Rep. Kari Rehrauer

Maddy summaryHF 3350 establishes a lifetime ban on firearm possession for individuals convicted of misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor domestic assault offenses in Minnesota. This law directly affects people convicted of these specific domestic violence crimes by permanently prohibiting them from owning, buying, or possessing firearms. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to add this ban as a standard consequence of such convictions, replacing any prior provisions that might have allowed firearm access after sentencing. It creates a concrete policy change that restricts firearm access for this group for life, without exceptions for future conduct.

Maddy summaryHF 3654 renames Minnesota’s "Local Optional Revenue Program" to the "Local Education Revenue Program" and increases its funding. The bill establishes a new calculation method using regional wage data to determine school district revenue, with a base allowance of $979 for fiscal year 2027 (adjusted annually). It also adds $132 per adjusted pupil unit to charter school funding and modifies how districts calculate local revenue levies based on property values. The changes directly affect Minnesota school districts and charter schools by altering their state education funding formulas, effective for fiscal year 2027 and beyond.

Maddy summaryHF 362 establishes a state licensing system for massage therapists and Asian bodywork therapists in Minnesota. It requires practitioners to meet specific educational standards (including minimum contact hours), pass a credentialing exam, and obtain a license from the Minnesota Department of Health. The bill defines both practices (e.g., Asian bodywork therapy uses techniques like pressing and stretching based on Chinese medical principles), sets application and renewal fees, and includes criminal penalties for practicing without a license. This directly affects therapists seeking to legally provide these services and ensures they meet standardized training and safety requirements, while also providing funding for implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the maximum amount of private activity bonds that can be allocated to qualifying residential rental projects in Minnesota. It directly affects developers and investors involved in residential rental real estate financing by changing how bond limits are calculated. The key change replaces the previous 55 percent limit with a new calculation based on either 30 percent of the project's expected value or the maximum supportable debt, whichever is higher, but capped at 40 percent of the project's value. These adjustments will take effect on January 1, 2027, potentially limiting the amount of tax-advantaged financing available for certain rental housing developments.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the powers of Minnesota's Climate Innovation Financing Authority by allowing it to borrow money, sell financial instruments like notes and mortgages, and accept gifts or grants to fund climate projects. The legislation requires the authority to prioritize financing for greenhouse gas emission reduction projects across all regions of the state while coordinating with existing federal and state programs to avoid duplication. Key provisions include authority duties to develop eligibility standards, implement consumer protections, measure project impacts on low-income communities, and hire staff who reflect the communities they serve. The bill also mandates the authority to leverage private investment and stimulate demand through partnerships and targeted marketing strategies.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota's medical assistance program from covering prescription drugs that are used solely for weight loss. It directly affects Medicaid enrollees in Minnesota by removing weight-loss-only medications from the state's approved drug list. The law amends existing statutes to explicitly exclude such drugs from the drug formulary, which is the official list of medications covered by the program. This change takes effect on January 1, 2027, or later if federal approval is required. The bill also includes requirements for the state to report on formulary changes and their impact on enrollees.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases property tax refunds and renters credits for Minnesota residents by adjusting the income thresholds and payment percentages used to calculate these benefits. It directly affects renters and homeowners who pay property taxes through their rent, particularly those with lower to middle incomes. The key change involves raising the household income limits for eligibility and reducing the percentage of rent that claimants must pay before receiving credits, which results in higher refund amounts for more people. These adjustments are made to Minnesota Statutes 290.0693 and 290A.04 to update the financial parameters for the existing tax relief program.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1,602,000 from the state's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to the Office of the Attorney General. The funding is specifically designated to hire six additional attorneys to support the office's legal operations. The legislation does not change existing laws or procedures but provides financial resources for staffing expansion. It directly affects the Office of the Attorney General by increasing its budget for attorney positions.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota bill creates a temporary income tax credit for residents and businesses that purchase and install solar energy systems, such as photovoltaic panels or solar water heaters. The credit allows taxpayers to reduce their state income tax liability by a percentage of their system's cost, with the percentage decreasing from 15% to 11% between 2025 and 2029, and caps the credit at $2,500 for homes and $15,000 for businesses. If the credit exceeds a taxpayer's tax bill, the state will refund the difference using funds from the general fund. The program is set to expire on January 1, 2029, and applies to systems installed during specific taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Minnesota Civil Remedies Act to hold government employees personally liable for civil rights violations they commit while acting under color of law, regardless of whether the misconduct occurred on or off duty. It removes common legal defenses like qualified immunity, official immunity, and sovereign immunity from government employees, allowing injured individuals to seek compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees. However, the law preserves immunity for judges, prosecutors, and legislators when they act in their official judicial, prosecutorial, or legislative capacities. The bill applies to all government entities including state, county, and municipal agencies, and it does not limit existing federal civil rights claims.