Rep. Elliott Engen

Maddy summaryHF 2234 modifies how Minnesota's metropolitan counties (like Hennepin and Ramsey) must allocate state and regional transportation funds. It increases the required allocation for active transportation, safety studies, transit, and complete streets projects from 41.5% to 58.5%, while decreasing the share for road repairs to 41.5%. The bill also allows counties to use funds for specific mitigation projects and requires new allocations to "supplement, not supplant" existing funding sources. The changes take effect January 1, 2026, for funds received on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 177 creates a refundable tax exemption for construction materials used in new single-family homes purchased by first-time homebuyers. It exempts taxes on the first $460,000 of construction costs, provided the buyer owns and occupies the home. Buyers pay the tax upfront but receive a refund through the state's tax process. The exemption expires on July 1, 2033, and applies to construction costs incurred after June 30, 2025. This directly benefits first-time homebuyers seeking new single-family housing in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 2220 prohibits Minnesota state agencies from charging parking fees to state employees at facilities owned or operated by the state. It directly affects all state employees who park on state property, whether working or with manager approval for personal use. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes (sections 16B.04 and 16B.58) to require free parking, removing all fees, fines, or penalties for eligible employees. This change applies to all state parking lots managed under the Department of Administration, ensuring employees receive a free parking permit.

Maddy summaryHF 700 creates the "Minnesota Women's Bill of Rights" by establishing specific biological definitions for sex-related terms in all state statutes, rules, and agency policies. It defines "woman" as an adult human of female sex, "girl" as a female minor, and "sex" as biological sex assigned at birth (with only two sexes), explicitly stating gender identity cannot substitute for "sex." The bill requires state agencies, schools, and public entities to use these definitions when collecting data on sex, including in vital statistics and antidiscrimination compliance. It also prohibits using terms like "gender identity" as synonyms for "sex" in official contexts. This bill directly affects how Minnesota state government classifies individuals in all legal and administrative documents.

Maddy summaryHF 1800 modifies Minnesota's voting administration rules, primarily affecting voters registering on election day and residential facilities. It establishes new requirements for "vouching," allowing registered voters or eligible facility employees to personally vouch for new voters in their precinct - limiting each voter to vouching for up to eight people per election day. Residential facilities (like shelters, nursing homes, or transitional housing) must provide employee lists to county auditors 20 days before elections, and election judges must document vouching on public forms. The bill also adds reporting requirements, clarifies election judge party affiliation rules, and includes criminal penalties for violations, but does not specify the exact penalties in the provided text.

Maddy summaryHF 1253 modifies Minnesota's absentee ballot procedures for certain voters. It shortens the timeline for mailing absentee ballots from 46 days to 28 days before elections (Minnesota Statutes 2024, § 203B.06, subd. 3) and moves the deadline for returning ballots from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on election day (§ 203B.08, subd. 1). The bill also prohibits correctional facilities from receiving absentee ballots, requiring county auditors to reject applications with correctional facility addresses (§ 203B.06, subd. 2). These changes directly affect absentee voters, election officials managing ballot distribution, and correctional facilities.

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 11 delays the implementation of Minnesota's Paid Leave Law from 2026 to 2027, affecting employers, employees, and state agencies responsible for administering the program. The bill amends multiple statute sections to adjust key dates, including the start of employer premium payments (now January 1, 2027) and administrative requirements like public outreach and annual reporting. This one-year delay provides additional time for businesses to prepare for the new paid leave program without changing the law's core requirements. The law's substance - such as premium rates and fund management - remains unchanged, only the rollout timeline is extended.

Maddy summaryHF 1022 modifies Minnesota's definitions for "moist snuff" and "tobacco products" in tax law. It defines "moist snuff" as finely cut, ground, or powdered smokeless tobacco containing nicotine intended for mouth placement (section 1.7-1.9). The bill explicitly includes nicotine solution products and moist snuff under "tobacco products" while excluding FDA-approved cessation products marketed solely for medical use (section 1.12-1.22). These changes, effective July 1, 2025, directly affect tobacco manufacturers, retailers, and consumers by clarifying which products fall under state tobacco taxation and regulation.

Maddy summaryHF 1260 authorizes special license plates for Minnesota firefighters who are also certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs), advanced EMTs, or paramedics. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of state certification from the Office of Emergency Medical Services, a letter from their fire chief confirming active membership, and own a passenger car, one-ton pickup, or motorcycle. The special plates require an additional fee, must display a distinct emblem, and become invalid if the holder loses either fire department membership or EMT certification. The bill also allows limited plate transfers between qualifying vehicles for a $5 fee and takes effect January 1, 2026.