Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar

Maddy summaryHF 322 increases prison sentences for specific crimes committed by individuals who have been deported for prior felonies or who commit crimes for transnational crime organizations. It adds five years to the maximum sentence for the underlying crime if committed after unlawful reentry (deportation for a felony), or ten years if the victim is a child under 18. The bill also expands penalties for crimes committed "for the benefit of" transnational crime organizations, defined as groups involved in international drug, human, or weapon trafficking. These changes apply to offenses committed on or after August 1, 2025. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of felonies who have prior deportation orders or are linked to transnational criminal groups.

Maddy summaryHF 14 proposed a temporary moratorium on most light rail transit project development spending by the Metropolitan Council in seven Minnesota counties (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington). The bill prohibited funds for planning, design, environmental analysis, land acquisition, and construction of new light rail projects, but exempted the Southwest Light Rail (Green Line Extension) and prior contractor payments. The moratorium would have expired once the Green Line Extension began revenue operations. The bill was introduced, amended, and ultimately not passed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryHF 436 establishes a property tax exclusion for Minnesotans aged 65 or older who are retired. It excludes all market value of qualifying primary residences (classified as 1a, 1b, or the home portion of an agricultural homestead) from taxable value for property owners meeting the age and retirement criteria. To qualify, applicants must submit a form by December 31 each year, and the exclusion applies until the property is sold, transferred, or no longer qualifies as a homestead. This exclusion replaces eligibility for other programs like senior tax credits or deferral programs. The policy takes effect for 2026 property taxes.

Maddy summaryHF 310 expands Minnesota's dependent care tax credit by including amounts excluded from federal taxable income under Internal Revenue Code section 129 (dependent care flexible spending accounts) as eligible expenses for the state credit. This change directly affects Minnesota taxpayers who pay for dependent care (such as childcare) and claim the state credit, allowing them to count more of their childcare costs toward their credit amount. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes sections 290.0131 and 290.067 to clarify this eligibility, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024. It does not change the credit percentage or maximum limits but broadens the types of qualifying expenses.

Maddy summaryHF 718 appropriates $700,000 from Minnesota's workforce development fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $700,000 for fiscal year 2027 to provide a grant to the organization Hired. The funds will support Hired's existing workforce development programs, specifically expanding career pathway job training that connects lower-skilled job seekers to entry-level positions in high-growth sectors. The grant also enables Hired to create new services for low-income Minnesotans, including employment coaching and support to improve job retention and workforce stability. This is a one-time funding appropriation for these specific program expansions.

Maddy summaryHF 323 creates a tax subtraction for Minnesota individual income taxpayers who pay for parking at eligible health facilities. It allows a subtraction of parking expenses exceeding $100 annually for the taxpayer, a family member receiving care, or an employee working at the facility. Eligible facilities include hospitals, clinics, and birth centers, while excluding amounts already claimed as medical expenses or reimbursed through health savings accounts. The policy applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 477 modifies how Minnesota allocates funds from the workforce development fund. It requires 25% of these funds for fiscal year 2026 and 50% for fiscal year 2027 to be directed toward performance-based grants under Minnesota Statutes §116J.8747. These grants are awarded to pass-through entities (like local workforce boards) that meet specific performance metrics. The bill directly affects organizations receiving workforce development grants and the state's budget allocation for these programs.

Maddy summaryHF 499 extends the validity period for temporary nursing permits in Minnesota from 60 to 90 days. It directly affects nurses applying for licensure by endorsement (from another state) or reregistration after completing a refresher course, who currently hold temporary permits. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 148.212 by changing the permit duration in two specific scenarios: (1) for out-of-state licensed nurses awaiting board action, and (2) for nurses in structured refresher programs. This change provides a longer grace period for these applicants to secure full licensure without interruption. The bill makes a specific, concrete change to permit timelines with no additional provisions.

Maddy summaryHF 740 creates a new sales tax exemption for nonprofit animal shelters in Minnesota. It exempts shelters from sales tax on purchases directly used for rescuing, sheltering, and rehoming animals, such as supplies and equipment. However, the exemption does not cover construction materials, lodging/food at fundraising events exceeding 24 days yearly, or gambling-related activities. The exemption applies to sales of animals, associated supplies, and certain fundraising events, effective after June 30, 2025. This directly affects qualifying nonprofit shelters by reducing their operational costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies reimbursement rules for ambulance services in Minnesota covering volunteer ambulance attendants' education costs. It sets specific reimbursement amounts: $1,200 for initial EMT training, $400 for continuing EMT courses, $600 for initial EMR training, and $200 for continuing EMR courses. Eligible ambulance services must have handled 5,000 or fewer emergency calls in the prior year. The bill appropriates $100,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund these reimbursements under Minnesota Statutes §144E.35.