Rep. Mike Howard

Maddy summarySF 2298 is a comprehensive housing bill that combines new policy measures with funding to address homelessness and housing stability. It directly affects housing providers, local governments, and individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness by expanding support programs and allocating state funds. Key provisions include increasing funding for emergency shelter beds, creating new rental assistance programs for vulnerable tenants, and establishing requirements for local housing plans. The bill, now law after gubernatorial approval on May 23, 2025, focuses on preventing homelessness through both financial resources and structural policy changes.

Maddy summaryHF 3339 reinstates a citizen advisory board for Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which was eliminated by the legislature in 2015. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to require the governor to appoint eight citizen members who must reflect the state's racial, gender, and geographic diversity, including at least one Tribal Nation member, three members from environmental justice communities, one small farmer, and one labor union member. This board will review specific agency decisions - such as permits, environmental impact statements, and rule changes - and provide public input on environmental policies. The change directly affects how the MPCA makes decisions, adding a layer of public oversight previously removed.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes Minnesota's temporary aid program for cities with qualifying low-income rental properties permanent. It requires annual funding from the general fund to pay cities based on a formula comparing their tax capacity for these properties in 2023 versus prior years. The aid amount is calculated using the city's 2024 tax rate multiplied by a "modified tax capacity" figure. The program will apply to aid payments starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (not a bill with policy changes), passed by the Minnesota House. It urges Congress to exercise its constitutional authority to oversee the Executive branch and defend the Constitution. The resolution specifically cites concerns about the Executive branch allegedly bypassing courts, impounding funds, and infringing on free speech, and asks Congress to "assert its constitutional oversight authority." It directs Minnesota's Secretary of State to send copies to Congress and Minnesota's federal representatives.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution, not a law. Minnesota's legislature formally urges the President to respect and comply with federal court rulings, specifically referencing the Trump administration's refusal to follow a court order regarding an immigration case. The resolution directs Minnesota's Secretary of State to send copies to the President, Congress, and Minnesota's congressional delegation. It has no legal effect but serves as a formal statement supporting judicial independence.

Maddy summaryHF 3292 requires Minnesota to study how U.S. tariffs and retaliatory tariffs from other countries impact state households and businesses. The bill appropriates funds to the commissioner of management and budget to examine these economic effects, specifically breaking down impacts by household income level and business sector/size. The study must be completed and reported to legislative committees by February 1, 2026. This bill directly affects all Minnesotans and businesses through the mandated analysis of existing tariff policies.

Maddy summaryHF 1837 updates Minnesota's state government administrative procedures. It amends statutes to clarify the Department of Administration's role in implementing the federal 21st Century Assistive Technology Act, ensuring the Minnesota Assistive Technology Advisory Council remains permanent and properly staffed with experts from key agencies. The bill also requires state agencies to notify legislative committees before starting most capital projects (excluding ADA compliance or preservation work), and revises reimbursement processes for state revolving funds used by agencies. These changes directly affect state agencies managing capital projects, assistive technology programs, and administrative funding systems, with no new programs or funding created.

Maddy summaryHF 3291 clarifies Minnesota's anti-discrimination law for public accommodations (like businesses and services open to the public) by specifying prohibited conduct related to disability access. It explicitly requires closed-captioning for television services when provided to others and defines accessible medical equipment (such as adjustable examination tables, transfer boards, and lifts) that must be available for individuals with mobility disabilities. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes § 363A.11 to clarify that businesses must provide equal access through reasonable modifications and cannot exclude people with disabilities without justification. This directly affects public accommodations that serve customers with disabilities, ensuring they meet specific accessibility standards. The changes focus on concrete policy requirements rather than new prohibitions.

Maddy summaryHF 3294 is a non-binding resolution passed by the Minnesota House of Representatives. It urges the President and Congress to fully fund Medicaid and oppose federal funding cuts, directly affecting Minnesota's 1.2 million Medicaid beneficiaries - including children (41% covered), seniors, people with disabilities, and communities of color (covering 80-90% of Black and American Indian births). The resolution has no new funding mechanisms or state policy changes; it solely requests federal action. It does not impose new requirements or alter existing Medicaid programs.

Maddy summaryHF 3270 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish an Independent Redistricting Commission that would draw Minnesota's legislative and congressional district lines instead of the legislature. It also creates a panel to review commission applicants, sets guidelines for redistricting, and prohibits former legislators from lobbying for one year after leaving office. The bill amends session rules to limit regular legislative sessions to 120 days and sets specific convening requirements. These changes would directly affect Minnesota voters through district boundaries, legislators through the lobbying restriction, and the redistricting process itself. The proposal requires voter approval to take effect.