Rep. Lucy Rehm

Maddy summaryHF 513 provides a refundable sales and use tax exemption for construction materials used in specific city of Plymouth projects. It covers materials purchased between January 1, 2024, and June 30, 2028, for six city center revitalization projects: a public parking ramp, Plymouth Boulevard renovation, Plymouth Ice Center expansion, regional stormwater ponding, roadway realignment, and Plymouth Community Center expansion. Businesses pay tax upfront but receive a refund through the same process used for other qualifying projects. The exemption applies retroactively to purchases made after December 31, 2023, and is funded from the state general fund.

Maddy summaryHF 722 appropriates $1.5 million from the state general fund in fiscal year 2026 to Camp Fire Minnesota, a nonprofit organization. The funds are specifically for restoring a historic mansion to create year-round programming space and completing a waterfront erosion control project. This one-time grant is intended to expand Camp Fire Minnesota's facilities and address erosion at their waterfront property. The bill directly affects Camp Fire Minnesota by providing capital funding for these two physical infrastructure projects.

Maddy summaryHF 501 proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee equal rights under Minnesota law and prohibit state discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex - including pregnancy decisions, gender identity, and sexual orientation. If approved by voters in 2026, it would add a new section to the Minnesota Constitution requiring state actions to use the least restrictive means to achieve compelling government interests. The amendment would directly apply to all Minnesotans and state agencies, ensuring equal protection in all state laws and programs. It requires voter approval at the 2026 general election, with the question asking whether the state constitution should include these equal rights protections.

Maddy summaryHF 262 prohibits employers from paying people with disabilities less than the state minimum wage, effective August 1, 2025 for new hires and August 1, 2027 for all current employees, ending the use of federal or state special certificates that allow subminimum wages. It requires providers of home and community-based services to report data on individuals currently paid subminimum wages by August 1, 2027, including personal details and employment metrics. The bill appropriates $38,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $75,000 in fiscal year 2027 to enhance the MnCHOICES system with employment-related resources. These changes directly affect employers, service providers, and people with disabilities working in supported employment programs across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 37 proposes adding a new constitutional guarantee to Minnesota's state constitution, stating that "Elections shall be free, fair, and equal. No civil or military power shall, at any time, interfere with the free exercise of the right to vote." If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, this amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, directly affecting all Minnesotans participating in elections by establishing this fundamental principle. The bill specifies the exact wording for the constitutional amendment and the ballot question voters would see. It does not create new election procedures but enshrines this standard into the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis law requires Minnesota to rewrite the written portion of the driver's knowledge test and the driver's manual using clear, plain language by February 1, 2025. The new materials must follow specific writing rules, such as using simple sentences, active voice, and direct address to help test-takers understand traffic laws more easily. A state committee must oversee the creation of these new exams, and the Department of Public Safety is authorized to hire outside experts to help draft the content. By February 1, 2026, officials must submit a report to the legislature detailing the costs, staffing needs, and results of this implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits drug manufacturers and wholesale distributors from blocking pharmacies that have contracts with 340B covered entities from receiving discounted 340B drugs. It requires these companies to deliver such medications directly to the pharmacies unless federal law explicitly forbids the transfer. The legislation aims to ensure that pharmacies serving specific healthcare organizations can access lower-cost medications without interference from suppliers.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution from the Minnesota Legislature that formally asks Congress to overturn the Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. FEC. It requests that Congress propose a constitutional amendment to clarify that only natural persons, not corporations or other artificial entities, possess rights under the Constitution. The proposed amendment would also state that spending money to influence elections is not protected speech and would allow governments to regulate or limit campaign contributions to ensure equal political access. Additionally, the bill mandates that all permissible campaign spending must be publicly disclosed. Ultimately, the resolution directs state officials to send copies of the text to federal leaders and Minnesota's congressional representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it illegal to advertise a price for goods or services while hiding mandatory fees that consumers must pay. It defines these hidden fees as charges that are unavoidable or that a reasonable person would expect to be included in the total cost, though it excludes government taxes. Businesses must clearly show any additional flat fees or percentages before a customer selects items and again on a subtotal page before checkout. The law includes specific exemptions for motor vehicle dealers, utilities regulated by the state, and certain real estate settlement costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission from issuing permits to build pipelines designed to transport carbon dioxide. It directly affects energy companies and regulators by legally barring the approval of any new carbon dioxide pipeline routes in the state. The law takes effect immediately upon final passage, ensuring that no such permits can be granted under the current statute.