Rep. Nathan Coulter

Maddy summaryHF 982 creates a new education benefit in Minnesota for dependents of disabled veterans. It provides full tuition, mandatory fees, and book coverage (after subtracting other aid) for dependents of veterans with a 100% permanent disability, and 50% coverage for dependents of veterans with a 70%+ disability rating. The benefit applies to undergraduate programs at Minnesota state colleges, universities, or the University of Minnesota Board of Regents institutions. Eligible students must be enrolled at these institutions, and institutions apply for the benefit on their behalf through the Office of Higher Education.

Maddy summaryHF 1958 modifies Minnesota's individual income tax brackets for 2025 tax returns. It raises the income thresholds for each tax rate, meaning more income is taxed at lower rates before higher rates apply. For example, married couples filing jointly pay 5.35% on income up to $47,620 (up from $38,770), and 6.8% on income between $47,620 and $189,180 (up from $38,770-$154,020). The bill directly affects Minnesota residents who file state income tax returns, particularly middle-income earners whose taxable income falls within the revised brackets. The changes are effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 2591 establishes a new fifth tax bracket for Minnesota individual income tax, targeting high earners to replace revenue lost from federal Medicaid funding changes. The bill amends tax law to create a top income bracket (applying to income over $1.667 million for married couples filing jointly) with a rate set by the commissioner of revenue. This rate must be calculated to generate revenue equal to the amount of federal Medicaid funds Minnesota lost, as certified by the commissioner of management and budget. The new tax rate applies to taxable years 2026 and 2027, affecting only taxpayers in the highest income bracket.

Maddy summaryHF 1247 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to permanently amend child care licensing rules, allowing teacher's aides to supervise children in child care centers. This change makes permanent an exception that was temporarily permitted under a 2023 law. The commissioner must submit the proposed rule by June 1, 2025, using a specific rulemaking procedure. The bill directly affects child care centers and their staff by expanding the roles of teacher's aides in supervision without requiring a licensed teacher's presence.

Maddy summaryHF 2195 proposes adding a new constitutional section to Minnesota's state constitution, specifically stating "Marriage is a fundamental right and shall not be restricted based on gender or race" (Sec. 18). If approved by voters, this amendment would prohibit legal restrictions on marriage based on gender or race. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, with potential implementation starting January 1, 2027, if ratified. This bill directly affects marriage rights and legal protections for all Minnesotans, requiring voter approval rather than legislative passage alone.

Maddy summaryHF 1485 requires Minnesota health insurers and medical assistance programs to cover over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptive drugs, devices, and products without cost-sharing (like co-pays or deductibles). It applies directly to health plans and enrollees, mandating coverage of all FDA-approved OTC contraceptives at the point of sale without prescription requirements or quantity limits. The bill also requires health plans to list covered contraceptive services accessibly and cover provider-recommended methods based on medical necessity. This law takes effect January 1, 2026, for health plans offered, issued, or renewed after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's lobbying and financial disclosure laws. It adds a formal definition for "expert witness" (individuals providing specialized testimony) and adjusts reporting requirements for those appearing as expert witnesses before government bodies. The bill also expands who must register as lobbyists and requires additional individuals to file statements disclosing potential financial conflicts of interest. These changes primarily affect professionals testifying before government agencies, government relations staff, and certain officials whose work involves influencing policy decisions.

Maddy summaryHF 45 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support Minnesota's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Outreach Program. This funding directly assists the commissioner of children, youth, and families in operating outreach efforts to help eligible Minnesotans access food assistance benefits. The bill provides specific, dedicated funding for the program under Minnesota Statutes, section 142F.12, without changing eligibility rules or benefit amounts. It ensures consistent financial support for outreach services that connect residents to existing nutrition assistance programs.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's HF 1146 establishes the "Minnesota SNAP Step Up for Seniors" program, which provides a state-funded supplement to federal SNAP benefits for Minnesotans aged 55 or older. The bill ensures that seniors receiving SNAP benefits below $50 per month receive additional state funds to bring their total monthly benefit up to at least $50. The supplement is added to existing SNAP benefits and is not counted as income for other programs. The bill appropriates state funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to cover this supplemental benefit.

Maddy summaryHF 2253 allocates $911,544,000 annually from the general fund for the University of Minnesota's operations and maintenance during fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It specifies three key funding areas: $45 million per year for the university's Health Sciences Strategic Plan to address Minnesota's healthcare challenges, $40 million per year to advance innovation in biomanufacturing, agriculture, and green energy sectors, and $30 million per year to improve student success programs. The bill directly affects the University of Minnesota's budget and operations by directing state funds toward these specific priorities. It represents a two-year funding commitment without altering existing laws or creating new requirements.