Rep. Kari Rehrauer

Maddy summaryHF 1582 modifies Minnesota's Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) benefits for educators. It allows teachers with 30 years of service to retire at age 60 without reduced annuity payments (previously requiring 35 years), adjusts early retirement penalties, and increases postretirement cost-of-living adjustments. The bill also raises employer contribution rates for school districts (from 13.3% to 17.3% for basic members) and increases pension adjustment revenue rates for school districts starting in 2026. These changes directly affect current and future TRA members, school districts funding retirement costs, and the state's retirement system budget.

Maddy summaryHF 31 modifies how Minnesota school districts calculate eligibility for compensatory revenue funding (used to support students from low-income backgrounds). It changes the method to combine both direct certification (using existing eligibility data) and application of education benefits to determine funding. The bill also allows districts to allocate up to 20% of compensatory funds off-site for broader student needs, while requiring 80% to stay at the school building level. Additionally, it establishes a Compensatory Revenue Task Force to review the system and updates professional development requirements for teachers under the Read Act.

Maddy summaryHF 2069 creates new Minnesota license plates specifically for veterans of each U.S. military branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine). Eligible veterans who meet existing criteria (including having discharge papers) can apply for a free plate featuring "VETERAN" and their branch's emblem. The plates must be the same size as standard plates for the vehicle type (e.g., motorcycle) and can be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same veteran for a $5 fee. This bill, effective January 1, 2026, expands Minnesota’s existing veterans' plate program by adding branch-specific designs.

Maddy summaryHF 2080 appropriates $8 million from state bond proceeds to fund the design and construction of new municipal water mains in Andover’s Red Oaks neighborhood. This directly affects residents in that area whose private drinking water wells have tested positive for contamination. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds up to $8 million, with funds directed through the Pollution Control Agency to the city for Phase II of the contamination mitigation project. The measure focuses on replacing infrastructure to address water quality concerns, as specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 116.16.

Maddy summaryHF 1879 allocates $2 million annually starting in fiscal year 2026 to fund Minnesota's homeownership education, counseling, and training program. The bill transfers funds from the general fund to the housing development fund and then appropriates $2 million yearly to the Housing Finance Agency commissioner for this program. Ten percent of each year's appropriation specifically supports the Minnesota Homeownership Center to administer the program and provide culturally appropriate services, including counseling for limited English proficiency individuals and those with limited technology access. This funding directly affects prospective and current homeowners seeking education and support through state-approved counseling programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1947 appropriates state funds from the arts and cultural heritage fund to develop cultural studies materials for underrepresented groups in Minnesota, specifically targeting communities like Hmong, Karen, Somali, and Oromo cultures, as well as oral-based cultures without formal writing systems. The commissioner of administration will distribute these funds through competitive grants to create high-quality educational materials for schools. Recipients must collaborate with school districts planning to use the materials, and funding is allocated for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This bill directly affects schools, cultural organizations, and the commissioner's office by providing resources to address gaps in existing curricula.

Maddy summaryHF 2144 appropriates unspecified funds from the general fund for the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program under Minnesota Statutes § 462A.204, for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The bill directly affects families in Minnesota at risk of homelessness by providing funding for prevention and assistance services. Key provisions include directing the Housing Finance Agency to administer the program using these allocated funds. This is a funding bill with no new policy requirements, solely authorizing budget resources for an existing state program.

Maddy summaryHF 1149 requires all Minnesota public school districts to include age-appropriate physical and sexual abuse prevention education in health curricula starting with the 2026-2027 school year. The bill mandates that this instruction cover identifying abuse, recognizing assault, understanding boundary violations, and strategies for disclosure and bystander intervention. School districts must also train instructors on managing disclosures and develop response policies, while providing parents with information on abuse warning signs and resources. This affects all public elementary, middle, and high schools across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 119 allocates $150,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $150,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to support the Hmong Cultural Center of Minnesota. The funding covers museum programming, library services, and educational classes focused on Hmong Minnesotan history, culture, and folk arts. This directly benefits the Hmong community by preserving and sharing their heritage through public outreach. The Minnesota Humanities Center will administer these grants to the cultural center.

Maddy summaryHF 1313 allows Minnesota counties, cities, and towns to prohibit or restrict the possession of dangerous weapons, ammunition, or explosives in their owned or leased buildings and land. Local governments must post specific, conspicuous signage meeting size and placement requirements (e.g., 2-inch black text on contrasting background). Exceptions include law enforcement officers on duty and individuals with written permission from the local government. Violating these restrictions would be a misdemeanor, effective August 1, 2025. The bill directly affects people entering local government properties and gives governing bodies authority to set these rules.