Rep. John Burkel

Maddy summaryHF 3545 repeals a requirement for Minnesota to adopt new residential energy codes with specific efficiency targets. It removes Section 326B.106, subdivision 1(g), which would have mandated the commissioner to adopt updated residential energy codes starting in 2026, aiming for a 70% reduction in energy use by 2038. This repeal eliminates the obligation to implement these incremental code changes and the associated reporting requirements for residential construction. The bill directly affects residential builders, developers, and local building officials who would have been required to comply with future energy code standards. The repeal does not impact existing energy codes or commercial energy code requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 81 exempts off-highway vehicles, snowmobiles, and electric-assisted bicycles from Minnesota's PFAS (chemicals) restrictions that apply to juvenile products. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes § 116.943 by adding these vehicles to the list of items excluded from the definition of "juvenile product" (which otherwise covers items like cribs, strollers, and baby pillows). This means manufacturers of these vehicles are not subject to PFAS prohibitions that apply to other juvenile products. The change clarifies that PFAS rules for consumer goods do not extend to these specific recreational vehicles. The bill was referred to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

Maddy summaryHF 29 suspends the scheduled 2030-2031 review of Minnesota's social studies academic standards and repeals requirements for schools to include ethnic studies content in their curriculum. It also cancels funding allocated for ethnic studies programs. The bill modifies existing education statutes by removing mandates for schools to integrate ethnic studies or Indigenous education into social studies standards, effectively eliminating these curriculum components. This directly affects Minnesota public schools and students by removing specific educational content requirements and associated funding. The changes take effect upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 568 appropriates $6.5 million from state bonds to fund construction and renovation of education learning centers for two specific special education cooperatives in Minnesota: Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative No. 6096-52 and Area Special Education Cooperative No. 997. The funds will support centers housing regional programs for students with autism, cognitive disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, and other specific educational needs, including Level IV special education services. The money comes directly from state bond proceeds without requiring local matching funds. This bill provides concrete funding for physical infrastructure to expand specialized educational services for these student populations.

Maddy summaryHF 15, the "Safe Haven In Every Local District (SHIELD) Act," requires all Minnesota public school districts and charter schools to include specific student and staff safety measures in their long-term facility plans by August 2025. The bill creates new grants to fund comprehensive security systems, including features like bullet-resistant doors, emergency alert systems, and staff training, with priority given to schools serving the most students. School districts must apply for these grants through the Minnesota School Safety Center, which will rank applicants and provide lists of approved vendors. The law appropriates funds from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to support these security upgrades and plan updates.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires underground telecommunications installers working near existing utilities to be "safety-qualified" starting in 2025. It mandates that certified installers must perform utility location checks (via hand/hydro-excavation) and monitor directional drilling operations, with at least two certified installers present during drilling. Installers must complete a 40-hour training course covering utility safety, incident response, and equipment use, pass an exam, and take 4-hour refresher courses every three years to maintain certification. The rule applies to all installations within 10 feet of existing utilities or crossing them, beginning July 1, 2025, in the seven-county metro area and January 1, 2026, statewide - excluding private property installations under 36 inches deep.

Maddy summaryHF 3284 repeals Minnesota's 2017 law implementing REAL ID requirements for driver's licenses and identification cards. This bill removes state-level rules that previously required Minnesotans to obtain licenses meeting federal identification standards (like those needed for air travel). It directly affects residents who currently hold or apply for noncompliant licenses, as the repeal will eliminate the need to meet federal standards for state-issued IDs. The repeal takes effect July 1, 2026, and requires the state to prepare replacement legislation by February 2026 to update related statutes.

Maddy summaryHF 3286 establishes a state grant program to help Minnesota school districts purchase propane-powered school buses. It directly affects school districts and transportation providers, with priority given to "prioritized school districts" (those with high poverty rates, rural locations, or tribal funding). Grants cover up to 50% of bus costs for prioritized districts and 25% for others, plus up to 50% of new propane storage equipment costs. The bill requires annual reports to the legislature on grant allocations and outcomes, with applications submitted twice yearly through a competitive process.

Maddy summaryHF 47 modifies certification requirements for underground telecommunications installers in Minnesota. It mandates that workers performing installations near existing utilities or using directional drilling must be certified safety-qualified installers, requiring a 40-hour training course covering utility identification, incident response, and safety procedures. The law phases in requirements: certified installers must be used for new work in the seven-county metro area starting July 1, 2025, and statewide by January 1, 2026, with a 36-inch depth exemption for private property. Installers must pass an exam and complete refresher courses every three years to maintain certification. This directly affects telecommunications companies, installers, and construction projects involving underground utility work.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's property tax classification rules for special agricultural homesteads. It clarifies that properties initially classified as class 2a agricultural homesteads (typically under 10 acres with specific land use requirements) maintain that classification even if adjacent land changes use, as long as the owner still owns at least 20 acres of noncontiguous agricultural land within four townships/cities and meets the agricultural value threshold. The bill also specifies that noncontiguous land must be notified to county assessors to be included in homestead classification. It primarily affects Minnesota farmers who own qualifying agricultural properties meeting these revised maintenance criteria.