Rep. Nathan Coulter

Maddy summaryHF 149 consolidates Minnesota's property tax classification system, reducing multiple categories into fewer, simpler groups. It eliminates the state general levy on seasonal recreational properties (like lake cabins) and replaces the "blind and disabled" property tax classification with a refund program for qualifying individuals. The bill also modifies how "referendum market value" is calculated for tax purposes and makes technical updates to related statutes, including provisions affecting community land trusts. These changes take effect for property taxes payable in 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution from the Minnesota Legislature that formally asks Congress to overturn the Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. FEC. It requests that Congress propose a constitutional amendment to clarify that only natural persons, not corporations or other artificial entities, possess rights under the Constitution. The proposed amendment would also state that spending money to influence elections is not protected speech and would allow governments to regulate or limit campaign contributions to ensure equal political access. Additionally, the bill mandates that all permissible campaign spending must be publicly disclosed. Ultimately, the resolution directs state officials to send copies of the text to federal leaders and Minnesota's congressional representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission from issuing permits to build pipelines designed to transport carbon dioxide. It directly affects energy companies and regulators by legally barring the approval of any new carbon dioxide pipeline routes in the state. The law takes effect immediately upon final passage, ensuring that no such permits can be granted under the current statute.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local jurisdictions in Minnesota to choose ranked choice voting for their local elections, where voters rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting just one. It establishes specific rules for how these elections would be conducted, including procedures for counting votes and handling ballots where a candidate is eliminated based on the rankings. The legislation also permits local areas to use electronic voting machines that can automatically reallocate votes to remaining candidates after an initial winner is determined. However, the bill did not pass during the 2024 legislative session and therefore will not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Minnesota Constitution to guarantee equal rights and prohibit discrimination for all people. It specifically protects individuals from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, and sex, with the definition of sex explicitly including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation. If voters approve the amendment at the 2026 general election, the change will become effective on January 1, 2027. The text also establishes that any state action denying these rights must be the least restrictive way to achieve a very important government goal.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Minnesota Constitution to guarantee equality under the law. The amendment would prohibit the state, its cities, counties, and other political subdivisions from denying or abridging rights based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin. If approved by voters at the 2024 general election, the change would take effect on January 1, 2025. The measure is titled the "Equal Rights Amendment" and requires a simple yes or no vote from the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state agencies, public universities, charter schools, and local municipalities from banning or removing rainbow flags and other rainbow displays from their property. While it protects these symbols, it includes an exception for public meeting rooms or spaces where general rules already restrict the display of any banners or posters. The law applies immediately upon enactment and ensures that government entities cannot enforce policies that specifically target rainbow imagery.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution that asks the U.S. Congress to approve Minnesota's request to replace its current statue of Henry Mower Rice in the National Statuary Hall with a new statue of former Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey. Under existing federal law, states may swap out statues that have been on display for at least ten years, and Minnesota has selected Humphrey to honor his significant legislative achievements and service as a U.S. Senator and Vice President. The resolution directs state officials to arrange for the removal of the Rice statue, the installation of a replica of the existing Humphrey statue from the Minnesota State Capitol, and the transfer of the old Rice statue back to the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows cities in Minnesota to create special districts that reassign property taxes based on land value rather than improvements like buildings. To establish such a district, a city must hold a public hearing and mail notices to all affected property owners before passing an ordinance. The tax reallocation must use specific formulas that focus on the value of the land itself, excluding the value of structures or improvements made after a certain date. These new tax rules would first apply to property taxes payable in 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals from using force against another person based on the victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. It specifically removes the ability to claim self-defense or use of force authorization if the victim made an unwanted nonforcible romantic or sexual advance or if the two people had previously dated. The law applies to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2024, and does not alter existing rules regarding the use of force in other situations like arrests or property disputes.