Rep. Patty Acomb

Maddy summaryHF 76 limits how much Minnesota utility customers can pay for executive compensation. It prohibits utility regulators from approving rate increases that cover the top 10 executives' pay at public utilities with 300,000+ Minnesota retail customers if that pay exceeds the governor's annual salary. The bill defines "compensation" broadly to include salary, bonuses, and other pay, but excludes standard benefits and expense reimbursements. Utilities may still pay executives from non-ratepayer sources (like investor funds), but regulators must ensure this doesn't unfairly burden customers in other states.

Maddy summaryHF 2862 exempts certain electric generating facilities from requiring a certificate of need under Minnesota law. It specifically adds a new exemption for "new or modified electric generating facilities primarily intended to provide power to a data center," provided they comply with existing requirements in section 216B.1691, subdivision 2g. The bill also updates other existing exemptions, including for small renewable energy projects (wind/solar), efficiency upgrades (max 10% capacity increase), fuel conversions to natural gas, and transmission lines serving single customers. These changes directly affect energy developers building facilities like data centers, wind farms, and solar installations. The bill streamlines regulatory approval for these projects by removing a certificate of need requirement.

Maddy summaryHF 309 amends Minnesota Statutes §84.523 to tighten mining restrictions in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) and Rainy River headwaters. The bill requires the commissioner of natural resources to determine that proposed mining (for taconite, sand, gravel, or granite) in the Rainy River headwaters would not harm the BWCA before any permits are issued. This modifies existing law by adding this specific assessment step, directly affecting mining operations seeking approval in these areas. The change maintains the general prohibition on mining without legislative approval but adds a new administrative requirement for the commissioner to evaluate environmental impacts. The bill focuses on protecting the BWCA's wilderness character through stricter permitting conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public utilities in Minnesota to create detailed plans for building thermal energy networks, which distribute heat through underground pipes to buildings. The legislation directly affects utility companies that want to construct these heating systems, mandating that they submit comprehensive service plans to the state commission. These plans must include project costs, construction schedules, customer transition strategies, and commitments to use local labor and prevailing wage standards. The bill also expands the legal definition of "public utility" to include operators of thermal energy networks, subjecting them to existing utility regulations.

Maddy summaryHF 3555 establishes rules for small, portable solar panels (under 1,200 watts) that homeowners can install to offset personal electricity use. The bill exempts these plug-in solar devices from requiring utility connection agreements, net metering rules, and additional fees or approvals. It also clarifies that utilities cannot be held liable for damage caused by these devices. This directly affects residential users seeking simple, low-barrier solar energy solutions without utility bureaucracy. The bill creates specific definitions and exemptions within Minnesota's energy code for these devices.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework in Minnesota to create an interstate agreement called the Interstate Fiscal Sovereignty Compact, which would allow member states to hold federal taxes in a state-controlled escrow fund rather than sending them directly to the federal government. The legislation defines key terms such as "member state" and "triggering event," and sets up a process where employers would deposit withheld federal income, Social Security, and unemployment taxes into this new state treasury fund once the compact is officially activated. Currently, no action is required from employers or the state until a governing body issues an order to start the escrow operations, meaning the bill does not immediately change how taxes are collected or paid. By creating a separate escrow fund, the bill aims to give states more control over federal tax revenue, though it requires other states to pass similar laws and join the agreement for the system to function.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state program to ensure all pedestrian crossings in Minnesota comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act by December 31, 2035. The Department of Transportation is required to inventory every crosswalk, categorize their compliance status, and maintain a public database tracking these updates. Local road authorities may receive grants to inspect and repair noncompliant crossings, with priority given to smaller communities and lower-income areas. The measure also appropriates funds and authorizes state bonds to finance these accessibility improvements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HF 3556) is a naming resolution that commemorates Melissa Hortman by designating Minnesota's community solar garden program as the "Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program." It does not change any program rules, funding, or operations - it only adds a short title to Minnesota Statutes section 216B.1641. The bill directly honors Melissa Hortman, a former state legislator, through this naming. It is procedural and has no policy impact beyond the name change.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes state agencies to round small cash payments and transfers to the nearest five cents to simplify transactions, while explicitly excluding electronic payments like checks or credit cards. It also amends existing health insurance rules for nonrepresented employees and managers to change the language regarding high-deductible health plan options from mandatory to permissive. Agencies must post their rounding policies at locations where cash is handled, and the changes update the statutory text governing these specific compensation plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a one-time $10 million fund to reimburse Minnesota cities for costs related to federal immigration enforcement activities occurring between December 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026. The money will be distributed to cities based on a pro-ratio of their verified expenses for public safety, emergency management, public works, and legal services during that period. Cities must submit detailed cost reports to the state auditor for review and certification before receiving their share of the aid. If a city receives federal reimbursement for the same expenses, it must return the lesser of the federal amount or the state aid received to the state treasury.