Rep. Erin Koegel

Maddy summaryHF 2707 appropriates $11.125 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to support sexually exploited youth or youth at risk of sexual exploitation under Minnesota Statutes §256K.47. At least $9 million annually must fund street outreach, emergency shelter, regional navigators, and housing services for these youth. The bill directly affects vulnerable youth in Minnesota by providing dedicated funding for critical safe harbor resources and housing support. It establishes concrete funding mechanisms without altering existing statutes or creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 422 appropriates $10 million for fiscal year 2026 and $10 million for fiscal year 2027 from state funds to support two existing Minnesota programs. The funding directly supports schools and communities by improving safe walking and biking routes to school (under Minnesota Statutes §174.40) and expanding broader active transportation infrastructure like bike lanes and pedestrian paths (under §174.38). This provides concrete financial resources for local projects that make it safer and easier for students and residents to walk or bike. The bill focuses on implementing specific, measurable infrastructure improvements rather than creating new policies.

Maddy summaryHF 2759 establishes a pilot program requiring Minnesota's Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to use qualification-based selection (selecting engineering firms based on their expertise and experience, not just lowest cost) for at least five road construction projects each year where consultant fees exceed $800,000. This applies from October 2025 through March 2028, with MnDOT required to submit two reports: a preliminary report by October 2026 and a final report by October 2028, detailing impacts on project timelines, quality, change orders, and sustainability. The bill appropriates a one-time $... for fiscal year 2026 to cover the pilot program and report preparation. The pilot expires January 15, 2029, or upon final report submission, whichever comes first, and directly affects MnDOT and the engineering firms hired for qualifying projects.

Maddy summaryHF 1509 limits when law enforcement can issue citations to pedestrians for crossing during certain traffic signal phases. It amends Minnesota Statutes § 169.06, subdivision 5, by clarifying that pedestrians facing a circular yellow traffic signal (not a dedicated pedestrian signal) cannot be cited for starting to cross when the yellow light first appears. The bill specifically prohibits citations for pedestrians who begin crossing during the yellow phase, as the signal warns there is "insufficient time to cross" before red. This directly affects pedestrians at intersections with standard traffic signals, ensuring they aren’t penalized for crossing during the yellow light warning.

Maddy summaryHF 1958 modifies Minnesota's individual income tax brackets for 2025 tax returns. It raises the income thresholds for each tax rate, meaning more income is taxed at lower rates before higher rates apply. For example, married couples filing jointly pay 5.35% on income up to $47,620 (up from $38,770), and 6.8% on income between $47,620 and $189,180 (up from $38,770-$154,020). The bill directly affects Minnesota residents who file state income tax returns, particularly middle-income earners whose taxable income falls within the revised brackets. The changes are effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 2591 establishes a new fifth tax bracket for Minnesota individual income tax, targeting high earners to replace revenue lost from federal Medicaid funding changes. The bill amends tax law to create a top income bracket (applying to income over $1.667 million for married couples filing jointly) with a rate set by the commissioner of revenue. This rate must be calculated to generate revenue equal to the amount of federal Medicaid funds Minnesota lost, as certified by the commissioner of management and budget. The new tax rate applies to taxable years 2026 and 2027, affecting only taxpayers in the highest income bracket.

Maddy summaryHF 1360 establishes the "Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Program" to provide infrastructure project support to small local governments. It appropriates $2.5 million for fiscal year 2026 and $2.5 million for fiscal year 2027 to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. The program assists communities with populations under 15,000 (or collaborative groups of such communities) that lack capacity to develop infrastructure projects or apply for grants. It funds project analysis, planning, and development through university partnerships, requiring consideration of sustainability, climate resilience, and coordinated infrastructure investments.

Maddy summaryHF 2215 creates a state-run low-cost auto insurance program called the "Minnesota Lifeline Insurance Program" for low-income residents who meet specific eligibility criteria. The Commissioner of Commerce must establish this program, requiring a facility to develop and operate it, set affordable rates based on claims data and administrative costs, and offer online applications through a dedicated website. The bill appropriates state funds for the program, mandates annual reports to the legislature detailing participation and costs, and requires rates to cover claims, expenses, and investment income while remaining accessible. This program directly affects low-income Minnesotans who struggle to afford standard auto insurance, providing them with a state-supported alternative.

Maddy summaryHF 2382 modifies Minnesota's accident reporting system by authorizing local law enforcement to share specific accident data with "contracted service providers" approved by government agencies. These providers help generate, collect, and manage crash reports under state law. The bill adds a definition for "contracted service provider" and updates confidentiality rules to allow law enforcement to disclose accident reports to these entities for reporting purposes, while maintaining restrictions on who can access the data (e.g., involved individuals, their representatives, or insurers). The changes take effect July 1, 2025, and directly affect law enforcement agencies, approved service providers, and individuals involved in accidents requiring reportable incidents.

Maddy summaryHF 791 designates Castoroides ohioensis, commonly known as the giant beaver, as Minnesota's official state fossil. The bill requires the commissioner of natural resources to approve a photograph of the giant beaver, which must be preserved and displayed in the Office of the Secretary of State. This is a procedural bill with no substantive policy changes or direct impact on citizens or regulations.