Rep. Matt Norris

Maddy summaryHF 2210 allocates $105 million from the general fund to the Minnesota Department of Education for school unemployment aid under existing law (Minnesota Statutes § 124D.995). This one-time funding directly supports school districts and employees eligible for unemployment benefits during school-related layoffs. The bill provides no new policy changes but ensures existing unemployment aid programs receive additional financial resources for the 2026 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryHF 2353 requires Minnesota public schools to include organ donation education in health standards for students in grade 9. This amendment adds organ donation education as a mandatory topic under existing statewide health education requirements, specifically for ninth-grade students. The bill modifies current law to ensure school districts provide this education as part of their health curriculum. It directly affects all Minnesota public school students in grade 9 and school districts responsible for implementing the statewide health standards.

Maddy summaryHF 794 establishes a state dementia services program under Minnesota's commissioner of health to coordinate existing Alzheimer's and dementia-related services. The program will link state agencies, Tribal Nations, community groups, and research organizations to improve public awareness, update Minnesota's Alzheimer's Disease State Plan, and integrate early detection strategies into public health efforts. The bill appropriates funding from the general fund for the program, starting with an unspecified amount in fiscal year 2026 and a base amount in 2027. This directly affects Minnesotans living with dementia, their caregivers, and the state agencies and community organizations providing related services.

Maddy summaryHF 2475 reduces the percentage Minnesota homeowners must pay toward their homestead credit property tax refunds. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 290A.04 by lowering the "co-pay" rate for qualifying homeowners, decreasing the claimant's required payment from 12% to as low as 1.0% of property taxes for the lowest income brackets. This change directly affects homeowners with household incomes up to $135,409 who claim the homestead credit, increasing their state refund amount by reducing their out-of-pocket share. The state refund maximum remains $3,500 for most income levels, but the reduced co-pay means homeowners retain more of their property tax refund.

Maddy summaryHF 491 appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide grants to Hometown Hero Outdoors, a Stillwater-based nonprofit. The funding supports mental health services and outdoor recreational activities for current and former law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel. The bill directs these services to promote positive mental health, longevity, quality of life, and interactions with mental health professionals through organized outdoor programs. It does not create new policy but allocates specific funds to an existing nonprofit for targeted support of first responders.

Maddy summaryHF 1678 expands access to essential community supports for older Minnesotans and people with dementia by lowering the age threshold from 65 to 60 and removing asset limits for eligibility. The bill increases annual funding for caregiver respite services grants by $2 million each year (fiscal years 2026-2027) and maintains a $400 monthly service cap. It directly affects individuals needing community-based care who don’t qualify for nursing facilities, allowing access to services like adult day care, homemaker support, and respite care. The changes require no asset assessment and mandate annual reassessment for continued eligibility.

Maddy summaryHF 2215 creates a state-run low-cost auto insurance program called the "Minnesota Lifeline Insurance Program" for low-income residents who meet specific eligibility criteria. The Commissioner of Commerce must establish this program, requiring a facility to develop and operate it, set affordable rates based on claims data and administrative costs, and offer online applications through a dedicated website. The bill appropriates state funds for the program, mandates annual reports to the legislature detailing participation and costs, and requires rates to cover claims, expenses, and investment income while remaining accessible. This program directly affects low-income Minnesotans who struggle to afford standard auto insurance, providing them with a state-supported alternative.

Maddy summaryHF 961 appropriates $250,000 for each of the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years to fund the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation's ProStart program. This program provides high school students with culinary and hospitality management education, including curriculum, tools, skills training, professional development, and scholarships. The funds directly support addressing workforce shortages in Minnesota's hospitality industry by enhancing career pathways for students. This is a one-time appropriation specifically designated for these educational services in participating high schools.

Maddy summaryHF 2304 creates a refundable tax credit for eligible Minnesota teachers. It provides up to $15,000 for full-year teachers earning under $60,000 annually (or $7,500 for part-year teachers earning under $30,000), and $2,000 for teachers earning above those thresholds. To qualify, teachers must hold a valid license, work at least 60% full-time, and teach a minimum number of student contact days (150 for full-year, 75-149 for part-year). Employers must provide annual income and service records, and the credit can be refunded even if the teacher owes no income tax.

Maddy summaryHF 2370 allows Minnesota state agencies to temporarily withhold payments to individuals or organizations (program participants) receiving state or federal funds if a credible fraud allegation is under investigation. Agencies must notify participants within five days of withholding, explain the action without revealing investigation details, and allow them to submit evidence. Withholding ends if fraud evidence is insufficient or after legal proceedings conclude, and case details become public afterward (except for the complainant's identity). This bill directly affects people and groups enrolled in state-funded programs like welfare, housing assistance, or Medicaid who are subjects of fraud investigations.