Rep. Mike Howard

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's high-rise sprinkler system grant program to provide $10 million in funding for the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. It directly affects owners of eligible high-rise affordable housing buildings (75+ feet tall or 7+ stories, with at least two-thirds of units affordable to households earning 50-60% of area median income). The program allows grants/loans up to $2 million per building for sprinkler installation, requiring a 25% match for nonprofits and 50% for for-profits. The funding comes from a one-time transfer of $10 million from the general fund to the housing development fund, then appropriated to the agency for this specific program.

Maddy summaryHF 1931 would give Minnesota's Attorney General the authority to enforce state laws governing common interest communities, such as homeowners associations and condominiums. The bill adds a new section to state law stating the Attorney General can investigate and prosecute violations of these community rules under existing enforcement powers. This change would take effect on January 1, 2026, and directly impacts how community governance laws are enforced across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 3027 allows Minnesota cities and counties to impose local sales taxes for specific infrastructure projects (like roads or public facilities), but only after securing state legislative approval and voter consent. The bill requires tax revenue to fund only the exact projects approved by voters, with cities/counties mandated to share funds with state agencies and submit annual spending reports. It also sets automatic termination once project costs are covered and prohibits new taxes for one year after expiration. This applies to taxes enacted under special law, not general sales tax authority.

Maddy summaryHF 2296 clarifies that Minnesota landlords cannot disclose a tenant's status as a victim of violence, relocation address, or other sensitive information provided in tenant notices or qualifying documents. Landlords must keep this information private and cannot share it through shared databases or with third parties, except in limited legal situations like court proceedings with the tenant's consent. Violating this rule subjects landlords to $2,000 in statutory damages plus legal fees for the tenant. The law directly protects tenants who are victims of violence from potential harm or discrimination due to unauthorized disclosure. It becomes effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 2147 exempts hot tubs or whirlpools on houseboats and single-unit rental properties from most public pool safety requirements in Minnesota. It requires property owners to ensure water temperature stays below 106°F, test chlorine/bromine, pH, and alkalinity before each rental, and provide renters with a specific notice about the exemption. The bill mandates a posted warning: "NOTICE: This spa is exempt from certain state and local sanitary requirements... USE AT YOUR OWN RISK." It directly affects rental property owners, resorts, and renters of these properties, while prohibiting local governments from adding extra requirements for qualifying hot water pools.

Maddy summaryHF 2018 requires Minnesota municipalities to permit multifamily residential developments (buildings with 13+ units or mixed-use buildings with ≥50% residential space) in zoning districts that allow commercial uses, effective until December 31, 2029. It limits local governments' ability to block such projects through comprehensive plan amendments or zoning changes, mandating approval under defined conditions. Municipalities must still enforce standards for public health, safety, infrastructure, and existing environmental protections (e.g., floodplains). The bill directly affects local zoning decisions, developers seeking to build apartment complexes, and residents in communities with commercial zoning. It does not override state/federal prohibitions or require affordable housing in all projects.

Maddy summaryHF 3158 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds vote in both the Minnesota House and Senate to authorize public funding for the design, construction, or renovation of a professional sports facility. Currently, a simple majority vote suffices for such funding. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, where they will decide whether to adopt the two-thirds requirement. If approved by voters, this change would become part of the Minnesota Constitution, affecting future legislative decisions on sports facility funding.

Maddy summaryHF 2140 requires certain Minnesota municipalities to create "mixed-use housing zones" by June 30, 2027. Covered cities include those in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington counties, plus any municipality with 10,000+ residents. These zones must permit residential developments with at least three units (within 0.5 miles of certain streets) or four units (within 0.25 miles), including duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. The bill defines "mixed-use development" as buildings where at least 50% of usable space is for residential units, and it exempts these zoning changes from requiring comprehensive plan amendments before 2029.

Maddy summaryHF 1914 appropriates state funds for three key human services programs in Minnesota. It provides emergency services grants for immediate crisis support, county grants to address homelessness gaps (prioritizing Tribal Nation partnerships and interventions like 24/7 shelters), and funding for provider capacity-building collaboratives. The capacity-building program helps service providers access stable funding streams, including Medicaid waivers and housing support programs. These funds are allocated for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with unspent first-year money rolling over to the second year. The bill directly affects counties, service providers, and people experiencing homelessness by expanding access to crisis support and housing-focused services.

Maddy summaryHF 2013 limits certain local regulations on residential development in Minnesota. It prohibits municipalities from requiring specific building materials, designs, or aesthetic features beyond the State Building Code (chapter 326B), and bans minimum square footage requirements for residential projects. The bill directly affects developers and homeowners seeking building permits, as local governments can no longer impose these specific restrictions. It includes an exception for developments built by the municipality itself. The law takes effect the day after final enactment.