Rep. Chris Swedzinski

Maddy summaryHF 939 appropriates $190,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $190,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources. This funding will be used to provide grants to Area II Minnesota River Basin Projects for floodplain management activities. The bill directly affects these local projects by providing dedicated financial support for floodplain management work. It is a procedural funding measure with no policy changes or new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota military members who were discharged due to the military's COVID-19 vaccination mandate to subtract their back pay from their state income tax. It directly affects service members who received back pay under a specific federal executive order (E.O. 14184, Jan. 27, 2025) for being separated over vaccination requirements. The policy reduces taxable income for qualifying individuals, meaning they pay less state tax on that back pay amount. The change applies to tax returns filed for years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 114 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to provide grants to all 95 Minnesota county agricultural societies. The funds must be distributed equally to each county fair to enhance arts access, education, and the preservation of Minnesota's agricultural, historical, and cultural heritage. This grant program operates in addition to existing funding under Minnesota Statutes section 38.02. The commissioner of agriculture will develop grant criteria and seek public input to guide funding for projects supporting these goals.

Maddy summaryHF 636 removes the requirement for a permit to carry a firearm in public places for eligible Minnesotans, while creating an optional permit system. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 624.714 to state that anyone not prohibited by state or federal law (and at least 21 years old) may carry a firearm without a permit in public places - defined as government-owned property or private property open to the public, excluding homes, businesses, gun shops, and hunting areas. An optional permit, which requires proof of pistol safety training and background checks for disqualifying offenses, remains available for those who choose it. This change directly affects eligible residents who currently need permits to carry firearms in public, eliminating that barrier while preserving the option for a permit.

Maddy summaryHF 621 amends Minnesota Statutes section 97B.311 to modify the dates for the deer firearms hunting season. The bill changes the current season window, which currently runs from the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November through December 15, to a new specified period. This adjustment directly affects hunters participating in Minnesota's deer firearms hunting season. The change is part of the state's regulatory framework for managing deer populations and hunting opportunities. The bill was referred to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee for further review.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $6.4 million in state bond funds to the city of Hanley Falls for critical infrastructure upgrades. It directly affects Hanley Falls residents by funding the replacement of aging water distribution systems, sanitary and storm sewers, and city streets. The key mechanism is the issuance of state bonds up to $6.4 million, with proceeds allocated to design and construct these specific infrastructure improvements. The funding covers both utility systems and road reconstruction to address failing municipal infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHF 650 appropriates $4,525,000 from state bonds to fund the replacement of aging water, sewer, and street infrastructure in Wood Lake, Minnesota. The funds will cover designing, constructing, and equipping new systems for the city's water distribution, wastewater, storm sewer, and street reconstruction projects. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds up to this amount to provide the necessary funding. This directly affects Wood Lake residents and local infrastructure by addressing critical public system upgrades.

Maddy summaryHF 619 creates a property tax exemption for up to three acres of land owned or leased by veterans organizations with federal charters (congressionally chartered). To qualify, the property cannot be used residentially and must either limit revenue-generating activities to six days per year or make annual charitable contributions equal to the property taxes they would otherwise owe. Organizations must maintain records of contributions and public events for inspection. This exemption applies to property taxes due in 2026 and later.

Maddy summaryHF 620 appropriates $14,018,000 from state bonds to fund the design, construction, renovation, and equipment of Southwest Minnesota State University's Center for Rural Health and Wellness. The funds are directed to the university's Board of Trustees for campus improvements specifically targeting rural health services. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds up to the full appropriation amount to cover these costs. This funding directly affects Southwest Minnesota State University's campus infrastructure and its ability to support rural health initiatives.

Maddy summaryHF 615 appropriates $12 million from state bond proceeds to fund the replacement of aging water distribution systems, storm sewer infrastructure, and city streets in Tracy, Minnesota. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $12 million in bonds under Minnesota law to provide this funding to Tracy through the Public Facilities Authority. This funding directly supports Tracy's municipal infrastructure projects, including design, construction, and equipment for system replacements. The bill does not affect other cities or include broader policy changes beyond Tracy's specific infrastructure needs.