Rep. Nathan Coulter

Maddy summaryHF 1473 modifies a $26 million state appropriation for Hennepin County to build a new anaerobic digestion recycling facility in Brooklyn Park. The bill requires Hennepin County to submit a plan for closing the existing Hennepin Energy Recovery Center before funds can be used, and specifies that the project includes demolishing the County Sheriff's facility on the site. This funding covers predesign, construction, and equipment for the new recycling recovery facility. The bill directly affects Hennepin County and residents of Brooklyn Park through the facility's development and the transition from the old recovery center.

Maddy summaryHF 1533 amends Minnesota's corporate franchise tax laws to treat certain foreign corporations operating in Minnesota as "unitary" businesses. It directly affects foreign corporations that meet the new definition of a "tax haven" (e.g., jurisdictions with opaque tax regimes, preferential treatment for foreign entities, or favorable tax avoidance structures). The bill adds definitions for "tax haven" and requires corporations with significant business in such jurisdictions to have their worldwide income apportioned and taxed under Minnesota's unitary tax rules, rather than just income generated within the state. Key provisions include aligning Minnesota tax deductions with federal "Global intangible low-taxed income" (section 951A) and "Subpart F income" rules. The changes take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2.5 million for fiscal year 2026 and $2.5 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support child care improvement grants. The funds are specifically for child care providers in Minnesota to enhance their services, as outlined under Minnesota Statutes section 142D.20. The bill specifies that none of these funds can cover administrative costs. It directly affects licensed child care providers seeking to improve quality or accessibility for families.

Maddy summaryHF 1499 modernizes Minnesota's family child care licensing regulations by requiring the Department of Human Services to hire an independent consultant (preferably the National Association for Regulatory Administration) to develop new standards and a risk-based monitoring system. The bill mandates that new standards must protect children's health and safety while being "child-centered, family-friendly, and fair to providers," with violations weighted by potential risk to children and corresponding sanctions. It requires extensive stakeholder input from parents, providers, county licensors, and child development experts through at least five working group meetings, and mandates that all materials be translated into six languages. The updated standards and monitoring model cannot take effect before January 1, 2027, and must be submitted to lawmakers by February 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 421 prohibits Minnesota public and private higher education institutions from giving preferential treatment in admissions based on a student's "legacy status" (having a family member who attended the institution) or a family's donor relationship with the school. The bill directly affects all colleges and universities in Minnesota that consider such factors during admissions decisions. Key provisions explicitly ban admissions decisions influenced by legacy ties or donor connections, requiring institutions to evaluate applicants solely on standard criteria. The University of Minnesota Board of Regents is specifically requested to comply with this prohibition. This bill aims to eliminate preferential admissions practices tied to family connections or financial contributions.

Maddy summaryHF 1424 modifies foster care rules for relatives in Minnesota. It expands the definition of "related" caregivers to include important friends with significant relationships to the child or family, requiring these relatives to obtain foster care licenses (unless they're parents or legal guardians). The bill also mandates that all foster care providers - both related and unrelated - complete annual training on preventing sudden infant death and abusive head trauma for children under five. Additionally, it updates background check procedures for domestic partners of relative caregivers and modifies the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) funding structure. These changes aim to strengthen safety standards while providing clearer pathways for relatives and trusted community members to care for children in foster care.

Maddy summaryHF 1248 modifies Minnesota's sales tax rules to expand exemptions for construction materials purchased by contractors working on projects for specific public and nonprofit entities. It adds a new exemption category (section 297A.71, subdivision 55) covering materials used in buildings or facilities owned by school districts, local governments, hospitals/nursing homes operated by political subdivisions, public libraries, nonprofits, and certain healthcare providers. Contractors must pay sales tax upfront on these materials but will receive a refund under existing procedures (section 297A.75), effectively eliminating the tax burden for these qualifying projects. The bill takes effect for sales after June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $13 million from state bond proceeds to fund sanitary sewer improvements in north central Bloomington, including the Penn American District. The funds will support the city's design, construction, and equipment for expanding sewer capacity to meet growing needs. The state will issue bonds up to $13 million to provide this funding, as authorized under Minnesota Statutes. The money directly benefits Bloomington residents and local infrastructure by addressing capacity limitations in the specified area.

Maddy summaryHF 1159 expands Minnesota tax increment financing (TIF) district uses to allow transfers of tax increment revenue to local housing trust funds. It requires that transferred funds be used exclusively for qualified low-income housing projects meeting IRS Section 42 standards, including site acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, or public improvements directly related to such housing. The bill sets limits, such as ensuring housing costs do not exceed 150% of local single-family home averages (or $200,000 in metro areas/$125,000 elsewhere) and restricting transfers to housing trust funds established under Minnesota Statutes 462C.16. This policy change directly affects TIF districts and local housing trust funds by creating a new, regulated funding stream for affordable housing development.

Maddy summaryHF 776 appropriates $1.5 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1.5 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support Minnesota's Family Assets for Independence program. The funding is directed to the commissioner of children, youth, and families to implement the initiative under section 142F.20. This bill provides ongoing financial support for the program but does not change eligibility or program structure. It directly affects the state's administration of the Family Assets for Independence initiative.