Rep. Bjorn Olson

Maddy summaryHF 185 establishes a resilient pavement program for Minnesota's trunk highway projects, appropriating $150 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2027. The program provides supplemental funding to modify pavement designs on eligible projects to achieve a minimum 50-year lifespan, requiring a cost-effectiveness ratio of at least 2.0 (comparing baseline project costs to modified project costs). It directly affects trunk highway projects already in state transportation plans with a proposed design life of 20 years or less. Projects must meet specific criteria, including pavement cost analysis and approval by the commissioner of transportation, with funds covering up to 110% of the cost difference between baseline and modified designs.

Maddy summaryHF 733 removes restrictions on handheld electronic devices used for bingo and pull-tab games in Minnesota. The bill amends state law to allow these devices, which must meet specific requirements like a $0.25 minimum ticket price, a limit of 36 bingo faces per game, and no slot machine-style features (e.g., spinning reels or bonus screens). It also requires devices to support visually impaired players and maintain transaction records. This change directly affects bingo and pull-tab operators by enabling new electronic gameplay options while maintaining key safeguards.

Maddy summaryHF 2339 increases Minnesota's income threshold for the child tax credit, allowing more families to qualify for the full benefit before credits begin phasing out. The bill raises the phaseout threshold from $35,000 to $45,490 for married couples filing jointly and from $29,500 to $38,340 for other filers. This change directly affects Minnesota taxpayers with children who file individual income tax returns, as it prevents the credit from decreasing at lower income levels. The bill also requires future annual inflation adjustments to these thresholds starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 3204 modifies Minnesota's driver's license and ID card photo requirements to accommodate individuals with medical conditions requiring continuous head or scalp coverage. It allows applicants to wear medically necessary head coverings (like post-surgical bandages or scarves) in their photos without removal, provided they submit a physician's statement confirming the need and that the covering doesn't obscure their face. The bill requires the physician's statement to specify whether the condition is temporary or permanent, with temporary cases needing updated photos at license renewal. This directly affects Minnesotans recovering from serious illness, injury, or treatment that necessitates head coverage for medical reasons.

Maddy summaryHF 3216 restricts certain practices by companies and individuals offering veterans benefits appeal services in Minnesota. It directly affects veterans seeking to appeal denied benefits (like disability or home loan claims) and the service providers assisting them. Key provisions include banning upfront or nonrefundable fees, limiting total compensation to five times the monthly benefit increase, requiring written agreements detailing payment terms, prohibiting guarantees of successful outcomes, and adding privacy safeguards like background checks for staff handling veterans' personal information. The bill does not apply to veterans' service officers accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Maddy summaryHF 2665 amends Minnesota Statutes section 169.865 to add "soybean oil" to the list of "qualifying agricultural products" eligible for special farm products permits. This change directly affects farmers, processors, and transporters handling soybean oil who previously might not have qualified under the existing definition. The bill updates the statutory list, which already includes crops like corn and soybeans, livestock, milk, and other agricultural commodities. It does not change permit requirements or fees, only expands the scope of products covered under the existing permit program. The amendment is purely definitional, with no new requirements or restrictions added.

Maddy summaryHF 2362 appropriates $3 million for fiscal year 2026 and $3 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of children, youth, and families. This funding is designated for existing youth intervention programs under Minnesota Statutes section 142A.43. The bill adds these amounts to the base funding for these programs, providing ongoing support. It directly affects state-administered youth intervention services by increasing their available resources.

Maddy summaryHF 736 establishes a $750 monthly supplemental housing support rate (with inflation adjustments) for a specific long-term residential facility in Blue Earth County. The rate applies only to providers operating 20-bed facilities serving chemically dependent women and offering 24-hour supervision and support services. This supplemental rate, effective July 1, 2026, is in addition to existing rates and must be negotiated by the Blue Earth County agency. The bill directly affects the county agency, the designated housing provider, and the residents served by that facility.

Maddy summaryHF 2606 exempts the delivery of liquid fuels (such as gasoline, diesel, and heating oil) from Minnesota's retail delivery fee. The bill amends state law to add "retail delivery of fuel products" as a specific exemption in the list of transactions not subject to the fee. This directly affects fuel retailers who deliver these products to customers, eliminating a cost for those deliveries. Existing exemptions for food, medical items, and other categories remain unchanged under this bill.

Maddy summaryHF 3104 appropriates $250,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 to fund roof braces at the Fairmont Opera House. The grant, administered through the Minnesota Historical Society, directly supports the preservation of Minnesota's oldest operating theater. This funding specifically targets structural repairs to maintain the historic building's integrity. The bill focuses solely on providing dedicated funds for this physical preservation project.