Rep. Mike Freiberg

Maddy summaryHF 1168 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Revenue to create an online system for individuals to claim refunds on political contributions. It modifies the existing refund program to allow electronic data sharing between the Campaign Finance Board and the Department of Revenue, including contributor names, contribution amounts, and unique receipt validation numbers. All shared data is classified as nonpublic, protecting contributor privacy while enabling streamlined refund processing. This change affects political contributors seeking refunds, political parties/candidates issuing refund receipts, and the agencies managing campaign finance data, replacing paper-based processes with digital systems effective January 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 2575 modifies Minnesota's substance use disorder treatment laws. It requires licensed alcohol and drug counselors to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including 9 hours on diversity and 3 hours on professional ethics (with at least 1 hour on religious objection policies). The bill explicitly allows individuals to object to religious elements in treatment programs without penalty, prohibits courts or placement authorities from forcing participation in religious components, and mandates that alternative non-religious treatment options be offered when objections are raised. These changes directly affect counselors, treatment programs, and individuals receiving substance use disorder services in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 2597 appropriates funds from the general budget to improve water quality at Upper Twin Lake in Hennepin County. The bill allocates money for two specific grants: one to the Pollution Control Agency for the Twin Lake Association to implement nonchemical water technologies, infrastructure, invasive weed control, and carp management; and another to the Department of Natural Resources for increased weed-harvesting needs. These funds are available until June 30, 2028, and directly support the Twin Lake Association's two-year water quality improvement project. The bill does not create new regulations but provides targeted financial resources for existing lake management efforts.

Maddy summaryHF 2475 reduces the percentage Minnesota homeowners must pay toward their homestead credit property tax refunds. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 290A.04 by lowering the "co-pay" rate for qualifying homeowners, decreasing the claimant's required payment from 12% to as low as 1.0% of property taxes for the lowest income brackets. This change directly affects homeowners with household incomes up to $135,409 who claim the homestead credit, increasing their state refund amount by reducing their out-of-pocket share. The state refund maximum remains $3,500 for most income levels, but the reduced co-pay means homeowners retain more of their property tax refund.

Maddy summaryHF 2225 is a Minnesota House resolution requesting Congress to propose a constitutional amendment. It asks Congress to clarify that states and Congress may set reasonable limits on campaign spending to protect election integrity, distinguish between natural persons and entities like corporations/unions, and preserve state sovereignty over election rules. The resolution does not create new law but formally urges federal action. It directly affects Minnesota's relationship with Congress and its advocacy for campaign finance reform.

Maddy summaryHF 1387 prohibits the use, manufacture, and sale of lead fishing weights (sinks and jigs) that weigh one ounce or less or measure 2.5 inches or less in length. It directly affects recreational fishers, tackle manufacturers, and retailers in Minnesota. The law bans these specific small lead weights starting July 1, 2027, while excluding items like artificial lures and weighted flies from the definition. The bill aims to reduce lead contamination in aquatic environments by targeting the most common small lead fishing gear.

Maddy summaryHF 2195 proposes adding a new constitutional section to Minnesota's state constitution, specifically stating "Marriage is a fundamental right and shall not be restricted based on gender or race" (Sec. 18). If approved by voters, this amendment would prohibit legal restrictions on marriage based on gender or race. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, with potential implementation starting January 1, 2027, if ratified. This bill directly affects marriage rights and legal protections for all Minnesotans, requiring voter approval rather than legislative passage alone.

Maddy summaryHF 2468 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support mental health initiatives in Minnesota's construction industry. The funds, available until June 30, 2027, are designated for outreach, education, stigma reduction programs, and worksite strategies to prevent suicide. They can be used for grants to industry groups and developing resources targeting construction workers. This bill directly affects construction industry workers by funding concrete mental health support services through state-administered programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1534 transfers Minnesota's Healthy Eating, Here at Home program from the Minnesota Humanities Center to the Department of Health. It establishes the Fresh Bucks pilot program, allowing SNAP and Summer EBT recipients to get a dollar-for-dollar match on fresh produce purchases (up to $20 daily/$80 monthly) at participating grocery stores and retailers. Both programs target low-income households using federal nutrition benefits, with the Healthy Eating program providing $10 vouchers for farmers' market purchases and Fresh Bucks focusing on fresh produce. The bill requires annual reports from administering nonprofits and appropriates funding for both initiatives. It amends Minnesota Statutes to clarify program administration, definitions, and reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 45 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support Minnesota's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Outreach Program. This funding directly assists the commissioner of children, youth, and families in operating outreach efforts to help eligible Minnesotans access food assistance benefits. The bill provides specific, dedicated funding for the program under Minnesota Statutes, section 142F.12, without changing eligibility rules or benefit amounts. It ensures consistent financial support for outreach services that connect residents to existing nutrition assistance programs.