Rep. Kari Rehrauer

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's nonprofit sales tax exemption to allow certain qualifying organizations to purchase prepared food without paying sales tax, provided they distribute it as part of their charitable, religious, or educational mission. Currently, prepared food purchases by nonprofits are taxable under the exemption rules, but this change specifically exempts food bought by groups already covered under the nonprofit sales tax exemption (such as food banks, shelters, or educational programs). The exemption applies only when the food is distributed during the organization's core mission activities, not for general use. It will take effect for purchases after June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 1268 modifies rules for common interest communities (like condominiums and homeowners associations) in Minnesota, directly affecting property management companies, community governing bodies, and unit owners. Key provisions include prohibiting property managers from having financial ties to contractors they hire without written disclosure, banning compensation based on fines collected, and requiring written notice for contract renewals. The bill also establishes a "meet and confer" process for disputes and changes notice requirements for community meetings. It prohibits governing bodies from requiring or incentivizing the creation of homeowners associations. These changes aim to increase transparency and fairness in community governance.

Maddy summaryHF 3640 establishes a new right for prospective renters in Minnesota to view a rental property before signing a lease. Landlords must notify renters of this option and allow either an in-person visit or a virtual tour if the renter cannot visit in person. Any agreement waiving this right is invalid, and renters who are denied a viewing can recover three times their actual damages or $1,000 (whichever is greater), plus legal fees. This bill directly affects landlords and prospective tenants by creating a concrete requirement for transparency in rental property showings.

Maddy summaryHF 2021 prohibits landlords in Minnesota from discriminating against tenants or prospective tenants who use government rental assistance, housing choice vouchers, or other public aid to pay rent. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 363A.09 to ban landlords from denying viewings, applications, or rentals based on a tenant's income source, or from advertising they won't rent to voucher users. It directly affects landlords and tenants utilizing federal, state, or local housing assistance programs. The law creates clear, enforceable standards to prevent unfair treatment in housing applications and rentals.

Maddy summaryHF 955 modifies Minnesota's requirements for financial assurance related to nonferrous mining permits. It requires the commissioner to annually review the amount of financial assurance (such as bonds or deposits) held by operators of nonferrous mining operations to ensure it covers reclamation costs and corrective actions for permit violations. This change directly affects companies seeking or holding permits for nonferrous metallic mineral mining (like copper or nickel). The bill updates existing statutes to mandate this annual review process, ensuring funds remain sufficient as project costs may change over time. It does not alter the initial fee amounts or the types of coverage required.

Maddy summaryHF 3230 creates two dedicated funding streams: a new 50-cent monthly fee on telecom customers (excluding prepaid wireless) to support public safety radio equipment and crime victim services. Funds collected will be deposited into two separate accounts: one for upgrading statewide emergency radio systems and another for grants to crime victim service providers. The bill requires annual reports on how these funds are used and specifies that fees must be collected by telecom providers and submitted monthly. This directly affects telecom companies (who collect the fee), public safety agencies (receiving radio system funding), and local crime victim service organizations (receiving grants).

Maddy summaryThis bill expands financial assistance for manufactured home owners in Minnesota who are forced to move due to significant increases in lot rent or utility costs. It defines "economic displacement" as a rent increase of over ten percent in one year, twenty percent over three years, or thirty percent relative to the owner's annual income. The legislation removes the previous cap on funding from the Manufactured Home Relocation Trust Fund, allowing more resources to be available for relocation expenses. Additionally, it clarifies how park owners can collect fees to contribute to this trust fund and outlines specific situations where owners are exempt from paying relocation costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the scope of practice for pharmacists in Minnesota by authorizing them to initiate, prescribe, administer, and dispense medications for treating opioid use disorder. It directly affects licensed pharmacists and pharmacist interns, allowing them to work under protocols or collaborative agreements with other healthcare providers to manage opioid use disorder treatment. The legislation also updates the legal definition of "practitioner" to include pharmacists authorized to prescribe certain medications and modifies disciplinary grounds for pharmacists and interns. These changes aim to increase access to opioid use disorder treatment through pharmacies while maintaining oversight through established healthcare partnerships.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota municipalities from charging fees for residential improvements needed to accommodate a veteran's disability. It directly affects veterans with recognized physical or mental impairments who are making home modifications to meet their disability needs. Under the new law, local governments cannot charge permit, inspection, or licensing fees for these specific improvements, and they cannot deny permits or inspections due to unpaid fees related to such work. Veterans must still submit standard applications and provide proof of their veteran status and disability connection to qualify for the fee waiver. The law takes effect immediately upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the zoning authority of local governments in Minnesota by requiring them to allow certain housing types in specific areas. It applies primarily to municipalities with populations over 1,000 in the metropolitan area, while smaller communities are largely exempt. The law mandates that cities and towns permit mixed housing such as duplexes, triplexes, and townhouses in commercial districts and other zones that allow such development. Additionally, it requires municipalities to establish a standardized administrative review process for approving multifamily residential developments, ensuring consistent handling of housing requests across jurisdictions. These changes aim to increase housing options by reducing local restrictions on building types and streamlining approval procedures.