Rep. Steve Elkins

Maddy summaryHF 1087 appropriates $300,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $300,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the I-494 Corridor Commission. The funds are designated for the Commission's programming, staffing, communications, outreach, education program development, and operations management. This one-time appropriation requires full disbursement by July 31 each year, with no funds retained by the commissioner of transportation.

Maddy summaryHF 1697 modifies Minnesota's tax code to allow Class II and Class III railroads to transfer unused tax credits for infrastructure upgrades (like track, bridges, and sidings) to other businesses. The bill creates a process where eligible railroads can apply for a "credit certificate" for qualified investments, then transfer the unused credit amount via written agreement to eligible taxpayers subject to state income tax. Transferees must document the transfer with the state, and the credit can be used over five years. This applies retroactively to tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, affecting railroads and businesses under Minnesota Statutes chapter 290.

Maddy summaryHF 1359 increases funding for solid waste management by changing how fees collected from waste management are allocated. Starting in 2026, 7% of these fees will go to a resource management account (rising to 20% in 2027 and 30% after 2028), instead of the general fund. The funds must be distributed to counties for waste management programs under state law. This directly affects counties receiving these allocations and changes the percentage of fees dedicated to environmental resource management over time. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 504 requires Minnesota's commissioner of health to establish a school-based telehealth program providing mental and physical health care to students through remote visits. The program will be run by a single telehealth provider selected via competitive bidding, with participating school districts (public and charter schools) required to offer services free of charge to all enrolled students, including waiving costs for uninsured students. Funding includes up to $22 per student annually, one-time setup costs, and program evaluation, with school districts prohibited from using the service to replace existing school health staff like nurses or counselors. The program mandates annual reports on student access to health care, starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 1427 requires ride-hailing companies operating in Minnesota to make at least 15% of their vehicles wheelchair accessible by 2026 and adopt clear nondiscrimination policies. Companies must pay a 15-cent surcharge per non-accessible ride (funded into a dedicated account), submit annual reports on accessibility metrics (like wheelchair vehicle availability and denial rates), and display fare information transparently before rides. This directly affects ride-hailing services and improves access for people with disabilities who rely on wheelchair-accessible transportation. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $15,000.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $13 million from state bond proceeds to fund sanitary sewer improvements in north central Bloomington, including the Penn American District. The funds will support the city's design, construction, and equipment for expanding sewer capacity to meet growing needs. The state will issue bonds up to $13 million to provide this funding, as authorized under Minnesota Statutes. The money directly benefits Bloomington residents and local infrastructure by addressing capacity limitations in the specified area.

Maddy summaryHF 1137 increases the annual reporting threshold for municipalities from $5,000 to $7,000 for construction and development-related fees collected from developers and builders. It requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Labor and Industry to establish a cost-per-square-foot valuation for specific residential properties (one-family, two-family, townhouses, and accessory buildings). This valuation will help municipalities set building permit fees more consistently. The bill directly affects cities and towns that collect these fees, as well as developers and construction businesses paying them. The changes amend Minnesota Statutes sections 326B.145 (reporting requirements) and 326B.153 (fee-setting mechanisms).

Maddy summaryHF 1139 requires new residential buildings with on-site parking to include electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, such as EV-ready spaces, EV-capable spaces, or charging stations, either within or adjacent to the building. It directly affects developers and builders constructing new residential properties that provide parking, excluding buildings with fewer than four dwelling units. The bill amends Minnesota's State Building Code to mandate these infrastructure requirements for all qualifying new residential buildings. This policy change aims to support EV adoption by integrating charging capabilities into new housing construction.

Maddy summaryHF 1138 requires residential property sellers in Minnesota to disclose a property's previous year's electricity, natural gas, and water costs to prospective buyers, along with how those costs compare to the statewide average for similar homes. It also mandates that real estate listings include the property's most recent Home Energy Rating System Index score, if available. Utility companies must provide the required cost data to sellers upon request. This bill directly affects residential sellers, real estate agents, and listing platforms by adding new disclosure requirements to property transactions.

Maddy summaryHF 1103 modifies Minnesota's medication repository program to improve how unused drugs and medical supplies are accepted, stored, and distributed. It sets specific eligibility rules for donations, requiring drugs to have at least six months remaining until expiration, be unopened in original packaging, and not be controlled substances. The bill also mandates that repositories verify donor information, inspect all donations with a pharmacist, and maintain detailed electronic inventories of accepted items. Additionally, repositories may now purchase drugs from licensed wholesalers when donations are insufficient to fill patient prescriptions. This directly affects medication repositories, donors (like pharmacies and manufacturers), and patients receiving donated medications.