Rep. Andy Smith

Maddy summaryHF 97 modifies coverage for chiropractic services under MinnesotaCare and medical assistance programs. It specifies that covered services - including spinal manipulation, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercises for spinal conditions - must be provided by a licensed professional using accepted standards. The bill limits non-x-ray services to one annual evaluation and 24 visits per year, requiring prior authorization for more visits. It also restricts x-ray coverage to full spine or specific spinal area exams necessary for diagnosing subluxation. The bill repeals the previous coverage description in Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256L.03, subdivision 3b.

Maddy summaryHF 2716 allows licensed cannabis retailers in Minnesota to display and offer one sample per product type (e.g., flower, edibles) at cannabis events, such as festivals or sales demonstrations. Samples must be stored securely, labeled, and limited to 8 grams of flower/concentrate or 100mg THC for edibles - no free giveaways are permitted. The bill applies specifically to authorized retailers (including microbusinesses and combination businesses) during event sales, requiring age verification (21+) and adherence to existing packaging, testing, and security rules. Retailers must record all samples in the statewide monitoring system, and samples cannot be sold or distributed outside the designated event area.

Maddy summaryHF 2140 requires certain Minnesota municipalities to create "mixed-use housing zones" by June 30, 2027. Covered cities include those in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington counties, plus any municipality with 10,000+ residents. These zones must permit residential developments with at least three units (within 0.5 miles of certain streets) or four units (within 0.25 miles), including duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. The bill defines "mixed-use development" as buildings where at least 50% of usable space is for residential units, and it exempts these zoning changes from requiring comprehensive plan amendments before 2029.

Maddy summaryThis bill cancels Minnesota's historical requests for a constitutional convention, specifically rescinding three past applications from 1901 (for popular election of senators), 1909 (on polygamy), and 1965 (on congressional apportionment). It formally states these applications no longer reflect current Minnesota priorities and have no legal effect. The resolution directs Minnesota's legislature to send an authenticated copy to Congress and Minnesota's congressional delegation. This is a procedural action that removes outdated legislative positions from official records.

Maddy summaryHF 2701 requires Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management to review all verified social equity applicants before considering general licensing applicants for cannabis licenses. This bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 342.14, subdivision 4, to mandate this sequential review process in every licensing period. It directly affects cannabis license applicants who qualify as "verified social equity applicants" under state law, ensuring their applications are prioritized before general applicants are processed. The change modifies the application review order but does not alter lottery procedures or eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryHF 161 allows Minnesota cities to establish land-value taxation districts, where property taxes are calculated primarily based on land value (excluding improvements) rather than total property value. This directly affects property owners within designated districts, as their tax burden would shift toward land value. Cities must adopt an ordinance describing the district boundaries, tax reallocation method (using uniform rates on land value or similar measures), and conduct public hearings with advance notice. The law requires cities to evaluate long-term economic impacts for at least 15 years and takes effect for 2026 property taxes.

Maddy summaryHF 2654 amends Minnesota Statutes section 273.13, subdivision 23, to modify the definition of "agricultural land" used in classifying property for tax purposes. Currently, agricultural land is defined as contiguous acreage of ten acres or more used for agricultural purposes, or land used for intensive livestock operations (excluding grazing). The context provided does not specify the exact changes to this definition, so the precise policy impact cannot be detailed. This bill directly affects property tax classification for agricultural landowners in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 1309 prohibits Minnesota local governments (cities and counties) from requiring minimum parking spaces for new residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. The bill directly affects developers and property owners by removing a common zoning requirement that previously mandated a set number of parking spots. Key provisions state that political subdivisions cannot impose these minimums, though they may still require ADA-compliant disability parking or make non-binding parking space recommendations. This change aims to increase flexibility for development projects, potentially allowing more housing or commercial space without dedicated parking.

Maddy summaryHF 926 exempts sales of cigars shipped out of Minnesota for interstate commerce from the state's tobacco excise tax. It directly affects cigar manufacturers and tobacco distributors who sell cigars for shipment outside Minnesota. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 297F.06 to add a new tax exemption provision for these specific interstate shipments. This change takes effect on July 1, 2025, and does not apply to cigar sales within Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 2916 appropriates state funds for a groundwater and soil health initiative in southeastern Minnesota. The bill allocates money for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to soil and water conservation districts in 11 specific counties (Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona). These funds will support projects that reduce fertilizer runoff into groundwater, prevent soil erosion, and improve soil health through cover crops, alternative crops, and enhanced grazing practices. The initiative directly benefits local farmers and conservation districts by providing financial resources for sustainable agricultural practices.