Rep. Andy Smith

Maddy summaryHF 1677 appropriates a specific amount from the general fund for Minnesota's Developing Markets for Continuous-Living Cover Crops Program. The bill directs the Commissioner of Agriculture to use these funds to support market development for soil-protecting cover crops (plants grown to prevent erosion and improve soil health) and requires two annual reports detailing fund usage and program achievements by February 1, 2026, and 2027. The funding is a one-time appropriation available until June 30, 2028, with up to 6.5% allowed for administrative costs. This bill directly affects the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, which administers the program, and supports farmers adopting continuous-living cover crop practices.

Maddy summaryHF 2302 amends Minnesota's tax code to allow 18-year-old children to qualify for the state child credit, expanding eligibility beyond the previous age limit. The bill removes the exclusion for individuals who turned 18 during the tax year by revising definitions in Minnesota Statutes sections 290.0661 and 290.0671. It directly affects 18-year-olds who meet other eligibility criteria for the credit, such as income and residency requirements. The change takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 2315 expands property tax refunds for Minnesota homeowners whose taxes increased significantly. It directly affects homeowners whose property taxes rose more than 12% (with a $100 minimum increase) compared to the previous year, allowing a refund of 60% of the excess over 12% or $100. The bill raises the maximum refund from $1,000 to $2,500 and requires homeowners to submit prior-year tax statements. Counties must provide contact lists of eligible homeowners to help them apply, without charge, for the refund. The changes apply to refunds based on taxes payable after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 2195 proposes adding a new constitutional section to Minnesota's state constitution, specifically stating "Marriage is a fundamental right and shall not be restricted based on gender or race" (Sec. 18). If approved by voters, this amendment would prohibit legal restrictions on marriage based on gender or race. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, with potential implementation starting January 1, 2027, if ratified. This bill directly affects marriage rights and legal protections for all Minnesotans, requiring voter approval rather than legislative passage alone.

Maddy summaryHF 1485 requires Minnesota health insurers and medical assistance programs to cover over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptive drugs, devices, and products without cost-sharing (like co-pays or deductibles). It applies directly to health plans and enrollees, mandating coverage of all FDA-approved OTC contraceptives at the point of sale without prescription requirements or quantity limits. The bill also requires health plans to list covered contraceptive services accessibly and cover provider-recommended methods based on medical necessity. This law takes effect January 1, 2026, for health plans offered, issued, or renewed after that date.

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 805 establishes a property tax refund program for nonprofit child care facilities that rent their facilities. Eligible providers - nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status operating licensed child care centers or family day care that accept state child care assistance - receive a 10% refund on cash rent paid for their facility space. To claim the refund, providers must apply annually to the commissioner by the following year, with payments made according to state schedules. The bill appropriates funds for these refunds and requires reporting, effective for rent paid in 2024 and later.

Maddy summaryHF 1933 increases Minnesota's student loan credit from $500 to $1,000 per taxpayer and makes the credit refundable. This means Minnesotans who paid eligible student loan interest or principal in 2025 or later can claim the full credit amount even if it exceeds their state tax bill, receiving a refund for the difference. The credit applies to individuals with qualifying student loans who meet income thresholds, including married couples filing jointly. The change takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 2249 modifies Minnesota's electric-assisted bicycle rebate program to improve accessibility and address past implementation issues. It requires applicants to provide adjusted gross income proof and reserves 40% of rebates for households earning under $78,000 (married filing jointly) or individuals under $41,000, with annual rebates capped at $2 million (rolling over unused funds). The bill mandates a lottery system for certificate allocation starting July 1, 2025, and requires the Commissioner of Revenue to submit a detailed report by January 15, 2026, on program challenges, system failures, costs, and recommendations for future improvements. This directly affects residents purchasing electric-assisted bicycles and the state's Department of Revenue managing the program.

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.