Rep. Sandra Feist

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state aid program that will provide Ramsey County with $5 per square foot of state-owned buildings in the Capitol Area, starting in 2027. The funding is intended to compensate the county for the loss of tax revenue caused by state property ownership and the disproportionate impact of these buildings on local property taxes. The money must be used specifically to reduce current year property taxes levied on net tax capacity within Ramsey County, with annual funding appropriated from the state's general fund. This measure directly affects Ramsey County residents and the state's property tax system by creating a new revenue transfer mechanism between state and local governments.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's rent proration rules to require landlords to charge tenants only for the actual number of days they occupy a rental unit during the first or last month of a lease. It applies to all residential leases, including those that require advance payment of the first or last month's rent, and makes these proration requirements mandatory and unwaivable. The law also prohibits lease clauses that limit tenants' legal remedies for violations of this section, such as mandatory arbitration or class action waivers. These changes take effect immediately upon enactment and apply to new leases signed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 2461 transfers $10 million from Minnesota's general fund to the housing development fund for one-time use in FY2026. It appropriates $5 million to fund a manufactured home down payment assistance program administered by NeighborWorks Home Partners, helping buyers cover down payments for manufactured homes. Another $5 million funds a program to convert manufactured home parks to cooperative ownership, managed by Northcountry Cooperative Foundation through loans, grants, or subsidies. All converted parks must remain as manufactured home parks for 30 years under a land covenant. The bill directly affects manufactured home buyers and park owners seeking affordable housing options.

Maddy summaryHF 1148 establishes a state grant program to provide prepared meals for Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity who have difficulty cooking due to limited mobility, disability, or financial constraints. The program funds nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Minnesota tribes that prepare culturally tailored meals in licensed kitchens, prioritizing groups serving racially, ethnically, and geographically diverse communities at high risk of food insecurity. Grants require 50% of meal ingredients to come from Minnesota producers or donated/wasted food, and grantees must serve individuals aged 18-60 and their dependents while avoiding duplication with other meal programs. The bill appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with grantees required to report on fund usage and retain expenditure records.

Maddy summaryHF 1417 provides $15 million annually in state funding for infrastructure improvements in manufactured home parks across Minnesota, starting in fiscal year 2026. The bill directs the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to offer grants and loans to park owners (including private, cooperative, and municipal operators) for essential infrastructure like water, sewer, and roads. Park owners must apply for these funds under existing law (Minnesota Statutes § 462A.2035), with the agency required to report annually by January 15 on fund usage, including breakdowns by ownership type, average grant/loan amounts, and loan terms. This funding aims to address aging infrastructure in manufactured home communities without altering eligibility or creating new requirements for park residents.

Maddy summaryHF 2372 creates a voluntary "Minnesota Civic Seal" designation for high school students who complete specific civics requirements. To earn the seal, students must complete approved civics coursework, complete a project-based civic assessment, participate in at least one civic activity outside class (like voting in student elections or community service), and demonstrate civic dispositions. School districts may choose to participate but cannot charge students fees, must provide information about the program to all students, and must affix the seal to diplomas and transcripts for qualifying graduates. The program begins for students graduating in 2027 or later, with the Department of Education developing the insignia and guidelines to ensure equitable access for all students.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $250,000 from the state's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to support young adults up to age 24 who are released from juvenile detention or prison. The funding will be used by the Office of Justice Programs to grant money to 180 Degrees' Great River Landing and Clifton Place programs for services including community outreach, mobile case management, family reunification, job assistance, and housing placement. These services aim to address resource gaps for young people reentering the community after incarceration. The appropriation is designated as a one-time funding measure and is intended to help these individuals through aftercare and follow-up support.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's correctional industries program to increase transparency and fairness when private businesses contract with inmate labor. It requires the Minnesota Correctional Industries (MINNCOR) to separately track wages paid under the federal Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program and non-certified wages, while prohibiting the use of blended wage rates to calculate contract profitability. The legislation also mandates that MINNCOR cannot subsidize private businesses using inmate confinement costs, must charge fair market value for using Department of Corrections facilities, and must verify that contracts do not displace existing private sector workers in the region. Additionally, MINNCOR must post regional PIECP wage rates on its website and include detailed financial reports on how confinement costs affect its operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $5 million from the state's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to provide supplemental grants to existing youth intervention programs in Minnesota. The funding is intended to help these programs address immediate or emerging needs related to trauma experienced by the youth they serve. Each grant can be up to $50,000, and recipients must submit a work plan describing their specific intervention needs. The commissioner may use up to 10% of the total appropriation for administrative costs, and this is a one-time funding allocation.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts funding allocations for Minnesota's state colleges and universities, including a reduction in the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative appropriation and the addition of new grants for restorative practices. It decreases the overall budget for the initiative by $500,000 while designating $500,000 as a one-time appropriation to support juvenile justice services and local alternatives to detention for counties and federally recognized Tribes. The legislation also establishes a new $500,000 grant program in fiscal year 2026 to fund restorative practices initiatives across the state. These changes affect the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees, local government agencies, and juvenile justice service providers.