Rep. Mike Howard

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota law enforcement officers from detaining or transporting suspects in vehicles not specifically designed for human transport, such as standard patrol cars. It requires all such vehicles to be owned/leased by a law enforcement agency, clearly marked with the agency's identification, and equipped with seats and seat belts for each person transported. Exceptions apply during emergencies threatening life/safety or for undercover operations. The law directly affects police departments and officers who transport detainees, aiming to standardize safe transport conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 3662 amends Minnesota's individual income tax code to require taxpayers to include certain employer-reimbursed travel expenses as taxable income. Specifically, it adds an "addition" for travel costs (like fares, meals, and lodging) paid by or reimbursed by an employer while traveling within Minnesota for immigration enforcement activities or supporting such activities. This provision applies only to expenses incurred in Minnesota and takes effect for tax years starting after December 31, 2025. The bill directly affects Minnesota taxpayers whose employers cover travel related to immigration enforcement within the state.

Maddy summaryHF 3659 requires individuals who earned income in Minnesota while participating in immigration enforcement activities or providing material support to such activities to file a Minnesota income tax return. This requirement applies even if the individual's income would normally be too low to trigger a filing obligation under standard tax rules. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to add this specific filing requirement, which takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 3668 establishes an Office of Gun Violence Prevention within Minnesota's Department of Health. The office will coordinate prevention efforts, collect and report statewide data on gun incidents/deaths, conduct research, create public health campaigns, and support victims - working with agencies like Public Safety. It requires an annual report to legislative committees by February 15 each year. The bill appropriates unspecified funding from the general fund for the office's operations in fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 3357 would prohibit the possession of dangerous weapons (including guns, ammunition, or explosives) in Minnesota's Capitol complex buildings, making it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The bill specifically applies to state buildings within the Capitol Area described in chapter 15B, excluding the National Guard Armory. Key exemptions include licensed peace officers on duty, permit holders who notify law enforcement, individuals displaying weapons as evidence with sheriff approval, and retired officers working in security roles under specific federal rules. The law would take effect on August 1, 2026, and directly affects anyone entering Capitol complex buildings, with limited exceptions for authorized personnel and specific lawful activities.

Maddy summaryHF 3434 bans the possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons (like AR-15s and AK-47s) and large-capacity ammunition magazines (holding more than 10 rounds) in Minnesota. It defines these weapons by specific models (e.g., Colt AR-15, Beretta AR-70) or features (folding stocks, pistol grips, threaded barrels). The bill creates criminal penalties for possessing these banned items and amends state law to clarify prohibited firearms and magazines. It directly affects individuals who own or possess these specific weapons or magazines. The law does not cover all semiautomatic firearms but targets models and features associated with military-style weapons.

Maddy summaryHF 1114 appropriates $50 million from the general fund for the GroundBreak Capital Access and Innovation Fund, managed by the Minneapolis Foundation. It establishes three programs: forgivable startup business loans (up to $50,000) for new Minnesota businesses lacking traditional financing, commercial real estate equity enhancements (up to $250,000) for developments under $10 million, and forgivable down payment assistance loans (up to $25,000) for first-time homebuyers in the seven-county metro area meeting income limits. Loans become fully forgiven after 3 years for businesses (with preference for those hiring employees) and 5 years for homeowners, subject to specific conditions like using funds for approved purposes. The bill directly affects Minnesota-based startups, small commercial developers, and low-income homebuyers, particularly targeting underserved communities through eligibility criteria. Funds are allocated over fiscal years 2026-2029 with annual amounts specified.

Maddy summaryHF 1080 appropriates $25 million from state bond proceeds to fund trail improvements across 52 miles of Hennepin County's regional trail system. The funds will be provided to the Three Rivers Park District to build 10.7 miles of new trails, repair 11.4 miles of existing trails, and extend the life of 30.2 miles of current trails. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $25 million in bonds to cover these costs, following Minnesota's bond issuance procedures. This funding directly benefits Hennepin County residents who use the regional trail network and the Three Rivers Park District as the project recipient.

Maddy summaryHF 1143 modifies the expiration dates for certain state aid accounts and adjusts related appropriations. It adjusts how funds are handled for specific aid programs by changing when account balances expire and modifying budget allocations. The bill directly affects state agencies managing these aid programs and their funding streams. It passed unanimously and took effect on July 1, 2025, but the context provided does not specify which exact aid programs or appropriation details were modified.

Maddy summaryHF 13 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Management and Budget to study how tariffs (import taxes) impact local households and businesses. The bill mandates a specific examination of economic effects, such as costs for consumers and businesses, on Minnesota's economy. This study would provide data to inform future policy decisions, though it does not change current tariff laws or impose new requirements on households or businesses. The bill focuses solely on gathering economic data, with no direct policy implementation.