Rep. Patty Acomb

Maddy summaryHF 2059 requires Minnesota local governments with over 5,000 residents to create automated online platforms for approving residential solar permits. These platforms must instantly issue permits for small solar systems (up to 200-amp capacity on single- or two-family homes) without manual review, processing at least 75% of typical applications. Local governments must submit an initial compliance report within 60 days of adopting the platform and annual reports starting in 2027 detailing permit usage and progress toward the 75% processing goal. The bill directly affects municipal permitting offices and residential solar customers by streamlining the approval process for rooftop solar installations.

Maddy summaryHF 3339 reinstates a citizen advisory board for Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which was eliminated by the legislature in 2015. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to require the governor to appoint eight citizen members who must reflect the state's racial, gender, and geographic diversity, including at least one Tribal Nation member, three members from environmental justice communities, one small farmer, and one labor union member. This board will review specific agency decisions - such as permits, environmental impact statements, and rule changes - and provide public input on environmental policies. The change directly affects how the MPCA makes decisions, adding a layer of public oversight previously removed.

Maddy summaryHF 2442 is primarily a budget bill appropriating $42 million annually to Minnesota's Department of Commerce for fiscal years 2026-2027, not a climate-specific policy. It funds existing programs like financial inclusion services for low-income residents ($400,000/year), a Prescription Drug Affordability Board ($500,000/year), and fraud prevention initiatives ($811,000/year for additional officers). The bill modifies administrative processes for consumer lending, cannabis licenses, and energy-related reporting (e.g., biofuels blends), but does not establish new climate or energy policies. While titled "Climate and energy finance bill," the provided text shows it focuses on general commerce funding rather than targeted climate action. The bill's energy provisions are limited to modifying existing reporting requirements, not creating new climate programs.

Maddy summaryHF 3294 is a non-binding resolution passed by the Minnesota House of Representatives. It urges the President and Congress to fully fund Medicaid and oppose federal funding cuts, directly affecting Minnesota's 1.2 million Medicaid beneficiaries - including children (41% covered), seniors, people with disabilities, and communities of color (covering 80-90% of Black and American Indian births). The resolution has no new funding mechanisms or state policy changes; it solely requests federal action. It does not impose new requirements or alter existing Medicaid programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1653 appropriates $1 million from state bonds to fund electric bus charging stations for school buses statewide. The bill directs the commissioner of commerce to provide grants to eligible school districts or public transit agencies under Minnesota Statutes §216C.374, specifically for installing Level 2 and Level 3 charging infrastructure. Funding comes from bonds sold by the state under established procedures, with grants awarded through the existing electric school bus deployment program. This measure directly affects school transportation systems seeking to transition to electric fleets, effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 2811 requires all riders under 18 operating electric-assisted bicycles in Minnesota to wear a safety-approved helmet. It also prohibits children under 15 from operating these bikes. Violators face a fine, and the bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.222, to include these safety rules for e-bike operators. The law directly affects minors who use electric-assisted bicycles on public roads or trails.

Maddy summaryHF 3007 establishes a preapplication evaluation process for projects requiring large water use (over 100 million gallons per year or 250,000 gallons per day), requiring applicants to consult with the state commissioner early in development and share details about water use, location, and source. The commissioner evaluates water availability at potential sites and responds in writing, with early communications kept confidential until a formal permit application is submitted. The bill also adds requirements for water permits to promote conservation and address conflicts, and mandates environmental impact statements for data centers expanding by 100 megawatts or more.

Maddy summaryHF 2858 allows owners of all-electric vehicles to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) and dynamic shoulder lanes without paying a fee, provided they display a special decal. To obtain the decal, owners must pay a $24 fee and apply through the state, with decals valid for four years and not transferable. The bill requires the state to create a visible decal system, manage applications, and publicize the program through signage, websites, dealer notifications, and vehicle registration materials. This directly affects all-electric vehicle owners who must apply for decals to access fee-free lane use, while the state must implement the decal program and public education. The policy changes the existing fee structure for HOV lanes by exempting eligible EVs from charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1.5 million for fiscal year 2027 from Minnesota's workforce development fund to provide a grant to "Mind the G.A.P.P." (Gaining Assistance to Prosperity Program). The funding is intended to improve employment outcomes and increase earnings potential for unemployed and underemployed Minnesotans. The grant is a one-time appropriation, with any unspent funds from the first year remaining available for the second year. It directly affects the program's ability to support job seekers through targeted workforce development services.

Maddy summaryHF 3074 creates legal rights for transportation network company (TNC) drivers in Minnesota to form and join labor organizations for collective bargaining. It directly affects "active drivers" who completed at least the median number of rides in the most recent two quarters, as defined by the bill. The law establishes a certification process where drivers can designate an exclusive representative (like a union) through the Bureau of Mediation Services, while prohibiting TNCs from controlling or dominating driver representation groups ("company unions"). Drivers gain the right to negotiate terms and conditions of work, including grievance procedures, with TNCs, and the bill defines "lockout" to prevent TNCs from restricting driver access to the platform during disputes.