Rep. Roger Skraba

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies eligibility rules for Minnesota school districts to levy taxes for swimming pool operating costs, affecting districts in counties with low population density, international borders, and multiple school districts. Under the new provisions, eligible districts can levy taxes up to the net actual costs of their swimming pools, calculated by subtracting operating revenues and payments from other local governments from total operating expenses. The changes apply to taxes payable in 2027 and later, allowing these specific districts to fund pool operations through local taxation rather than relying solely on existing funding sources.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the sale and issuance of up to $10 million in state bonds to fund the Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program. The funds will be distributed by the commissioner of employment and economic development to provide grants for public infrastructure projects in Greater Minnesota. The legislation enables the state to raise capital through bond sales to support economic development initiatives in rural areas, with the money coming from the bond proceeds fund. The bill becomes effective the day after it is passed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable sales and use tax exemption for construction materials used in the Ely Housing Redevelopment Authority's workforce housing project called Wilderness Escape. It directly affects the project owner, contractors, and subcontractors purchasing materials between April 30, 2026, and January 1, 2028. The key provision allows the project owner to apply for a refund of sales tax paid on eligible items, provided they submit documentation verifying the tax amounts paid. The state appropriates funds to the commissioner of revenue to process these refunds, which cannot be issued until after June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Minnesota Foraging Act, authorizes individuals to harvest edible plants like mushrooms, berries, and nuts on state-owned lands for personal, household, or cultural use without a profit motive. It establishes clear definitions for foraging activities and designates state lands where foraging is permitted, while allowing the commissioner of natural resources to create rules that protect natural resources, public safety, and culturally sensitive areas. The legislation grants the commissioner authority to prohibit foraging in specific zones, set harvest limits, require permits for certain species, and implement temporary closures when necessary, with an emphasis on evidence-based restrictions and accessible electronic permit applications. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds to support the implementation of these regulations and requires periodic reports on foraging activities and rule enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new facilities grant program to provide funding to cooperative units in Minnesota that offer special education or career and technical education services. The Department of Education would receive $10 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 to administer these grants, with each individual award capped at $2 million. Eligible organizations can apply for the funds to cover purposes authorized under existing education finance statutes, such as construction, renovation, or equipment purchases for educational facilities. The legislation also allocates a portion of the appropriation for administrative costs to manage the grant program.

Maddy summaryHF 198 appropriates $14 million from state bonds to fund a new air traffic control tower base building at Duluth International Airport. The project includes design, construction, and site work like demolishing old buildings and replacing fuel tanks, with part of the funds matching federal support. The Duluth Airport Authority will receive the grant to build the facility, which includes office spaces, equipment rooms, and support areas. This bill authorizes the state to issue bonds to cover the costs and takes effect after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's North Star Promise scholarship program by adding new eligibility requirements and obligations for recipients. It limits scholarships to students pursuing degrees in high-demand Minnesota industries and occupations, which will be reviewed every three years based on employment data. The bill also requires scholarship recipients to live and work in Minnesota for five years after graduation, with provisions for loan conversion if they fail to meet this requirement, along with options for waivers and deferments under specific circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state of Minnesota to issue up to $95 million in bonds to fund road and utility infrastructure improvements at the Sears site in St. Paul. The funds will support construction of sanitary sewer and clean water systems, public utilities, streets, sidewalks, lighting, and streetscape improvements needed to prepare the area for future development. The legislation also defines the Sears site boundaries and establishes the legal framework for managing bond proceeds, including provisions for environmental remediation and demolition of existing structures. This measure is designed to provide necessary infrastructure support for the redevelopment of the former Sears property.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's Mary C. Murphy Library Construction Grants Program to increase funding for public library building projects. It raises the maximum grant amount from $1 million to $2 million for renovating or expanding existing library buildings or constructing new ones, while also requiring libraries to match grants with non-state funds. The legislation authorizes the state to issue up to $10 million in bonds to fund these grants and appropriates that money to the commissioner of education. These changes will take effect for grants awarded after June 30, 2026, and the bond sale can begin immediately after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's Teachers Retirement Association rules to allow teachers to retire and return to work starting at age 59 and a half instead of the previous age of 62. It clarifies that teachers who sign a return-to-work agreement before retiring at the new lower age do not count as having terminated their teaching service. The legislation also extends the temporary suspension of earnings limits for retired teachers who return to work from 2023 through 2031, allowing them to earn additional income without reducing their retirement benefits during that period. These changes affect current and future teachers who wish to retire and later return to the classroom while maintaining their retirement income.