Rep. Larry Kraft

Maddy summaryHF 1762 proposes adding a new constitutional amendment to Minnesota's state constitution. If approved by voters, it would guarantee all persons equal rights under state law and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex - including protections for pregnancy decisions, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. The amendment would apply to all state actions and agencies, requiring any discriminatory state action to be the "least restrictive means" of achieving a "compelling governmental interest." The proposed amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, with implementation starting January 1, 2027, if ratified.

Maddy summaryHF 1750 establishes the Minnesota Civic Fund program, replacing the existing political contribution refund program. It allows donors to receive credits toward future political contributions instead of cash refunds, with political committees required to report redeemed credits. The bill amends campaign finance laws (Minnesota Statutes, chapters 10A and 10B) to define "contribution" to include Civic Fund credits and mandates reporting on credit redemptions. This directly affects political committees, candidates, and donors participating in Minnesota's campaign finance system.

Maddy summaryHF 1812 establishes a state-run Minnesota Health Plan to guarantee comprehensive, affordable health care for every Minnesota resident. The plan covers all necessary medical, dental, vision, mental health, and long-term care services without co-pays, with premiums based on income. It creates new state entities including the Minnesota Health Board, Health Fund, Office of Health Quality and Planning, a patient advocacy ombudsman, and an auditor for the plan. The bill also requests a federal waiver under the Affordable Care Act to modify certain health insurance requirements and appropriates funding for implementation.

Maddy summaryHF 1685 requires Minnesota's IT Services agency to combine the state's transit assistance program (currently managed by Metro Transit) into the existing Minnesota Benefits Web Portal by December 31, 2025. The bill mandates coordination with transportation, human services, and children's agencies to ensure seamless integration while allowing Metro Transit to continue processing applications. It also appropriates $1.2 million from the general fund in fiscal year 2026 specifically for this integration work. This change directly affects state agencies managing benefits and Metro Transit, aiming to streamline access for Minnesotans using transit assistance programs.

Maddy summaryHF 187 requires all school buses purchased after December 31, 2025, to be equipped with lap and shoulder belts for every passenger seat. This applies directly to Minnesota school districts purchasing new buses, affecting students and bus operators. The bill mandates that passengers must use the belts unless a parent or guardian provides written notice opting out. It also includes liability protections for school districts if a passenger isn't wearing a belt, as long as the bus meets safety standards. The requirement takes effect for buses bought after 2025, not retroactively applying to existing fleets.

Maddy summaryHF 1473 modifies a $26 million state appropriation for Hennepin County to build a new anaerobic digestion recycling facility in Brooklyn Park. The bill requires Hennepin County to submit a plan for closing the existing Hennepin Energy Recovery Center before funds can be used, and specifies that the project includes demolishing the County Sheriff's facility on the site. This funding covers predesign, construction, and equipment for the new recycling recovery facility. The bill directly affects Hennepin County and residents of Brooklyn Park through the facility's development and the transition from the old recovery center.

Maddy summaryHF 1533 amends Minnesota's corporate franchise tax laws to treat certain foreign corporations operating in Minnesota as "unitary" businesses. It directly affects foreign corporations that meet the new definition of a "tax haven" (e.g., jurisdictions with opaque tax regimes, preferential treatment for foreign entities, or favorable tax avoidance structures). The bill adds definitions for "tax haven" and requires corporations with significant business in such jurisdictions to have their worldwide income apportioned and taxed under Minnesota's unitary tax rules, rather than just income generated within the state. Key provisions include aligning Minnesota tax deductions with federal "Global intangible low-taxed income" (section 951A) and "Subpart F income" rules. The changes take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 678 establishes a two-year traffic calming program for Minnesota's largest cities (cities of the first class), appropriating $10 million for fiscal year 2026 and $10 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund. Funding is distributed equally between two methods: 50% based on each city's population share (using 2020 census data) and 50% based on cities' documented financial needs per state law. Eligible improvements include safety features like curb bump-outs, raised crosswalks, traffic islands, and other street modifications designed to slow vehicles and improve pedestrian safety. This is a one-time appropriation specifically for cities, not for general state road projects.

Maddy summaryHF 421 prohibits Minnesota public and private higher education institutions from giving preferential treatment in admissions based on a student's "legacy status" (having a family member who attended the institution) or a family's donor relationship with the school. The bill directly affects all colleges and universities in Minnesota that consider such factors during admissions decisions. Key provisions explicitly ban admissions decisions influenced by legacy ties or donor connections, requiring institutions to evaluate applicants solely on standard criteria. The University of Minnesota Board of Regents is specifically requested to comply with this prohibition. This bill aims to eliminate preferential admissions practices tied to family connections or financial contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 513.075 to update language in cohabitation agreements from gendered terms ("a man and a woman") to gender-neutral language. It directly affects unmarried couples living together in Minnesota who enter into written property and financial agreements. The key change replaces outdated terminology while keeping the same requirements: agreements must be in writing, signed by both parties, and enforced only after the relationship ends. This is a straightforward terminology update with no change to the legal requirements or protections for cohabiting couples.