Rep. Andrew Myers

Maddy summaryHF 3608 modifies Minnesota's homestead property tax exclusion rules, affecting homeowners with primary residences valued under $517,200. It adjusts the exclusion percentage: 40% for homes $95,000 or less, and a sliding scale reducing the exclusion amount for homes between $95,000 and $517,200 (with no exclusion above $517,200). The bill specifically requires excluding accessory dwelling units (like in-law suites) from the valuation calculation when determining the exclusion amount. This change applies to properties classified as homestead (e.g., primary residences in classes 1a, 1b, or 2a with the house/garage). The law takes effect for property assessments starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 3578 allows Minnesota's legislature to remove state agency leaders (including heads, deputies, and division directors) for misconduct. The bill establishes a process where a legislator can file a complaint alleging "malfeasance" (willful unlawful act) or "nonfeasance" (willful failure to act), triggering a public hearing before a legislative committee. The committee must determine if the allegations are proven by "clear and convincing evidence" before recommending removal. This change directly affects over 100 executive branch officials across state agencies, adding a new legislative oversight tool for accountability.

Maddy summaryHF 3577 establishes a minimum 180-day waiting period between when a construction contract is awarded and when work can begin on certain Minnesota trunk highway projects. This requirement applies to highway construction contracts managed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), directly affecting contractors and MnDOT project timelines. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to mandate that the commissioner must set a construction start date at least six months after contract award, ensuring more time for planning before work commences. The provision takes effect for bids first advertised on or after October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 1296 requires Minnesota's Board of Animal Health to post specific information online about kennels, dealers, and commercial breeders, including current license statuses, annual inspection records, and reasons for license revocations. It also mandates that all advertising for animal sales must include the seller's current license number or a link to it. The bill clarifies that most breeder data (like addresses and premises locations) remains private, but the Board may disclose it for public health, safety, or law enforcement purposes. These changes directly affect licensed breeders, dealers, and the public seeking transparency about animal facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $4 million in state funding for Minnesota food shelf programs during fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It directs the state agency overseeing food shelves to use these funds to support community food banks that serve people facing food insecurity. The money comes from the state general fund and is added to existing base funding for these programs. This directly affects food shelves across Minnesota and the families and individuals they serve.

Maddy summaryHF 3510 requires businesses performing commercial or retail paving with hot mix or warm mix asphalt to register as construction contractors. It mandates sellers to verify this registration before selling asphalt to non-registered entities, with exceptions for personal use (max 5 tons per transaction or 10 tons yearly). Violations carry criminal penalties for buyers (gross misdemeanor) and civil fines up to $3,000 per violation for sellers. The law takes effect August 1, 2027, and amends Minnesota Statutes to include paving services under construction contractor licensing rules. This directly affects paving contractors and asphalt sellers, not residential homeowners using small amounts for personal projects.

Maddy summaryHF 3491 authorizes Minnesota to participate in a federal tax credit program that allows scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) to provide scholarships to students. These SGOs must be tax-exempt nonprofits that spend at least 90% of funds on scholarships, verify household income, prioritize returning students and siblings, and avoid earmarking funds for specific students. The bill requires SGOs to annually report compliance to the Minnesota Department of Education, which must then post a list of qualified organizations online. The law explicitly states it does not grant schools or districts additional control over nonpublic schools or students.

Maddy summaryHF 3497 requires gun owners to store loaded firearms securely in locations where children **and** individuals prohibited from owning firearms (under Section 624.713) cannot access them. It amends Minnesota Statute 609.666 to make it a gross misdemeanor to negligently leave a loaded firearm where such prohibited persons might gain access, unless reasonable security measures are taken. The bill directly affects gun owners who store firearms without securing them from these specific groups. This change expands the previous law, which only addressed children, to include all legally prohibited firearm possessors.

Maddy summaryHF 3518 allocates $1 million from the general fund for one-time grants to local governments (cities and counties) in Minnesota. The funding is specifically for additional traffic safety enforcement activities in designated "safe road zones" under state law. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2027, and is intended to support local efforts to improve road safety in targeted areas. The bill does not create new laws or alter existing enforcement rules, only providing the funding mechanism.

Maddy summaryHF 1435 modifies Minnesota's education innovation framework by updating requirements for school districts offering experiential learning programs and P-TECH schools. It requires districts to publicly adopt and regularly review plans for innovation programs (like work-based learning or project-based schools), including student outcome assessments. The bill also revises the P-TECH school approval process to mandate specific application details, such as written agreements with colleges/businesses, economic development alignment, and budget plans. These changes affect Minnesota school districts seeking to implement innovation programs or P-TECH schools, focusing on transparency and program structure. The bill recodifies related education innovation statutes without altering core program eligibility.