Rep. Ripper Repinski

Maddy summaryHF 767 increases penalties for arson committed against political organizations or motivated by political reasons. It amends Minnesota Statutes 609.561, 609.563, 609.5631, and 609.5632 to add specific circumstances that elevate penalties. For example, arson targeting a building housing a political organization (under §609.561) carries a maximum 25-year prison sentence, while lesser offenses with political motivation face enhanced fines and jail terms. The law applies to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2025, and directly affects individuals who commit arson against political organizations or for political statements.

Maddy summaryHF 1185 creates a new special license plate design for Minnesota residents who received the National Defense Service Medal. The bill amends Minnesota law to add a plate inscription reading "NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL RECIPIENT" to the existing list of veteran plate options. Eligible veterans must already meet standard requirements for veteran plates (including honorable discharge documentation) and own qualifying vehicles. The plate would follow the same fee structure as other veteran plates, requiring payment of the standard special plate fee upon issuance.

Maddy summaryHF 366 appropriates $1.2 million from the general fund for a one-time resurfacing project on Trunk Highway 74 in Winona County. The funds cover work from north of Elba to County State-Aid Highway 30, including design, engineering, and construction using methods like Otta seal. This bill directly affects Winona County residents and travelers using this highway segment by improving road conditions. The appropriation is available until June 30, 2028, and is limited to the specified highway section.

Maddy summaryHF 347 expands Minnesota's individual income tax deduction for military retirement pay. The bill adds three specific provisions allowing taxpayers to subtract military retirement income from taxable income: (1) certain military pensions under federal law, (2) federal employee retirement pensions multiplied by military service ratio, and (3) civil service retirement pensions multiplied by military service ratio. It also prohibits taxpayers claiming another specific credit (section 290.0677) from using this deduction. The change applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, directly benefiting Minnesota residents receiving qualifying military retirement pay.

Maddy summaryHF 418 creates a grant program for small Minnesota cities with populations under 2,000 that maintain fire service contracts with other municipalities and handle at least 50 annual fire/rescue calls. The grants fund the design, construction, and equipment of shared facilities housing city services (including firefighting) in one building, or the installation of air handling systems to address vehicle exhaust in fire dispatch buildings. The state will appropriate money from bond proceeds to fund these grants, authorizing the sale of state bonds to cover costs. This bill directly affects eligible small cities seeking to improve municipal facility infrastructure through targeted funding.

Maddy summaryHF 644 appropriates $44.8 million from state bond proceeds to fund a new regional wastewater treatment facility in Goodhue County. The funds will support the design, construction, and infrastructure connections for a facility serving the cities of Zumbrota, Goodhue, Pine Island, and Wanamingo, as well as connecting to the Prairie Island Indian Community's Elk Run settlement lands. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds up to $44.8 million under Minnesota's bond laws to cover these costs. This project aims to create a state-of-the-art regional wastewater facility that will replace outdated infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHF 345 establishes a legal right for patients or residents in Minnesota healthcare facilities to have one chosen support person present during care. It requires licensed providers (like hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities) to allow this without restrictions, except for clinically necessary reasons, and to provide written policies explaining any limitations. Key provisions include ensuring minors' support persons aren't restricted by visitation hours, accommodating family during end-of-life care, and requiring virtual options if in-person visits aren't possible. Violations carry a $500 daily civil penalty. The bill directly affects patients/residents, their chosen support persons, and all licensed healthcare facilities in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2,894,000 from state bond proceeds to fund the realignment of Trunk Highway 60 in Wabasha, Minnesota, along with related infrastructure improvements. The funds will support design, construction, and upgrades to local roads, sidewalks, utilities (sanitary sewer, water, stormwater), street lighting, and pedestrian safety features within the city. It also directs the funds toward developing workforce housing as part of the project. The money will be provided through state bond sales authorized under Minnesota law, directly benefiting Wabasha City and Wabasha County.

Maddy summaryHF 220 appropriates $8.5 million from state bond proceeds to fund improvements to Winona's municipal wastewater treatment facility. The funds will cover predesign, design, construction, and equipment upgrades for the city's facility. This bill directly affects the city of Winona and its residents by providing state funding for critical infrastructure upgrades through state bond issuance.

Maddy summaryHF 193 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Veterans Affairs to provide grave markers for veterans' graves upon request from county veterans service officers or congressionally chartered veterans organizations. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 197.23 to change the commissioner's authority from "may" to "shall," making marker provision mandatory within available funds. It appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to cover this program, which directly affects veterans' families and local veterans service offices in Minnesota. The markers must permanently mark graves of veterans buried within the state, as defined by statute.