Rep. Bjorn Olson

Maddy summaryHF 1259 appropriates $350,000 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund to the Minnesota FFA. The funding directly supports FFA members participating in art- and history-related activities, including creating a history book and video series to commemorate 100 years of FFA work, and covering costs for events like FFA band/choir, talent competitions, and fair displays. Up to $125,000 annually must be used for historical documentation, with remaining funds allocated to other qualifying art and history activities. The commissioner of agriculture will develop grant criteria in consultation with the Minnesota FFA.

Maddy summaryHF 1184 removes burial fees at Minnesota state veterans cemeteries for spouses and dependents of eligible veterans. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 190.19 (subd. 2a) and 197.236 (subd. 9) to eliminate the fee schedule for these individuals and direct funds from the "Support Our Troops" account to cover uncompensated burial costs. It appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to cover these costs, replacing the previous waiver process for indigent applicants. This policy change directly affects veterans' families seeking burial at state cemeteries.

Maddy summaryHF 1448 allows surviving spouses to use their deceased spouse's unused federal estate tax exemption when calculating Minnesota estate taxes. The bill requires personal representatives of a decedent's estate to elect this "portability" option on Minnesota estate tax returns (or file a return if not otherwise required), making the election irrevocable. It directly affects married couples where one spouse dies before using their full federal estate tax exemption, potentially reducing estate taxes for the surviving spouse. The key change is streamlining access to this federal exemption for Minnesota estates of decedents dying after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 740 creates a new sales tax exemption for nonprofit animal shelters in Minnesota. It exempts shelters from sales tax on purchases directly used for rescuing, sheltering, and rehoming animals, such as supplies and equipment. However, the exemption does not cover construction materials, lodging/food at fundraising events exceeding 24 days yearly, or gambling-related activities. The exemption applies to sales of animals, associated supplies, and certain fundraising events, effective after June 30, 2025. This directly affects qualifying nonprofit shelters by reducing their operational costs.

Maddy summaryHF 1132 appropriates $200,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $200,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to GreenSeam, a state agency, to provide grants for agriculture-related businesses. The grants support business retention, development, creation, talent attraction, and regional branding efforts. GreenSeam must report by December 1 each year on new businesses supported, jobs created, educational partnerships, and promotional activities. This is a one-time funding allocation with specific reporting requirements for the program's outcomes.

Maddy summaryHF 1185 creates a new special license plate design for Minnesota residents who received the National Defense Service Medal. The bill amends Minnesota law to add a plate inscription reading "NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL RECIPIENT" to the existing list of veteran plate options. Eligible veterans must already meet standard requirements for veteran plates (including honorable discharge documentation) and own qualifying vehicles. The plate would follow the same fee structure as other veteran plates, requiring payment of the standard special plate fee upon issuance.

Maddy summaryHF 1190 modifies employment requirements for applicants in Minnesota's third-party school bus driver testing programs. It requires that test results remain valid only if applicants either stay employed with the testing program for six months after testing or complete the approved driver training program. This change directly affects school bus driver applicants seeking certification through school districts or school bus companies that operate third-party testing programs. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 171.3213, effective July 1, 2025, for tests administered on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 1032 establishes a new special license plate design for Minnesota veterans who earned the Combat Infantry Badge. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.123, to add a "COMBAT INFANTRY" inscription on veteran plates, specifically for those who served in combat roles and received this badge. Eligible veterans must meet existing requirements, including honorable discharge documentation and vehicle registration, similar to other veteran plate categories like "Purple Heart" or "Vietnam Vet." This change directly affects Minnesota veterans with Combat Infantry Badge status who wish to display this recognition on their vehicles.

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 375 amends Minnesota law to specify how proceeds from gambling-related taxes are allocated. It directs a portion of these tax revenues - specifically, the combined net receipts tax from gambling - to three designated accounts: town roads, small cities assistance, and the general fund. Additionally, it allocates half a percent of the general fund revenue to two state programs: compulsive gambling treatment services and public awareness/education initiatives for problem gambling. The bill requires annual reporting to legislative committees and the National Council on Problem Gambling affiliate on how these funds are distributed.