Rep. Bjorn Olson

Maddy summaryHF 2116 appropriates $100 million for fiscal year 2026 and $100 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state's general fund to the commissioner of transportation for the Corridors of Commerce program. This program is defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 161.088, which governs its use of funds for transportation infrastructure supporting commerce. The bill directly affects the state's transportation budget by providing dedicated funding for the program's operations without altering its existing structure or eligibility criteria. This allocation ensures resources are available for designated commercial corridor projects as outlined in the referenced statute.

Maddy summaryHF 2069 creates new Minnesota license plates specifically for veterans of each U.S. military branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine). Eligible veterans who meet existing criteria (including having discharge papers) can apply for a free plate featuring "VETERAN" and their branch's emblem. The plates must be the same size as standard plates for the vehicle type (e.g., motorcycle) and can be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same veteran for a $5 fee. This bill, effective January 1, 2026, expands Minnesota’s existing veterans' plate program by adding branch-specific designs.

Maddy summaryHF 983 appropriates $15 million from bond proceeds and $11.5 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to fund Minnesota's Local Road Wetland Replacement Program. This program replaces wetlands drained during public road repairs, as required by state law (Minnesota Statutes §103G.222), and is administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources. The bill authorizes the sale of $15 million in state bonds and allocates an additional $7.5 million annually from 2026-2027, plus $2 million yearly for program administration. It requires fair market value pricing for land/easement purchases and allows the Board to acquire wetland replacement credits through agreements with federal agencies or private entities.

Maddy summaryHF 1019 appropriates $2.35 million from the arts and cultural heritage fund for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to Minnesota Public Radio, Inc. (MPR). The funding requires MPR to create original programming and digital content, partner with artists and cultural groups statewide, increase representation of communities of color and Indigenous communities in its broadcasts, and preserve Minnesota's historical audio archives. This bill directly affects MPR's operations and programming, with the goal of expanding arts access and cultural storytelling across Minnesota. The appropriation is a direct funding mechanism for MPR's existing services, not a new program.

Maddy summaryHF 2009 provides $240,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $240,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson. This funding directly supports foster youth in Minnesota by enabling the hiring of additional full-time staff. The key provision allows the Ombudsperson's office to conduct expanded outreach to foster youth. The bill focuses solely on authorizing these specific appropriations for staffing, with no other policy changes.

Maddy summaryHF 1033 creates tax and fee exemptions for surviving spouses of veterans who died while serving honorably in active duty (defined as "Gold Star spouses"). It eliminates registration taxes, license plate fees, title fees, driver's license/ID card fees, and motor vehicle sales taxes for these spouses on up to two vehicles. The bill amends Minnesota statutes to include this exemption in vehicle registration (section 168.012), driver's license processing (section 171.06), and sales tax provisions (section 297B.03). Exemptions exclude personalized plate fees and special plate donations, and the law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 1590 establishes mandatory minimum prison sentences for individuals who maliciously punish children, specifically targeting cases involving severe physical injury. It affects parents, legal guardians, or caretakers who cause substantial or great bodily harm to children, with penalties increasing based on the child's age (under 4) and the injury's severity. For example, causing head/neck injuries to a child under 4 mandates at least one year in prison, while causing great bodily harm requires a minimum two-year sentence. The bill amends Minnesota Statute 609.377 and takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1726 appropriates $3.45 million from state bond proceeds to fund Blue Earth County's design, construction, and equipment for a dedicated recycling, reuse, and waste recovery customer service facility at its mixed municipal solid waste landfill. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds to cover this cost, following Minnesota's bond procedures. This funding directly affects Blue Earth County residents by enhancing local waste management services at the landfill site. The legislation provides concrete financial support for facility development under Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.54.

Maddy summaryHF 1725 appropriates $68,684,000 from state bond proceeds to fund the construction, furnishing, and equipping of a new Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) regional office and laboratory facility in Mankato. The bill authorizes the state to sell bonds up to this amount to cover the costs, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. This funding directly supports the BCA's operations by creating a new regional facility in Mankato, which will serve the southern Minnesota community and improve forensic and investigative capabilities. The bill establishes concrete infrastructure funding without altering existing laws or creating new regulations.

Maddy summaryHF 1715 appropriates $230,000 from the general fund for the city of Northrop to cover costs it incurred due to an elevator explosion and fire that occurred December 28-30, 2017. The grant is specifically for the city's expenses related to that incident. The bill directly affects the city of Northrop by providing funding to address past emergency-related costs. It is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy provisions.