Rep. Steve Elkins

Maddy summaryHF 1088 extends an existing property tax exemption for land owned by the Bloomington Port Authority. The exemption, previously covering taxes for 2017-2025, is now extended to cover taxes payable in 2026-2031, provided the property continues to meet the requirements of Minnesota law. The Port Authority must file a renewal application with the local assessor by June 30, 2025, to maintain the exemption. This bill specifically affects Bloomington's Port Authority property acquired in 2016 and does not create a new exemption or apply broadly to other properties.

Maddy summaryHF 1130 appropriates $300,000 from Minnesota's workforce development fund to the city of Bloomington for workforce development programming in fiscal year 2026. The funds specifically support initiatives like the Bloom in Bloomington youth summer internship program, aiming to create job opportunities for young residents. The appropriation is available until June 30, 2028, and is directed to the commissioner of employment and economic development for disbursement to Bloomington. This bill directly affects Bloomington's workforce development efforts and local youth participants in the designated programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1089 authorizes the city of Bloomington to issue on-sale beer and wine licenses for the Dwan Golf Course, a facility owned and operated by the city. This allows the golf course to sell alcoholic beverages on-site, treating the city as the licensee under Minnesota liquor laws. The bill directly affects Bloomington's ability to operate alcohol sales at its municipally owned Dwan Golf Course, aligning with existing statutes for municipal liquor sales.

Maddy summaryHF 1077 requires large healthcare providers - including hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, and practices with over $50 million in annual revenue that offer specific services like diagnostic imaging, lab tests, or certain surgeries (e.g., joint replacements, cataract surgery) - to publicly list their standard charges for all services. It modifies disclosure requirements by phasing down revenue thresholds over time (from $50 million in 2024 to $10 million by 2026) and defines "standard charge" to include negotiated rates with insurers and cash prices. The bill also prohibits debt collection actions (like sending to collectors or suing) for unpaid bills related to these services and authorizes patients or guarantors to take specific steps if they dispute charges. This aims to increase price transparency and protect patients from aggressive collection tactics for routine medical services.

Maddy summaryHF 140 establishes a Minnesota state-funded grant program to help counties and cities improve cybersecurity. It appropriates $20 million for fiscal year 2026 to provide grants covering up to $25,000 per project (with supplemental grants for larger needs up to $1 million total per jurisdiction) for eligible cybersecurity expenses like software, hardware, data backups, and professional services. Local governments lacking resources to access other cybersecurity programs can apply, with grants prioritized based on risk reduction, critical infrastructure protection, and geographic equity. The commissioner must annually report grant details - including recipient, amount, and use - to the legislature by January 15 each year.

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 bill increases the professional dispensing fee for pharmacies in Minnesota from $10.77 to $11.55 for specific prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The change applies to legend drugs, compounded intravenous solutions, and certain over-the-counter medications dispensed in quantities equal to or greater than the manufacturer's original package. The legislation also clarifies how payment rates are calculated based on drug costs, outlines rules for billing long-term care facilities, and sets standards for specialty pharmacy products.

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.