Rep. Larry Kraft

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the powers of Minnesota's Climate Innovation Financing Authority by allowing it to borrow money, sell financial instruments like notes and mortgages, and accept gifts or grants to fund climate projects. The legislation requires the authority to prioritize financing for greenhouse gas emission reduction projects across all regions of the state while coordinating with existing federal and state programs to avoid duplication. Key provisions include authority duties to develop eligibility standards, implement consumer protections, measure project impacts on low-income communities, and hire staff who reflect the communities they serve. The bill also mandates the authority to leverage private investment and stimulate demand through partnerships and targeted marketing strategies.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1,602,000 from the state's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to the Office of the Attorney General. The funding is specifically designated to hire six additional attorneys to support the office's legal operations. The legislation does not change existing laws or procedures but provides financial resources for staffing expansion. It directly affects the Office of the Attorney General by increasing its budget for attorney positions.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota bill creates a temporary income tax credit for residents and businesses that purchase and install solar energy systems, such as photovoltaic panels or solar water heaters. The credit allows taxpayers to reduce their state income tax liability by a percentage of their system's cost, with the percentage decreasing from 15% to 11% between 2025 and 2029, and caps the credit at $2,500 for homes and $15,000 for businesses. If the credit exceeds a taxpayer's tax bill, the state will refund the difference using funds from the general fund. The program is set to expire on January 1, 2029, and applies to systems installed during specific taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summarySF 3596 creates a one-time state-funded emergency rental assistance program for Minnesota counties and Tribal governments to help eligible households facing housing instability. Eligible households must have income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, experienced financial hardship after August 31, 2025, and be at risk of eviction or homelessness. The program covers up to two months of prospective rent, past-due rent, utility costs, or related fees for qualifying households. Counties and Tribal governments must distribute funds within four months of the bill's effective date and return any unspent money to the state.

Maddy summaryHF 1944 amends Minnesota law to require all state agencies, counties, cities, and towns to use federal standard time (not daylight saving time) year-round starting in 2025. It changes how time is referenced in state law to align with federal standards, meaning state government operations and references to time must follow federal rules. The bill automatically expires if federal law ever permits states to adopt year-round "advanced standard time." It directly affects all Minnesota local and state government entities that reference time in their operations or laws.

Maddy summaryHF 3279 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase Minnesota's sales tax rate by 0.375% (three-eighths of one percent) starting July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2052. The revenue would fund three dedicated housing programs: 25% to a homeownership opportunity fund for owner-occupied housing, 25% to a community and household stability fund for homelessness prevention services, and 50% to a rental opportunity fund for rental assistance and housing development. All Minnesotans purchasing taxable goods would pay the slightly higher tax, with funds specifically targeting housing stability for vulnerable households. The amendment requires voter approval at the 2026 general election before taking effect.

Maddy summaryHF 2986 requires Minnesota's public utilities to include specific details about virtual power plant programs in their resource plans and file formal tariffs with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission by 2026. The bill directs utilities to create programs that aggregate customer-owned devices like solar panels, home batteries, electric vehicles, and smart thermostats to reduce peak electricity demand. These programs must demonstrate how they lower customer bills, cut emissions, avoid new infrastructure, and reduce reliance on fossil-fuel peaker plants during grid stress events. The legislation also allows utilities to recover costs associated with implementing these programs through customer rates. This directly affects all Minnesota public utilities and their ratepayers through new reporting requirements and program implementation.

Maddy summaryHF 3485 modifies Minnesota school crisis management policies to require districts and charter schools to address the unique needs of students with disabilities during crisis drills. The bill adds a specific provision mandating that crisis management policies accommodate students with mobility restrictions, sensory needs, developmental or physical disabilities, mental health needs, and auditory or visual limitations. Existing requirements for five lockdown drills, five fire drills, and one tornado drill remain unchanged. This policy change directly affects all Minnesota public school districts and charter schools developing their crisis response plans.

Maddy summaryHF 3739 names Minnesota's Trunk Highway 610 as the "Hortman Memorial Highway." This bill requires the state transportation commissioner to install signs identifying the highway by its new name, replacing or adding the name to existing route signage. It directly affects travelers on Highway 610 and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, which must implement the signage changes. The bill does not alter highway maintenance, funding, or traffic rules - only the official name displayed on signs. This is a commemorative naming bill with no substantive policy changes beyond signage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's medical assistance and MinnesotaCare programs to cover the removal of intrauterine devices. It amends state statutes to mandate this coverage and directs the commissioner of human services to implement the change. The legislation also appropriates funding from the general fund and health care access fund to support these costs in fiscal years 2027 through 2029. Coverage becomes effective on January 1, 2027, or later if federal approval is required. The bill affects individuals enrolled in these health programs who need IUD removal services.