Rep. Marj Fogelman

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $6,744,000 from state bond proceeds to fund infrastructure improvements in the city of Alpha. It directly affects Alpha by providing funds for the city to design, construct, and equip wastewater treatment systems, water facilities, and street/sidewalk reconstruction. The key mechanism is authorizing the state to issue bonds up to this amount, with the funds transferred to Alpha via the Public Facilities Authority. The bill specifies concrete infrastructure projects without broader policy implications.

Maddy summaryHF 887 prohibits using Minnesota's highway user tax distribution fund or trunk highway fund for arts or cultural strategies in transportation projects. The bill amends state law to explicitly add "arts or cultural strategies in transportation project planning, design, or construction" to a list of prohibited expenditures. This affects transportation projects funded through these specific highway funds, banning all related costs like payroll, materials, or design services for such elements. The law applies directly to projects managed by the Department of Transportation and prevents dedicated transportation funds from supporting artistic or cultural components in infrastructure planning. It does not restrict other funding sources or alter the core purpose of transportation projects.

Maddy summaryHF 890 provides a refundable sales tax exemption for construction materials used in four specific projects at Windom Independent School District: an outdoor athletic complex, locker room remodel, gymnastics/wrestling space, and performing arts center. The exemption applies to materials purchased between July 1, 2024, and December 31, 2026, meaning contractors pay the tax upfront but receive a refund from the state. Funds for these refunds come from the state general fund, administered through the commissioner of revenue. The exemption is retroactive to purchases made after June 30, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 889 provides a refundable sales tax exemption for specific construction materials used in Heron Lake-Okabena Independent School District (District No. 330) projects. It exempts purchases of materials like roof replacements, windows, flooring, bathroom upgrades, and pool filters from sales tax when bought between June 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. The school district pays the tax upfront but receives a refund from the general fund, as specified under Minnesota tax law. This policy directly affects the school district’s construction costs for eligible projects during that timeframe.

Maddy summaryHF 891 provides a refundable sales and use tax exemption for construction materials used in specific projects at the Worthington Independent School District (District No. 518). It directly affects the district by allowing refunds for taxes paid on materials purchased between May 2020 and January 2028 for projects like a new intermediate school building, community education center, sports facilities, and renovations. The exemption works by requiring sellers to collect the tax upfront, then refunding it to the school district through the commissioner of revenue, following processes similar to existing tax refund programs. The bill is effective retroactively from May 2020 through January 2028, with refund claims for purchases made before October 2021 due by January 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 822 provides a refundable sales and use tax exemption for construction materials used in new K-12 school buildings within Martin County West Independent School District (District No. 2448). The bill exempts materials purchased between October 1, 2025, and December 31, 2026, from Minnesota's sales and use tax, with the tax collected first and then refunded to the school district. This directly affects Martin County West ISD for its new school construction projects during this timeframe, funded through an appropriation from the general fund. The exemption applies only to materials used in new buildings, not renovations or existing facilities.

Maddy summaryHF 886 modifies driver's license and identification card application forms in Minnesota by adding a clear statement about voter eligibility. The bill requires all applicants to see the statement: "Only citizens of the United States are eligible to vote. If you are not a citizen, you are not eligible to vote. Voting if you are not eligible is a felony..." on every application. This affects all Minnesotans applying for a driver's license or ID card, including enhanced REAL ID cards. The change is purely informational, appearing on the application form without altering eligibility requirements for licenses or voting. The bill does not change who can obtain a license or modify voter registration processes.

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 183 repeals a tax on retail delivery services and changes how transportation tax revenue is distributed. It creates a "Transportation Advancement Account" to allocate funds from sales taxes, directing 36% to metropolitan counties, 28% to county highway funds, and smaller shares to city and town road programs. The bill modifies several tax statutes (including sections 297A.94 and 270C.15) to implement these changes, effective July 1, 2025. This directly affects how Minnesota distributes transportation funding from sales tax revenues.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota law updates family court rules to ensure unmarried parents are treated the same as married couples when determining child custody and parenting time. The bill mandates that courts prioritize scheduling expedited hearings within 30 days if a parent is denied access to their child for 14 consecutive days or faces financial hardship during a legal dispute. It also establishes new rights and responsibilities regarding assisted reproduction and directs the state to modernize legal terminology used in family law statutes. These changes aim to support children's relationships with both parents while providing faster relief for urgent situations involving access or support.