is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions or eligibility changes beyond the monetary allocation.