Rep. John Burkel

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 1008 modifies Minnesota's definition of "public waters" to clarify that inclusion in the public waters inventory is not the sole factor determining public waters status, effective July 1, 2027. The bill eliminates an annual $1 million appropriation from the general fund that had funded updating the public waters inventory map through fiscal year 2032. This change removes dedicated funding for maintaining the inventory map, which previously tracked waters designated as public under state law. The bill impacts the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, local governments, and landowners who rely on the inventory for water management and land use decisions.

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 70 withdraws Minnesota from the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, a multi-state agreement that would have awarded the state's presidential electors based on the national popular vote winner. The bill amends Minnesota election law to remove the requirement to follow this compact, returning the process to the state's traditional method of selecting electors based on the winner of Minnesota's statewide popular vote. It repeals two specific sections of law (208.051 and 208.052) that implemented the compact's provisions. This change directly affects how Minnesota's presidential electors are chosen in future elections, aligning with the state's current electoral system.

Maddy summaryHF 602 appropriates $8 million from state bond proceeds to fund infrastructure improvements in the city of Stephen. The funds will directly support the city's replacement of aging water distribution systems, sanitary sewer systems, storm sewers, and reconstruction of city streets. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $8 million in bonds to cover this specific appropriation, as outlined in Minnesota Statutes governing bond sales. This targeted funding is exclusively for Stephen's municipal infrastructure projects, with no broader statewide application. The appropriation becomes effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 40 modifies Minnesota's regulations for facilities housing farmed Cervidae (like deer and elk). It removes two specific requirements: the rule that fencing must prevent physical contact between farmed and wild Cervidae, and the authority for the Board of Animal Health to revoke a facility's registration for repeated escape incidents or uncorrected fence deficiencies. The bill directly affects owners of farmed Cervidae operations by reducing certain fencing standards and eliminating the registration revocation penalty. These changes simplify compliance for these facilities by removing specific enforcement mechanisms under current law.

Maddy summaryHF 49 repeals a tax on all lawful gambling receipts in Minnesota, removing an existing tax burden for gambling businesses. This bill directly affects casinos, racetracks, and other legal gambling operators that previously paid this tax. The primary mechanism is the repeal of specific tax provisions (including sections 297E.01 and 297E.02), with related technical adjustments to other statutes to align with the repeal. The change eliminates a financial obligation for these businesses but does not alter gambling regulations or operations.

Maddy summaryHF 126 allows legally carried firearms at Minnesota's State Fairgrounds by amending statutes to prevent the State Agricultural Society (which operates the fairgrounds) from banning lawful firearm possession. The bill clarifies that fairgrounds bylaws cannot prohibit firearms consistent with Minnesota's gun laws, while maintaining existing rules for private establishments (like requiring conspicuous "no guns" signs at entrances). It directly affects attendees, vendors, and staff at the State Fairgrounds, ensuring they can carry legally permitted firearms there. The changes take effect August 1, 2025, and do not override rules for parking areas or peace officer access.

Maddy summaryHF 253 temporarily prohibits Minnesota's commissioner of natural resources from modifying the state's public waters inventory under Minnesota Statutes §103G.201 until July 1, 2027. The bill requires the commissioner to submit a detailed report to the legislature by January 15, 2027, outlining how future inventory changes could better involve local governments and the public through consultation and comment opportunities. This bill directly affects the commissioner's authority and local governments involved in water management. The key change is a two-year pause on inventory updates plus a mandated review process to improve transparency.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $734,000 in state bond funds to the city of Kennedy for replacing its aging underground water storage tanks. The funding covers predesign, engineering, and construction costs for the tank replacement project. The state will issue bonds to finance this appropriation, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. This directly supports Kennedy's water infrastructure improvements by providing dedicated state funding for a critical public utility upgrade.