Rep. Roger Skraba

Maddy summaryHF 1566 requires landlords in Minnesota to make reasonable safety modifications for tenants with children who have autism, specifically when hazards like lakes, rivers, or other water bodies are near rental properties. Tenants must request these accommodations, and landlords can ask for documentation unless the child's condition is obvious. Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants making such requests and must adjust policies or property features to protect the child, unless the change would fundamentally alter the property. This bill directly affects tenants with autistic children and their landlords in rental housing.

Maddy summaryHF 1552 modifies Minnesota's lower population density broadband grant program by increasing the state's funding share from 75% to 90% of eligible project costs. This change directly affects local governments and broadband providers in rural or low-density areas seeking state grants to expand internet infrastructure. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 116J.3952, subdivision 2, to allow grants to cover up to 90% of project expenses instead of the previous 75%. The updated matching requirement takes effect on August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1586 appropriates $800,000 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund for a commemorative project honoring Gordon Parks. The bill directs the Minnesota Humanities Center, working with Soul Touch Productions, to create an art installation and related programming celebrating Parks' life and legacy. This funding specifically supports cultural programming focused on Parks' contributions as a photographer, filmmaker, and civil rights advocate. The bill does not create new policy but allocates existing state funds for a specific cultural initiative.

Maddy summaryHF 1505 extends the deadline for using existing clean water fund appropriations allocated to the Ash River Sanitary Sewer Collection and Treatment System in Minnesota. The bill specifically extends the funding deadline from the previous date to June 30, 2026, as referenced in prior legislation (2019 and 2021 special sessions). This extension directly affects the Ash River system, which manages wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure. The bill makes no new policy changes but allows the existing funds to remain available for the system's operations or improvements through the new deadline.

Maddy summaryHF 1553 appropriates $250,000 from the state general fund for a one-time grant to Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely, Minnesota. The bill directs the commissioner of human services to provide this funding directly to the center for its operations. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy requirements or eligibility changes. The grant is limited to fiscal year 2026 and affects only this specific care center in Ely. The bill does not alter existing services or create new state obligations beyond this single payment.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3.5 million from the general fund for the YMCA of the North Camp Northern Lights in St. Louis County. The funds will cover predesign, construction, furnishing, and equipment for a new facility on the camp's campus. The appropriation is available until project completion, per Minnesota Statutes. The bill directly affects the YMCA of the North by providing capital funding for its new facility development.

Maddy summaryHF 297 appropriates $2 million from Minnesota's general fund for a one-time grant to the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency. The funding must be used as a reusable fund to acquire and rehabilitate tax-forfeited properties (properties seized due to unpaid taxes) for owner occupancy. The housing funded through this grant must be affordable to the local workforce, directly benefiting residents seeking homeownership in Arrowhead region communities.

Maddy summaryHF 1343 establishes the Minnesota Nice HomeShare pilot program to help seniors aged 55+ in Lake, St. Louis, and Washington counties reduce housing costs by matching them with renters seeking affordable housing in spare rooms. The program, funded with $150,000 in fiscal year 2026, requires participating agencies to facilitate matches via phone or video, handle payments, conduct background checks, and verify renters’ employment or school enrollment. It directly affects seniors with available space and low-income renters in the three specified counties. The pilot program will operate through partnerships with agencies like the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging and AARP Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2.5 million for fiscal year 2026 and $2.5 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support the Greater Minnesota business development public infrastructure grant program. The funds will be administered by the commissioner of employment and economic development under Minnesota Statutes § 116J.431. The program directly assists businesses located outside Minneapolis (referred to as "Greater Minnesota") by providing grants for public infrastructure improvements. This is a funding allocation, not a new policy, with no changes to program eligibility or requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 1264 increases Minnesota's standard gross vehicle weight limit from 80,000 to 108,000 pounds for commercial trucks and eliminates special hauling and overweight permits. The bill modifies tax schedules in Minnesota Statutes to reflect the new weight limit, including a new "T" category for vehicles weighing 78,001-108,000 pounds with a $1,760 tax rate. It directly affects commercial trucking operators who previously required special permits for heavier loads. The bill repeals multiple existing permit-related statutes (including 169.826, 169.86, and 169.865 sections) to align with the new weight standard. This change simplifies compliance for trucking companies operating within the updated weight limit.