Rep. Nolan West

Maddy summaryHF 550 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a Bipartisan Redistricting Commission in Minnesota. The commission, composed of eight members appointed equally by legislative leaders (two from each party's majority and minority), would draw new legislative and congressional district boundaries after each federal census, starting in 2031. It requires six votes for approval, including at least one member from each appointing group, and prohibits current elected officials from serving. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect, replacing the current process where the legislature draws districts. If adopted, this would directly affect how Minnesota's voting districts are created for all future elections.

Maddy summaryHF 2234 modifies how Minnesota's metropolitan counties (like Hennepin and Ramsey) must allocate state and regional transportation funds. It increases the required allocation for active transportation, safety studies, transit, and complete streets projects from 41.5% to 58.5%, while decreasing the share for road repairs to 41.5%. The bill also allows counties to use funds for specific mitigation projects and requires new allocations to "supplement, not supplant" existing funding sources. The changes take effect January 1, 2026, for funds received on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2.27 million from the state general fund to the City of Ham Lake for safety improvements at the intersection of Trunk Highway 65 and Anoka County Road 60. The funds are for one-time construction and realignment of the intersection and associated frontage roads, available until June 30, 2029. The city of Ham Lake directly receives the grant to implement these infrastructure upgrades. The bill does not alter state law or create new regulations - its sole purpose is to provide dedicated funding for specific local roadwork.

Maddy summaryHF 656 allows child care centers and family child care providers in Minnesota to request variances (exceptions) from certain licensing rules, such as capacity limits or staff qualification requirements, as long as health and safety are not compromised. Providers must submit a form explaining why they cannot meet a rule and how they will achieve the rule's intent through alternative measures, including a training plan for staff if applicable. For capacity variances, the center must be within 100 square feet of the required space based on staff qualifications. The commissioner can grant temporary or permanent variances, but permanent ones require reporting changes and expire if conditions alter.

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 1022 modifies Minnesota's definitions for "moist snuff" and "tobacco products" in tax law. It defines "moist snuff" as finely cut, ground, or powdered smokeless tobacco containing nicotine intended for mouth placement (section 1.7-1.9). The bill explicitly includes nicotine solution products and moist snuff under "tobacco products" while excluding FDA-approved cessation products marketed solely for medical use (section 1.12-1.22). These changes, effective July 1, 2025, directly affect tobacco manufacturers, retailers, and consumers by clarifying which products fall under state tobacco taxation and regulation.

Maddy summaryHF 953 requires all licensed Minnesota hospitals and birth centers to provide new parents with written materials before a baby's discharge. These materials, developed and approved by the state health commissioner, teach parents how to recognize signs of physical abuse in infants and how to report suspected abuse. The bill directly affects hospitals/birth centers (via mandatory education) and new parents (as recipients of the materials). It focuses on concrete policy changes: standardized, commissioner-approved resources for early intervention, not on outcomes or advocacy.

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 1737 amends a previous funding allocation of $68.75 million for highway improvements along Trunk Highway 65 in Anoka County. The bill updates the description of the existing appropriation, which funds specific projects including intersection upgrades at 99th Avenue Northeast, 105th Avenue Northeast, and other locations, plus associated frontage roads. This is a procedural amendment to clarify or adjust the prior funding language without changing the projects or amount. The bill directly affects the Anoka County highway improvement project funded under Laws 2023, chapter 68.

Maddy summaryHF 1734 modifies Minnesota's cannabis license application requirements by adding specific disclosure and documentation standards. It requires applicants to provide detailed ownership and control information (including parent company structures, ownership percentages, and business agreements), proof of a labor peace agreement, social equity status, and business policies. These changes apply directly to businesses seeking new cannabis licenses or renewals for cultivation, retail, or wholesale operations. The bill aims to increase transparency in ownership and business operations while ensuring compliance with existing cannabis regulations.