Rep. Bjorn Olson

Maddy summaryHF 1538 provides state funding from the workforce development fund for teacher apprenticeship programs in Minnesota for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It requires school districts to develop programs meeting five specific standards: school district involvement, mentorship, approved training, wage increases tied to skill levels, and a pathway to a Tier 3 teaching license. School districts, higher education institutions, and charter schools can partner to create these programs and use the funds to reimburse costs. The bill also mandates a report to legislative committees on how the funds were used and recommendations for improving the program as a pathway to teacher licensure, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 489 appropriates $25.8 million for 2026 and $26.9 million for 2027 from Minnesota's parks and trails fund to support state parks, recreation areas, and trails. It allocates $12.9 million annually for regional park and trail grants outside the Minneapolis metro area, requiring projects to align with the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks Strategic Plan. The bill also provides $652,000 annually for coordination between agencies and web-based park information, while extending project funding deadlines for specific initiatives like the Cannon Valley Trail and Spirit Mountain Recreation Area through 2027. This funding directly affects state park operations, regional park commissions, and local projects receiving grants under Minnesota Statutes § 85.535.

Maddy summaryHF 723 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of natural resources. This funding supports the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission in carrying out its duties under Minnesota Statutes section 85.536. The bill directly affects the commission and its ability to manage regional parks and trails across Greater Minnesota. It provides specific, concrete funding amounts for two consecutive budget years without altering existing park policies or programs.

Maddy summaryHF 791 designates Castoroides ohioensis, commonly known as the giant beaver, as Minnesota's official state fossil. The bill requires the commissioner of natural resources to approve a photograph of the giant beaver, which must be preserved and displayed in the Office of the Secretary of State. This is a procedural bill with no substantive policy changes or direct impact on citizens or regulations.

Maddy summaryHF 1845 expands Minnesota's definition of "veteran" to include two specific groups: (1) Hmong veterans naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000, and (2) individuals who served honorably with secret guerrilla units or irregular forces operating from Laos in support of U.S. forces between February 28, 1961, and May 14, 1975. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 197.447 to add these categories to the existing definition, ensuring these veterans qualify for state benefits. It also creates an advisory task force of veterans, experts, and community members to help determine eligibility under the new definition. This change directly affects Hmong veterans and Laotian-based veterans who previously may not have met Minnesota's veteran criteria.

Maddy summaryHF 2337 modifies Minnesota's dealer plate rules to allow motor vehicle dealers to provide courtesy vehicles to customers for service-related use without triggering standard registration and tax requirements. The bill creates a new category for "courtesy vehicles" that dealers may temporarily provide at no or minimal cost while a customer's vehicle is serviced. To qualify, these vehicles must be clearly marked with the dealer's name, have a specific lease agreement outlining responsibilities, and meet other specified conditions. This change removes the standard 72-hour restriction for such vehicles (previously limited to dealer plate use), effective July 1, 2025, for new dealer plates. The policy directly affects dealers and customers receiving service at dealerships.

Maddy summaryHF 2338 modifies Minnesota's pay and allowances for military personnel serving in state active duty. It amends Minnesota Statutes section 192.49 to establish a new "pension offset stipend" of 5% of basic pay for service members ordered into state active service. This stipend compensates for differences in pension benefits compared to similar federal service. The bill directly affects Minnesota National Guard members and other state military personnel called to duty by the governor, ensuring their state pay aligns more closely with federal standards for pension purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates St. Peter as Minnesota's honorary capital city and adds this designation to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 1. It is a symbolic, non-binding recognition with no policy changes or funding impacts. The bill does not affect state government operations, taxes, or any specific groups of people. It serves purely as a ceremonial designation for the city of St. Peter.

Maddy summaryHF 2254 adds a $400 "baby bonus" to Minnesota's existing child credit for each qualifying child born during the tax year. This directly affects Minnesota taxpayers with newborn children, increasing their state income tax credit. The bill modifies the child credit calculation by adding the $400 per newborn (without reducing the minimum credit amount) and allows for potential advance payments. It takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 741 establishes a $10,000 income tax subtraction for individual volunteer fire and rescue workers in Minnesota, increasing to $20,000 for married couples where both spouses qualify. It directly affects volunteers who perform at least 40 hours of qualified work (such as firefighting, ambulance services, or search/rescue) during the year without working full-time (1,600+ hours). The bill defines "qualified rescue work" to include roles like volunteer firefighters, emergency medical responders, and search/rescue team members. This tax benefit applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.