Rep. Dan Wolgamott

Maddy summaryHF 2561 expands the authority for Minnesota state universities to offer applied doctoral degrees in specific professional fields. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to allow these universities to grant such degrees in education, business, psychology, physical therapy, audiology, nursing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other emerging workforce areas. This change directly affects state universities (like Minnesota State universities) and students seeking professional doctoral programs in these fields. The Board of Trustees will determine additional qualifying areas, but the University of Minnesota retains its existing authority to offer all doctoral degrees.

Maddy summaryHF 2502 modifies Minnesota's child tax credit to reduce the "marriage penalty" by raising the income level at which the credit begins to phase out for married couples filing jointly. The bill increases the phaseout threshold from $35,000 to $63,900 for joint filers (while slightly raising the threshold for other filers to $31,950), meaning married couples will retain more of their child credit at lower income levels. This change directly affects married Minnesota taxpayers filing jointly who currently lose credit benefits at lower incomes than single filers. The adjustment takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and includes automatic inflation adjustments starting in 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 2475 reduces the percentage Minnesota homeowners must pay toward their homestead credit property tax refunds. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 290A.04 by lowering the "co-pay" rate for qualifying homeowners, decreasing the claimant's required payment from 12% to as low as 1.0% of property taxes for the lowest income brackets. This change directly affects homeowners with household incomes up to $135,409 who claim the homestead credit, increasing their state refund amount by reducing their out-of-pocket share. The state refund maximum remains $3,500 for most income levels, but the reduced co-pay means homeowners retain more of their property tax refund.

Maddy summaryHF 489 appropriates $25.8 million for 2026 and $26.9 million for 2027 from Minnesota's parks and trails fund to support state parks, recreation areas, and trails. It allocates $12.9 million annually for regional park and trail grants outside the Minneapolis metro area, requiring projects to align with the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks Strategic Plan. The bill also provides $652,000 annually for coordination between agencies and web-based park information, while extending project funding deadlines for specific initiatives like the Cannon Valley Trail and Spirit Mountain Recreation Area through 2027. This funding directly affects state park operations, regional park commissions, and local projects receiving grants under Minnesota Statutes § 85.535.

Maddy summaryHF 2417 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for 2027 to Wallin Education Partners to support college admission and graduation services for low-income Minnesota students attending Minnesota colleges. The funding covers financial aid guidance, academic advising, and career development programming. Wallin must use the funds only for Minnesota residents enrolled at Minnesota institutions and submit annual reports by February 1st detailing student demographics, schools served, and geographic distribution. This bill directly affects low-income students in Minnesota and requires transparency through mandated reporting.

Maddy summaryHF 2301 allows retired peace officers (with a combined age and years of service totaling at least 85) to join Minnesota's state public employee health insurance program, which previously excluded retirees. It also creates a new program enabling college degree holders to complete peace officer training requirements through a streamlined process. The bill appropriates funding to support both the expanded insurance eligibility and the new training program. These changes directly affect retired law enforcement officers meeting the age/service criteria and college-educated individuals seeking to become peace officers. The legislation amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.316, to add these provisions.

Maddy summaryHF 723 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of natural resources. This funding supports the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission in carrying out its duties under Minnesota Statutes section 85.536. The bill directly affects the commission and its ability to manage regional parks and trails across Greater Minnesota. It provides specific, concrete funding amounts for two consecutive budget years without altering existing park policies or programs.

Maddy summaryHF 2454 establishes a Minnesota law enforcement grant program to help recruit and retain officers by covering tuition and fees at public colleges for eligible individuals. It directly affects current Minnesota law enforcement officers, their dependent children, and dependent children of officers who suffered a total and permanent duty disability while serving. The grant covers 100% of tuition and fees after other aid is deducted, renewable each semester if eligibility continues (e.g., maintaining enrollment in criminal justice programs and meeting academic standards). Funds are appropriated by the state to administer the program through the Office of Higher Education.

Maddy summaryHF 1100 requires Minnesota's human services commissioner to establish a $4.50 per prescription payment to eligible community pharmacies in rural or underserved areas. This payment, added to existing fees, must be paid by managed care plans, county health programs, and pharmacy benefit managers to qualifying pharmacies that serve medically underserved populations or share ownership with 12 or fewer Minnesota pharmacies. The bill appropriates funds for this program in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with the payment ending if federal approval isn't obtained. It explicitly states this payment cannot replace or reduce other fees paid to pharmacies.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $796,544,000 from the state general fund for the University of Minnesota's operations and maintenance for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It directly provides funding to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents to cover ongoing operational costs. The bill does not change policies or create new programs but allocates specific annual funding for the university's basic maintenance and day-to-day functioning. This is a routine budgetary measure focused on sustaining existing university operations.