Rep. Roger Skraba

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to provide $1,070,000 in funding to the city of Silver Bay for water infrastructure improvements. The money will be used to design, build, and equip new pressure reducing valve stations and related water distribution systems to address safety and operational issues. The state will issue bonds to raise the necessary funds, which will then be transferred to the Public Facilities Authority for distribution to the city. The legislation takes effect immediately upon final passage by the legislature.

Maddy summaryHF 3669 reduces Minnesota's watercraft licensing fees for most boat owners and operators. It cuts standard watercraft fees from $59 to $27, rental boat fees from $14 to $9, personal watercraft fees from $85 to $37.50, and dealer license fees from $142 to $67.50, among other reductions. The bill affects recreational boaters, rental businesses, nonprofit safety programs, and boat dealers by lowering their annual licensing costs. These changes take effect July 1, 2026, and repeal an outdated definition of "other commercial operation" in the statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies milk options available in Minnesota schools participating in the federal National School Lunch Program. It requires schools to offer a variety of fluid milk (including flavored, organic, and nonorganic whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free options) and nutritionally equivalent non-dairy beverages. The bill also mandates that schools provide lactose-reduced milk, lactase-fortified milk, or milk with added acidophilus for students with lactose intolerance upon a parent's written request. These changes apply directly to public and nonpublic schools receiving school lunch funding or participating in the breakfast program.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that increased funding for water infrastructure grants in Minnesota applies to all projects with grant agreements established on or after September 1, 2024. It ensures that the maximum grant amount specified in the 2025 First Special Session legislation is available to eligible water infrastructure projects meeting this timeline requirement. The law takes effect the day after it is enacted, providing immediate clarity for municipalities and organizations seeking funding for water system improvements.

Maddy summaryThis bill would provide free hunting and fishing licenses to Minnesota residents aged 65 and older. Under the new provision, eligible residents would receive a free permanent angling license and annual licenses for deer and small game without paying any fees. The law states that a driver's license or state ID card is sufficient proof of age and residency to obtain these licenses at any licensing agent location. This change directly affects senior citizens who wish to participate in hunting and fishing activities in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 3811 appropriates $10 million from state bonds to fund specific infrastructure improvements along the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway in Cook County, Minnesota. The funding will resurface approximately 10 miles of deteriorating roadway, replace up to 16 culverts, construct up to four bridges, and improve emergency access for residents and visitors. These upgrades directly affect Cook County communities and users of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Superior National Forest recreational areas. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds to cover the cost, with funds to be used for capital improvements within the northernmost 10 miles of the byway ending at Trails End Campground.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $6 million for fiscal year 2024 and $8 million for fiscal year 2027 from the trunk highway fund to expand U.S. Highway 169 in Itasca County. The funding covers planning, design, environmental work, and engineering for converting a two-lane segment between Taconite and Pengilly into a four-lane divided highway. The $6 million appropriation, originally set to expire in 2027, is extended to June 30, 2029. This directly affects residents and travelers along this specific corridor by advancing infrastructure improvements for safety and capacity.

Maddy summaryHF 3690 amends Minnesota's tort claims liability limits to include claims arising from "no-cost contracts" between state/municipal agencies and nonprofit organizations providing outdoor recreational activities. It sets a $1,000,000 cap for claims involving such nonprofits (funded in whole or part by government), aligning them with other liability limits for single-occurrence claims. This specifically affects nonprofits operating outdoor recreation programs under government permits or no-cost contracts, where the government provides no payment for services. The bill updates statutes 3.736 and 466.04 to clarify this new application of liability caps.

Maddy summaryHF 430 shifts regulatory authority for gray water discharges (non-toilet wastewater) from commercial houseboats to specific Minnesota counties. The bill prevents the state Pollution Control Agency from regulating these discharges in St. Louis, Koochiching, and Lake counties, requiring each county to establish its own rules instead. County regulations must comply with the federal Clean Boating Act of 2008 and other applicable federal laws. This bill directly affects commercial houseboat operators and county governments in those three locations, changing who oversees this aspect of water quality.

Maddy summaryHF 2809 establishes a new crime for protesting directly in front of or about a person's home (excluding homes used as businesses). It makes this a misdemeanor, escalating to a gross misdemeanor if the person has a prior conviction under this law or ignores court orders like protection orders. The bill specifically allows peaceful protests about community meetings or assemblies held at locations commonly used for public discussion. This law applies to residential properties only and takes effect August 1, 2025.