Rep. Mike Howard

Maddy summaryHF 2740 requires Minnesota’s Housing Finance Agency commissioner to submit annual reports on affordable housing funding applications, awards, and housing units (including construction/renovation types), plus annual financial stability data broken down by region. It limits commitment terms for low-income tax credit programs to match federal compliance periods (Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code), directly affecting housing providers who must meet these requirements. The bill also mandates the commissioner to develop a policy framework for stabilizing affordable housing by identifying regulatory relief options and proposing improvements by January 2026, with $ appropriated from the Housing Development Fund for this work. These provisions primarily impact affordable housing providers, local governments receiving aid, and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million for Minnesota's supportive housing program, with $9 million specifically targeting U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Continuum of Care grantees facing funding gaps before December 2026. It allows noncompetitive grants to existing HUD recipients to fill these gaps, covering permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and related services. Grantees must report every 90 days on fund usage and people served, with compiled reports shared with lawmakers and the Legislative Reference Library. The funding is a one-time appropriation under Minnesota Statutes §462A.42.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota housing and assistance programs by clarifying rules for who can receive housing aid funds and how wages earned from lived-experience engagement are treated. It defines specific individuals and businesses as ineligible for housing grants or loans if they or their related entities have previously received tax credits for housing investments, while also specifying that wages earned from serving as community reviewers or providing feedback on housing programs do not count as income for public assistance eligibility. The legislation also updates eligible uses for housing aid funds and removes certain reporting requirements for emergency rental assistance, while making technical changes to existing housing statutes.

Maddy summaryHF 3435 limits access to Minnesota school sites by federal immigration officials. It requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other DHS agents to show valid identification, provide a written statement of purpose, and obtain a judicial warrant before entering schools. School officials must also approve entry and restrict such agents to areas without students present, even if all requirements are met. The bill applies directly to federal immigration enforcement personnel and school districts operating under Minnesota law.

Maddy summaryHF 3433 bans the possession of specific semiautomatic firearms designated as "military-style assault weapons," including models like AK-47s, AR-15s, and weapons with features such as folding stocks or pistol grips. The bill defines banned weapons to cover both listed models (e.g., Colt AR-15) and similar firearms with minor modifications like enhanced magazines or barrel attachments. It amends Minnesota statutes to impose criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment, for violating the possession ban. This law directly affects individuals who own these specific firearms, requiring them to comply with the new restrictions.

Maddy summaryHF 3402 bans the possession, manufacture, import, and transfer of large-capacity ammunition magazines in Minnesota. It defines these as feeding devices holding more than ten rounds (with exceptions for permanently modified devices, .22 caliber tubes, and lever-action tubular magazines). The law takes effect July 1, 2026, requiring current owners to surrender, modify, permanently alter, or remove their magazines by July 1, 2027. Violations carry felony penalties of up to five years in prison or $25,000 in fines. Law enforcement, military personnel, and licensed dealers are exempt under specific conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 2149, the Consumer Grocery Pricing Fairness Act, prohibits large grocery suppliers from offering different terms of sale (like price, discounts, or payment terms) to retailers purchasing the same volume of covered goods. It applies specifically to suppliers with over $6 billion in annual sales to retailers and dominant retailers with over $18 billion in annual sales across 20+ states. The law targets grocery items (excluding gasoline, prescription drugs, tobacco, and alcohol) and requires suppliers to offer identical per-unit terms to all comparable retailers. Violations could result in civil penalties, aiming to ensure fair pricing practices in Minnesota's grocery market.

Maddy summaryHF 162 requires Minnesota's Department of Revenue to post specific corporate franchise tax information online within one month after the third calendar year following a corporation's taxable year. It directly affects large Minnesota corporations with $250 million or more in annual gross sales or receipts, including those in unitary business groups. The bill mandates posting the corporation's franchise tax return, related calculation forms, and state tax identity, while explicitly excluding federal tax information. This rule applies to data for calendar years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 3410 updates Minnesota law to give tenants facing eviction for nonpayment of rent more options to avoid losing their homes. The bill allows tenants to pay overdue rent plus interest, court costs, and up to $5 in attorney fees using a written guarantee from a qualified nonprofit rental assistance program (like a 501(c)(3) organization) or a third party who swears they will pay the landlord. This replaces a previous option that permitted guarantees from government agencies. The changes apply to eviction cases filed after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHF 3415 restricts federal immigration agents (like those from ICE, CBP, or USCIS) from entering Minnesota child care centers without specific authorization. Licensed or certified child care centers must require federal agents to present valid ID, a written purpose statement, a judicial warrant, and obtain approval from the center owner before entry. Even with these requirements, centers must limit agent access to areas where children are not present. This bill directly affects all licensed and certified license-exempt child care centers in Minnesota by establishing clear protocols for federal agent access.