Rep. Larry Kraft

Maddy summaryThis bill expands tax increment financing (TIF) revenue uses for Minnetonka, Richfield, and St. Louis Park. It allows these cities to redirect up to 15% more TIF revenue (previously limited to local projects) to transfer directly to local housing trust funds. Funds transferred must support rental housing for households at or below 80% of area median income or homeownership for households at or below 120% of area median income. The transferred funds no longer count as TIF revenue for annual reporting purposes under state law.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's HF 1146 establishes the "Minnesota SNAP Step Up for Seniors" program, which provides a state-funded supplement to federal SNAP benefits for Minnesotans aged 55 or older. The bill ensures that seniors receiving SNAP benefits below $50 per month receive additional state funds to bring their total monthly benefit up to at least $50. The supplement is added to existing SNAP benefits and is not counted as income for other programs. The bill appropriates state funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to cover this supplemental benefit.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 10A.01 to explicitly include the Public Utilities Commission's (PUC) statutory actions under the definition of "administrative action" for campaign finance purposes. Previously, routine PUC rule applications were excluded from this definition, but the amendment clarifies that PUC decisions like rate setting, power plant siting, and certificate approvals now fall under it. The change directly affects how campaign finance disclosures apply to the PUC's regulatory activities. It updates Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 2, to ensure consistent treatment of PUC actions alongside other state agencies.

Maddy summaryHF 2254 adds a $400 "baby bonus" to Minnesota's existing child credit for each qualifying child born during the tax year. This directly affects Minnesota taxpayers with newborn children, increasing their state income tax credit. The bill modifies the child credit calculation by adding the $400 per newborn (without reducing the minimum credit amount) and allows for potential advance payments. It takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 983 appropriates $15 million from bond proceeds and $11.5 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to fund Minnesota's Local Road Wetland Replacement Program. This program replaces wetlands drained during public road repairs, as required by state law (Minnesota Statutes §103G.222), and is administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources. The bill authorizes the sale of $15 million in state bonds and allocates an additional $7.5 million annually from 2026-2027, plus $2 million yearly for program administration. It requires fair market value pricing for land/easement purchases and allows the Board to acquire wetland replacement credits through agreements with federal agencies or private entities.

Maddy summaryHF 35 requires all health insurance plans in Minnesota to create a maternal mental health program by January 1, 2026. The program must ensure comprehensive care for pregnant and postpartum individuals by mandating screenings during the perinatal period, requiring fair reimbursement for providers who conduct screenings or provide treatment, and ensuring timely referrals to mental health specialists when needed. This directly affects health insurance plans covering these services and aims to improve access to mental health care for this population. The bill prohibits unreasonable delays in referrals for clinically indicated cases, such as positive mental health screenings or reports of suicidal thoughts.

Maddy summaryHF 2005 requires the Minnesota State Building Code commissioner to adopt specific rules for straw bale construction and hempcrete construction. This procedural bill mandates rulemaking to establish standards for these alternative building methods but does not set the rules themselves. The bill directly affects builders, developers, and inspectors who may use these materials in construction projects. It focuses on creating a regulatory framework for these sustainable building techniques within Minnesota's building code.

Maddy summaryHF 325 prohibits retailers from selling or offering for sale flavored nitrous oxide canisters to consumers in Minnesota. It defines "flavored nitrous oxide" as canisters that impart taste or smell and specifies that "retailers" include any business selling this product to Minnesota consumers. Violating this ban is classified as a misdemeanor. The law directly affects businesses selling these products within Minnesota, targeting a specific type of product (flavored nitrous oxide canisters) without banning nitrous oxide itself.

Maddy summaryHF 1574 modifies Minnesota's towing laws by requiring property owners and towing companies to display clear, visible signs explaining towing rules. The bill specifies that signs must be unobstructed, state why a vehicle may be towed, identify the towing company, and note where vehicles will be taken. It also clarifies towing timeframes: vehicles on properly posted private nonresidential property can be towed immediately, while unposted property requires 24 hours' notice. These changes directly affect property owners, businesses, and towing services operating in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 1817 increases the annual surcharge for all-electric vehicles from $75 to $100 (effective August 1, 2025), while adding a new $25 surcharge for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Both surcharges are adjusted every three years based on changes to Minnesota’s gasoline excise tax, rounded to the nearest $5 increment. Revenue from these surcharges must be deposited into the Transportation Impact Assessment and Mitigation Account. Additionally, if the account balance exceeds 50% of annual deposits, 90% of the excess must be transferred to the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund starting in 2027.