Rep. Alex Falconer

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state wealth tax in Minnesota that would apply to individuals and trusts with taxable wealth exceeding $10 million. The tax would be calculated as one percent of the amount above that threshold, based on the total value of all property owned within Minnesota minus any debts owed by the taxpayer. Property values would be determined using the same valuation methods used for federal estate taxes, and the tax would apply to both residents and nonresidents who own property in the state. The legislation would take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and would be collected in addition to existing state taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Greenhouse Gas Pollution Superfund in Minnesota to address climate change impacts. It establishes a program that requires fossil fuel companies responsible for over one billion metric tons of emissions between 1995 and 2026 to pay into a dedicated account. The collected funds will be used to finance climate change adaptation projects for state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as for disadvantaged communities. The bill defines specific terms like "responsible party" and "covered greenhouse gas emissions" to determine which companies must contribute and what types of projects can receive funding.

Maddy summaryHF 2904 requires certain Minnesota school employers - including school districts, charter schools, and vocational education centers - to join the state's public employees insurance program. It establishes an "educator group insurance program" specifically for school employees, mandating coverage tiers that match existing school employee pool options and including high-deductible plans. The bill creates a labor management committee with 12 members (including seven from Education Minnesota and representatives from unions and school administrators) to study program issues like cost efficiency. It also requires mutual agreement between the commissioner and the committee before changing cost-sharing plans. This bill directly affects school employees and their employers by integrating them into the state's insurance framework with specific administrative structures.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the June 30, 2025 expiration date from Minnesota’s crossbow hunting and fishing allowance. It directly affects hunters and anglers who use crossbows to take deer, bear, turkey, common carp, or native rough fish during regular archery seasons. The key provision amends Minnesota Statutes section 97B.037 to eliminate the sunset provision, making the crossbow allowance permanent. This change ensures the existing crossbow hunting and fishing rules remain in effect without needing future legislative action to extend them. The bill does not alter the current requirements for licenses, transportation, or crossbow specifications.

Maddy summaryHF 1073 requires pipeline owners in Minnesota to follow specific steps when abandoning pipelines. Pipeline owners must notify landowners 60 days before ceasing operations and remove all abandoned pipelines, equipment, and infrastructure within 90 days after certifying the pipeline is purged of materials. They are also responsible for restoring land by replacing topsoil, establishing vegetation, and controlling invasive species for five years. Landowners can request removal or ask to leave pipelines in place by submitting written requests to pipeline owners and state agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires a ten percent reduction in state aid to any Minnesota county or city that displays a state flag different from the design certified by the State Emblems Redesign Commission. To enforce this penalty, local governments must notify the commissioner of revenue by December 31 each year if they have used the incorrect flag, and the aid reduction applies to payments made in the following year. The law takes effect for aid distributed in 2027, directly impacting local municipalities that choose to fly a flag other than the officially certified version.

Maddy summaryHF 3699 amends Minnesota law to require that a new state park license plate design contest must feature the North Shore and Lake Superior Agate. The bill directs the commissioner of natural resources to hold the contest under existing statute (Minnesota Statutes § 168.1295, subd. 1). This requirement specifically applies to the design of the new plate, which will be available for purchase by vehicle owners. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on the contest's design criteria, not on new funding or regulations.

Maddy summaryHF 955 modifies Minnesota's requirements for financial assurance related to nonferrous mining permits. It requires the commissioner to annually review the amount of financial assurance (such as bonds or deposits) held by operators of nonferrous mining operations to ensure it covers reclamation costs and corrective actions for permit violations. This change directly affects companies seeking or holding permits for nonferrous metallic mineral mining (like copper or nickel). The bill updates existing statutes to mandate this annual review process, ensuring funds remain sufficient as project costs may change over time. It does not alter the initial fee amounts or the types of coverage required.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals previous tax exemptions that allowed certain preferred seats and amenities at athletic events to be sold without sales tax. It also provides funding for safe harbor shelter and housing grants to support individuals experiencing homelessness. By removing the exemptions, the legislation ensures that these specific stadium seats and related amenities are now subject to standard sales tax like other retail items. The funding provision aims to allocate state money directly to organizations assisting with shelter and housing needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota pesticide regulations to specifically protect wild-rice waters from harmful pesticide impacts. It directly affects agricultural operations, state agencies, and communities near designated wild-rice habitats by requiring the Department of Agriculture to include wild-rice waters in environmental impact assessments and pesticide management plans. Key provisions define wild-rice water as any body of water supporting wild rice, mandate that pesticide violations harming these waters be treated as serious rather than minor offenses, and require the state to use integrated pest management techniques on public lands to prevent pesticide runoff into wild-rice waters. The bill also expands pesticide education requirements to include training on wild-rice water protection and establishes a $100,000 annual funding limit for expert consultation on pesticide-related issues affecting these waters.