Rep. Bjorn Olson

Maddy summaryHF 742 clarifies the process for Minnesota's legislature to refer proposed law changes directly to voters. It defines a "measure" as a proposal to amend, create, or repeal laws on a single topic. The bill states that a majority of members in both legislative houses can pass a resolution directing the secretary of state to place such a measure on the next general election ballot. If approved by a majority of voters, the measure becomes law, and the revisor of statutes must publish and codify it like other laws. This is a procedural bill affecting how the legislature initiates voter referendums on statutory changes.

Maddy summaryHF 731 provides $10 million in state funding for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in Lewisville, Minnesota. The bill appropriates money from state bonds to fund the city's design, construction, and equipment for sewer, stormwater, and water tower projects, including associated road and sidewalk repairs. The funding comes from bonds issued by the state under Minnesota Statutes, with the money available only after project commitments are secured. This directly affects Lewisville residents and city officials by enabling specific infrastructure upgrades to public water systems.

Maddy summaryHF 738 expands Minnesota's special permit system for vehicles hauling road construction materials. The bill updates definitions to include specific materials like recycled road materials and adjusts weight limits: six-axle vehicles can haul up to 99,000 pounds during certain periods (up from 90,000), and seven-axle vehicles can haul up to 97,000 pounds (with a 99,000-pound seasonal option). Permits for six-axle vehicles cost $300 annually, while seven-axle permits cost $500. This directly affects construction companies and contractors transporting these materials on state highways, allowing higher weight limits under specific permit conditions. The changes take effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 735 expands the definition of "shared time pupils" in Minnesota education law to include two specific groups: students attending public school programs part of the regular school day, and students enrolled in public school career/technical education programs offered outside regular school hours. This change directly affects students participating in shared time arrangements between public and nonpublic schools while meeting attendance requirements at their nonpublic school. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 126C.01, ensuring these students qualify for state funding and support under existing rules. The updated definition takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHF 730 appropriates $7 million from state bond proceeds to fund a reverse osmosis water filtration plant in Blue Earth, Minnesota. The city of Blue Earth will receive a grant through the Public Facilities Authority to construct the plant, directly benefiting residents who rely on this water system. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $7 million in bonds under existing state law to cover the cost, with funds to be spent on plant construction. This is a funding measure for a specific infrastructure project, not a broader policy change.

Maddy summaryHF 732 requires Minnesota's governor to obtain legislative approval for any extension of a peacetime emergency declaration beyond 30 days. The bill limits initial peacetime emergencies to 30 days (with a possible 25-day extension by the Executive Council), after which the legislature must approve any further extensions through majority votes in both houses. It prevents governors from circumventing this requirement by declaring a new emergency for the same situation. This directly affects the governor's authority to manage emergencies and requires the legislature to actively review and approve ongoing emergency declarations. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 12.31 to establish these specific time limits and approval processes.

Maddy summaryHF 739 increases the maximum speed limit for agricultural equipment (referred to as "implements of husbandry") from 30 mph to 35 mph when operating on Minnesota roads. This bill directly affects farmers and agricultural operations that use equipment like tractors or harvesters on public highways. The legislation amends multiple Minnesota Statutes sections (169.50, 169.522, 169.801, and 169.81) to update the speed limit, while maintaining existing requirements for slow-moving vehicle emblems and safety standards.

Maddy summaryHF 734 expands funding eligibility for Minnesota school districts to include students enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) or STEM courses taken outside regular school hours. The bill amends funding formulas to allow districts to receive extended time revenue for these courses, calculated using the same method as other extended programs (membership hours divided by minimum instructional hours, capped at 0.20, multiplied by pupil weighting and $5,117). This directly affects school districts offering CTE/STEM courses outside standard hours and their students. The policy change applies to fiscal year 2026 and later, using existing funding mechanisms without creating new course requirements.

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 summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's individual income tax code to clarify that compensation for National Guard and reserve military service qualifies for a tax subtraction. It specifically defines "active service" to include state-activated duty (e.g., disaster response), federally funded service under Title 32, and Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program pay. The change directly affects Minnesota National Guard members, members of neighboring state National Guard units (North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin), and other U.S. military reservists performing qualifying service. The policy takes effect for tax years starting after December 31, 2024.