Rep. Paul Torkelson

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $9,344,000 in state funds to the city of Comfrey to upgrade its municipal stormwater system and address flooding problems. The money will be used to design, engineer, and build new or replacement pipes and other infrastructure improvements. To finance this project, the state will issue bonds up to the amount of the appropriation. The legislation takes effect immediately upon final passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of up to $2.5 million in state bonds to fund a new water tower for the city of Hanska. The appropriated funds will be used by the Public Facilities Authority to cover the design and construction costs of the project. Once passed, the commissioner of management and budget will sell the bonds to generate the necessary capital for this infrastructure investment.

Maddy summaryHF 1669 increases the annual funding limit for Minnesota's tax credit supporting sustainable aviation fuel producers. It raises the allocation cap from $2.1 million to $10 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2029. This change directly affects businesses producing or using sustainable aviation fuel within Minnesota by expanding the available tax credit. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 41A.30 to adjust these funding limits, allowing more financial support for this clean energy initiative. The credit remains available until fiscal year 2030, with unallocated funds expiring after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 3750 amends Minnesota's child care licensing rules to allow crisis nurseries currently operating under specific licenses to continue providing short-term care for children during caregiver crises without needing a separate license under the state's child care licensing law, until July 1, 2027. The bill requires the Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to develop a new licensing framework for crisis nurseries - including background checks, training standards, and ways to resolve conflicting requirements - and submit a detailed report to the legislature by January 15, 2027. This framework must be created with input from stakeholders and address current operational conflicts. The bill directly affects crisis nurseries and the state agency, ensuring existing operations continue while establishing a path for future licensing.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a one-time exemption from assisted living facility design requirements for a specific nursing home in Belview, Minnesota. The exemption applies only to an actively licensed nursing home owned by the city of Belview that wishes to convert to an assisted living facility by December 31, 2026. The facility must still meet all other licensing standards, but it is not required to comply with the specific design standards outlined in Minnesota Statutes section 144G.45. The exemption does not apply to any new construction projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Minnesota commissioner of management and budget to transfer $70 million from the state's Paid Leave insurance account to the general fund on June 30, 2026. The transfer affects the financial balance of Minnesota's Paid Leave Law program by reducing the dedicated insurance account and increasing general state revenue. The legislation takes effect immediately upon final passage and requires no additional administrative action beyond the scheduled transfer. This measure does not alter the Paid Leave Law's operational requirements or benefit provisions for eligible workers. The bill is a one-time financial adjustment rather than a change to the program's core structure or eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the amount of property value that can be excluded from Minnesota estate taxes to $4 million for estates of people who die after December 31, 2025. It directly affects Minnesota residents who own property located in the state and are required to file an estate tax return. The law raises the threshold for when a return must be filed and adjusts the tax calculation to allow for a larger subtraction from the taxable estate. These changes align Minnesota's estate tax rules with updated federal standards and apply to estates of decedents dying after the end of 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes reducing the number of Minnesota state legislators from 134 representatives and 67 senators to 135 representatives and 45 senators. The changes would take effect on January 3, 2033, and would apply to legislative sessions organized on or after that date. The bill requires redrawing legislative district boundaries to match the new seat counts, with each district electing one representative or senator. This legislation directly affects Minnesota's state legislature structure and the process for future redistricting.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts certain workers in transportation occupations from Minnesota's Paid Leave Law. It directly affects employees working for motor freight transportation and warehousing companies, as well as individuals in roles regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation for hours of service. The law adds these two categories to the list of excluded workers in the state's paid leave statute. By removing these workers from the program's coverage, they would not be eligible for paid leave benefits under this specific law. The bill also allows excluded entities to opt into the program if they choose to do so.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $808,000 from Minnesota's general fund to support the Lower Sioux Indian Community in Redwood County. The money is designated for planning and design work on a new public charter school that will offer a Dakota language immersion program for students from birth through fourth grade. The funding is a one-time appropriation available until the project is finished or discontinued, and the bill takes effect immediately upon final passage.