Rep. Steve Gander

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 692 appropriates $48.586 million in state bond funds to finance flood prevention projects across six specific Red River Basin watershed districts in Minnesota. The bill directly affects communities like Newfolden (removed from floodplains) and funds projects including river rehabilitation, lake retention systems, and flood storage improvements. Key provisions include authorizing the state to issue bonds to cover the costs and setting grant limits (up to 75% of project costs) for approved flood mitigation work. The funding supports concrete infrastructure projects under Minnesota Statutes, not new policy or future legislation.

Maddy summaryHF 646 appropriates $634,000 for fiscal year 2026 and another $634,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to continue Minnesota's dairy development programs. The funding supports the dairy development and profitability enhancement programs, including dairy business planning grants, as specified in Minnesota Statutes section 32D.30. This directly benefits Minnesota dairy farmers and businesses by providing financial assistance for planning and improving their operations. The bill makes no changes to existing laws but ensures ongoing funding for these specific support services.

Maddy summaryHF 642 permits Minnesotans to make small batches of distilled spirits at home for personal or family use, directly affecting residents who wish to produce alcohol without a license. The bill amends state law to allow home distillation under specific limits: no more than 100 gallons per year, with strict rules prohibiting sales and requiring clear public disclosure at any tastings (e.g., "homemade, not state-inspected"). It repeals a prior law that treated unauthorized stills as automatic evidence of illegal production. This change only applies to non-commercial, personal use and does not alter existing rules for commercial distillers or alcohol sales.

Maddy summaryHF 694 allocates $170,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $170,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the clean water fund to the Red River Watershed Management Board. The funds will support expanding the River Watch program, which engages schools in monitoring water quality and watershed health across the Red River of the North watershed. The bill requires the management board to submit a detailed report by February 15, 2028, on how these funds were used to the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency and relevant legislative committees. This provides direct funding for an existing educational monitoring initiative in schools within a specific watershed area.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's definition of sustainable aviation fuel under state law. It specifies that qualifying fuel must be derived from biomass, gaseous carbon oxides from biomass or direct air capture, or green hydrogen - excluding palm fatty acid distillates - and must achieve at least a 50% reduction in life cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum-based fuels. The requirement uses either the Argonne National Laboratory's GREET model or the International Civil Aviation Organization's methodology for verification. This directly affects Minnesota taxpayers engaged in producing or blending sustainable aviation fuel. The change ensures state compliance with specific environmental standards for eligible fuel.

Maddy summaryHF 199 appropriates $50 million from state bond proceeds to the Rural Finance Authority for agricultural loans in Minnesota. It directly affects farmers, particularly beginning farmers, by funding specific programs including the beginning farmer loan program, loan restructuring, seller-sponsored loans, agricultural improvement loans, and livestock expansion loans. The bill authorizes the state to sell up to $50.05 million in bonds to cover this funding, with bond sale expenses covered by an additional $50,000. All funds must be used for approved loan programs under Minnesota Statutes, with priority given to beginning farmer loans first.

Maddy summaryHF 173 modifies Minnesota's research credit for income and corporate franchise tax by adding an "alternative simplified credit election." This allows eligible corporations, partnerships, or other taxpayers to calculate their base amount for the credit using 50% of their average qualified Minnesota research expenses from the prior three years, instead of the standard method based on federal definitions. The change applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, and affects businesses conducting research within Minnesota that qualify for the credit. The bill does not alter the credit rate or expand eligibility, only offering an alternative calculation method for existing credit participants.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HF 139) increases annual cost-of-living adjustments for retirees in Minnesota's Public Employees Police and Fire Retirement Plan and State Patrol Retirement Plan. It raises the standard adjustment from 1% to up to 1.5% annually (based on federal Social Security COLA), and shortens the required waiting period from 36 months to 12 months for full benefits. Retirees receiving benefits for less than 12 months will now get a pro-rated increase based on months served. The changes take effect for adjustments starting January 1, 2026, and apply automatically unless retirees opt out in writing.

Maddy summaryHF 288 requires the Minnesota legislature to approve any extension of a declared emergency beyond five days. It mandates that certain executive orders and rules must be enacted by the legislature to have legal effect, rather than taking effect automatically under current rules. The bill defines key terms like "public health emergency" and "bioterrorism" to clarify when emergency powers apply. Additionally, it repeals specific criminal penalties related to emergency management procedures.