Rep. Mike Howard

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota housing laws to regulate how landlords handle final utility billing for tenants leaving their units and to improve protections for tenants using digital payment systems. For tenants moving out, landlords can issue estimated final utility bills based on the previous billing period if the actual bill hasn't arrived, while limiting additional fees to specific administrative charges and late fees tied only to the prior period. The bill also requires landlords to offer alternative payment methods when digital platforms fail and prohibits eviction or late fees if both the digital system and the provided alternative are nonfunctional. These changes directly affect landlords and tenants in Minnesota by clarifying billing procedures and strengthening tenant protections against payment system failures.

Maddy summaryHF 3408 bans retailers from setting personalized prices for goods based on consumer surveillance data like facial recognition, biometric scans, or location tracking. It directly affects stores selling physical items (including retail food stores) by prohibiting the use of electronic surveillance technology to create customized pricing for individual shoppers. The bill defines prohibited data broadly to include biometric information, browsing history, and other personal details collected through surveillance methods. Retailers must now use standard pricing approaches instead of surveillance-based price setting.

Maddy summaryHF 3555 establishes rules for small, portable solar panels (under 1,200 watts) that homeowners can install to offset personal electricity use. The bill exempts these plug-in solar devices from requiring utility connection agreements, net metering rules, and additional fees or approvals. It also clarifies that utilities cannot be held liable for damage caused by these devices. This directly affects residential users seeking simple, low-barrier solar energy solutions without utility bureaucracy. The bill creates specific definitions and exemptions within Minnesota's energy code for these devices.

Maddy summaryHF 3806 authorizes Minnesota to issue up to $200 million in housing infrastructure bonds for projects like affordable housing development and repairs. It requires annual transfers from the state general fund to a dedicated bond account, with specific yearly limits (ranging from $800,000 to $6.4 million) depending on the bond series. These transfers will occur each July 15 from 2028 through 2049 for the new bonds authorized under this bill. The funds will support housing infrastructure initiatives managed through the state’s housing finance program, directly affecting projects eligible for these bond-funded resources.

Maddy summarySF 2691 establishes clear standards for rent, utility charges, and fees in Minnesota manufactured home parks. It requires uniform rent rates (except for lot size/location or special services), prohibits fees based on household size, guests, home size, or occupancy, and mandates itemized billing for utilities. The bill also requires park owners to address safety hazards like dangerous trees within 14 days of resident notice and gives residents 60 days' written notice before rent increases. These changes directly affect manufactured home park residents and owners by increasing transparency and limiting arbitrary charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota counties to use state housing aid payments to cover the administrative costs of managing qualifying housing projects. The legislation directly affects county governments and the organizations that distribute housing funds, expanding the range of eligible expenses beyond just direct project costs. Key provisions clarify that administrative expenses are permitted but capped at a specific percentage of the total aid received, while also updating the list of qualifying projects to include emergency shelter operations and market-rate housing development in non-metropolitan areas. The bill ensures that funds continue to prioritize affordable housing for low-income households while providing counties with greater flexibility to manage the programs effectively. These changes are set to take effect for housing aid payments made in 2027 and later.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new 100% tax on money obtained through fraud by individuals or organizations, regardless of whether they have already paid fines or restitution. It applies to those convicted by a court, those identified by the state revenue commissioner as having committed fraud, and anyone paid to help facilitate such fraudulent activities. The revenue collected from this tax must be used exclusively to provide relief for state income or property taxes. The law takes effect retroactively for fraud cases determined after December 31, 2019.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Metropolitan Airports Commission to increase transparency regarding flights at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport that transport detained immigrants. Specifically, it mandates that the airport operator notify the commission whenever U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrives or departs with passengers being held in restraints. The legislation also requires the commission to install a live-streaming camera to record these flights and to submit monthly reports detailing the number of detained individuals, including minors, on each trip. These measures are designed to provide the public and state officials with real-time data and regular updates on immigration-related air traffic at the airport.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how local sales tax revenue is shared between cities and counties in Minnesota's metropolitan areas. Under the new rules, 75% of the funds will go to counties while 25% goes to cities, reversing the previous 50-50 split. The legislation also clarifies that money in the city aid account can come from donations or transfers, not just sales tax proceeds. These adjustments affect how housing assistance funds are allocated to local governments responsible for affordable housing programs.

Maddy summaryMinnesota House File 5013 provides supplemental funding to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years. The bill allocates $100 million in total, with specific amounts designated for family homeless prevention ($33 million) and home ownership assistance ($34 million). Key provisions allow the agency to award grants to existing program partners and require the collection of voluntary demographic data to address homeownership disparities among different communities. This legislation directly affects the state housing agency and the programs it supports to assist families at risk of homelessness and help individuals become homeowners.