Rep. Kari Rehrauer

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $22.9 million for fiscal year 2026 and $12.9 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to Minnesota's Housing Finance Agency. The funds will support the Economic Development and Housing Challenge Program and low/moderate-income housing initiatives under state law. It specifically reserves $1.2 million annually for housing projects serving American Indian communities, with unspent funds available for other eligible housing activities. The bill directly affects housing developers, communities, and residents seeking affordable housing in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 2934 appropriates $650,000 from Minnesota's renewable development fund to the University of Minnesota's Natural Resources Research Institute. The bill directs the institute to study Minnesota's potential for extracting hydrogen stored underground, specifically assessing resource availability, extraction feasibility, groundwater challenges, and cost-effective storage/transport strategies. This study must be completed and reported to legislative energy committees by May 2027 (interim) and May 2028 (final). The bill directly affects the University of Minnesota's research institute, which will conduct the study, and provides the legislature with data to inform future energy decisions.

Maddy summaryHF 3059 modifies Minnesota's child care assistance program to better serve specific families. It requires the commissioner to provide direct child care services through grants or contracts for families in underserved areas, with infants/toddlers, or with children with disabilities. The bill also changes redetermination rules to limit eligibility reviews to once yearly (with exceptions for student parents), mandates use of a standardized county form, and updates parent co-payment fees based on income levels. These changes directly affect low-income families receiving child care assistance, county agencies administering the program, and child care providers. The fee schedule now specifies exact percentages for parent payments across various income ranges relative to federal poverty guidelines.

Maddy summaryHF 1140 imposes a road usage charge on all-electric vehicle owners in Minnesota, replacing the exemption from gas taxes they previously enjoyed. The charge calculates fees based on miles driven within the state, using a formula tied to gasoline tax rates and the vehicle's fuel efficiency. Revenue from this charge must be deposited into the highway user tax fund, and the bill requires a report on implementation. The fee applies to registration periods starting on or before June 30, 2026, and establishes a system for managing payments through account providers.

Maddy summaryHF 3057 establishes a public option within MinnesotaCare, allowing Minnesotans to enroll in a government-run health plan alongside private insurers. It expands eligibility to more residents and sets income-based premiums for public option enrollees. The bill requires the commissioner of commerce to seek federal approval for a special waiver (Section 1332) and appropriates funding for implementation. This directly affects individuals purchasing health insurance in Minnesota's individual market, particularly low- and middle-income residents seeking affordable coverage options.

Maddy summaryHF 2860 allows Minnesota local health departments to obtain and distribute predosed epinephrine (pre-measured, single-use devices for severe allergic reactions) and specific vaccines under a standing order from the commissioner of health. The bill authorizes departments to distribute these items to community locations without individual prescriptions, with administration permitted in good faith during life-threatening allergic reactions. It specifically covers school-required vaccines, flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and other vaccines the department determines appropriate, administered by nurses under established protocols. This policy change directly affects local health departments and community health boards by streamlining access to critical allergy and immunization resources.

Maddy summaryHF 1598 establishes a low-cost financing program through Minnesota’s Climate Innovative Finance Authority to help school districts improve air ventilation systems and install geothermal energy systems on or near school buildings. It directly affects eligible Minnesota school districts (including independent, special, and cooperative districts) by providing loans to cover upfront costs, with priority given to schools in high-poverty areas (using Title I data), balanced project distribution between metro and non-metro areas, and cost-reduction goals. The program appropriates $1.5 million from the general fund and $1.5 million from the renewable development account for fiscal year 2026, requiring all funds to be used by June 30, 2027, or they cancel. This creates a structured financing mechanism focused on tangible infrastructure upgrades, not direct grants or policy changes.

Maddy summaryHF 3008 appropriates $250,000 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $250,000 for fiscal year 2027. The funds will be provided as a grant to Hometown Hero Outdoors, a Stillwater-based nonprofit, to support outdoor recreational activities and mental health services. These services are directly intended for currently serving military personnel and veterans in Minnesota. The bill aims to improve mental health outcomes and quality of life through structured outdoor engagement and access to mental health professionals.

Maddy summaryHF 2858 allows owners of all-electric vehicles to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) and dynamic shoulder lanes without paying a fee, provided they display a special decal. To obtain the decal, owners must pay a $24 fee and apply through the state, with decals valid for four years and not transferable. The bill requires the state to create a visible decal system, manage applications, and publicize the program through signage, websites, dealer notifications, and vehicle registration materials. This directly affects all-electric vehicle owners who must apply for decals to access fee-free lane use, while the state must implement the decal program and public education. The policy changes the existing fee structure for HOV lanes by exempting eligible EVs from charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million from the state general fund for Minnesota's Lawns to Legumes program, which supports homeowners in replacing grass lawns with soil-enriching legume plants like clover. The funds, available until June 2029, are administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources and can be used to partner with local governments and organizations. The program aims to improve soil health and reduce fertilizer use by incentivizing legume-based lawn alternatives. This is a one-time funding allocation for fiscal year 2026.