Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn

Maddy summaryHF 2228 establishes a 13-member task force to address insurance affordability issues affecting homeowners, renters in multifamily housing, common interest communities, cooperatives, and small businesses. The task force will review topics like risk mitigation, liability laws, reinsurance markets, and climate-related claim costs, then submit recommendations by February 2026. The bill appropriates $200,000 from the general fund to cover the task force’s operational costs through June 2026. It does not make immediate policy changes but requires a final report with findings and draft legislation to strengthen Minnesota’s property insurance system.

Maddy summaryHF 2554 designates a specific bridge on Burnsville Parkway over Interstate Highway 35W in Burnsville, Minnesota, as the "Elmstrand * Finseth * Ruge Heroes Memorial Bridge." The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 161.14 to formally name the structure and requires the transportation commissioner to adopt appropriate signage for it. This is a commemorative measure naming a physical location, not a policy change affecting residents or creating new laws. The bridge itself is the direct subject of the designation, with no broader legislative impact beyond the memorial name and signage.

Maddy summaryHF 2994 appropriates $1 million from the workforce development fund to create a child care pilot program for Hennepin County law enforcement and first responders. The funding, available until June 2027, will help the Sheriff's Office partner with WomenVenture to recruit child care providers who can accommodate irregular work shifts, covering costs like business planning, training, and family scholarships. The program aims to improve retention by addressing a key challenge for these workers. By December 2027, the Sheriff's Office must submit a report detailing how the funds were used and recommending future child care solutions for public safety staff.

Maddy summaryHF 2436 modifies how Minnesota's Department of Education manages education funding transfers. It allows excess state budget allocations for specific education programs (like early childhood grants or special education aid) to be reallocated to underfunded programs within the same fiscal year, following proportional rules. This affects school districts and the Department of Education, as it changes the process for adjusting funding shortfalls. The bill does not create new services but adjusts administrative procedures for existing education funding mechanisms. (Note: Despite the title referencing "children and families," the bill focuses on education funding transfers, not direct child welfare services.)

Maddy summaryHF 2863 corrects technical errors in the definition of who must undergo a background study for child care providers in Minnesota. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 245C.02, subdivision 6a, to fix incorrect cross-references within the definition. This ensures the law accurately describes categories of individuals - such as employees, volunteers, applicants, and household members - who require background checks at licensed or certified child care facilities. The correction does not change existing requirements but clarifies the law to prevent confusion. It directly affects child care centers, family child care programs, and other providers regulated under state law.

Maddy summaryHF 1383 establishes the "Great Start Affordability Scholarship" program to help low-to-moderate income families pay for child care. It directly affects families with children from birth to kindergarten entry who earn under 150% of Minnesota's median income. The bill requires the program to limit child care costs to no more than 7% of a family's annual income, transitions existing child care assistance into this new system by July 2028, and mandates participating child care providers to meet quality standards through Minnesota's rating system. Families must renew scholarships annually, and providers must use scholarship funds to supplement, not replace, existing federal funding.

Maddy summaryHF 1002 appropriates $15 million for the Head Start program in fiscal year 2026 and $15 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund. This funding directly supports Minnesota's Head Start program, which provides early childhood education and family services to low-income preschool children. The bill directs these funds to the commissioner of children, youth, and families for implementation under Minnesota Statutes section 142D.12. The legislation makes no changes to program eligibility or structure, solely providing dedicated state funding for existing Head Start services.

Maddy summaryHF 2362 appropriates $3 million for fiscal year 2026 and $3 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of children, youth, and families. This funding is designated for existing youth intervention programs under Minnesota Statutes section 142A.43. The bill adds these amounts to the base funding for these programs, providing ongoing support. It directly affects state-administered youth intervention services by increasing their available resources.

Maddy summaryHF 3059 modifies Minnesota's child care assistance program to better serve specific families. It requires the commissioner to provide direct child care services through grants or contracts for families in underserved areas, with infants/toddlers, or with children with disabilities. The bill also changes redetermination rules to limit eligibility reviews to once yearly (with exceptions for student parents), mandates use of a standardized county form, and updates parent co-payment fees based on income levels. These changes directly affect low-income families receiving child care assistance, county agencies administering the program, and child care providers. The fee schedule now specifies exact percentages for parent payments across various income ranges relative to federal poverty guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million from the state general fund for Minnesota's Lawns to Legumes program, which supports homeowners in replacing grass lawns with soil-enriching legume plants like clover. The funds, available until June 2029, are administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources and can be used to partner with local governments and organizations. The program aims to improve soil health and reduce fertilizer use by incentivizing legume-based lawn alternatives. This is a one-time funding allocation for fiscal year 2026.