Rep. Nathan Coulter

Maddy summaryHF 3222 amends Minnesota law to exclude for-profit colleges from receiving state financial aid grants. It changes the definition of "eligible institution" in higher education funding rules to require private institutions to operate as not-for-profits. This means for-profit colleges in Minnesota would no longer qualify for state grant programs starting fall 2026. The bill directly affects for-profit higher education institutions seeking state financial support.

Maddy summaryHF 1124 allows Minnesota school districts to begin the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years before Labor Day, which is currently prohibited under state law. This temporary change applies only to those two specific school years and does not alter the standard start date requirement for other years. School districts choosing this option must report their start dates to the education commissioner, who will then compile and submit a list of participating districts to legislators by January 5, 2027. The bill directly affects public school districts in Minnesota for those two school years.

Maddy summaryHF 1383 establishes the "Great Start Affordability Scholarship" program to help low-to-moderate income families pay for child care. It directly affects families with children from birth to kindergarten entry who earn under 150% of Minnesota's median income. The bill requires the program to limit child care costs to no more than 7% of a family's annual income, transitions existing child care assistance into this new system by July 2028, and mandates participating child care providers to meet quality standards through Minnesota's rating system. Families must renew scholarships annually, and providers must use scholarship funds to supplement, not replace, existing federal funding.

Maddy summaryHF 1002 appropriates $15 million for the Head Start program in fiscal year 2026 and $15 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund. This funding directly supports Minnesota's Head Start program, which provides early childhood education and family services to low-income preschool children. The bill directs these funds to the commissioner of children, youth, and families for implementation under Minnesota Statutes section 142D.12. The legislation makes no changes to program eligibility or structure, solely providing dedicated state funding for existing Head Start services.

Maddy summaryHF 479 modifies Minnesota's higher education grant program by establishing a tuition and fee maximum for eligible students. It sets this maximum at the highest tuition and fees charged by public Minnesota universities for each school year, applying specifically to students enrolled at an eligible institution during the 2025-2026 academic year or earlier. This policy change, effective for the 2026-2027 school year through fiscal year 2032, ensures state grant funds cover tuition up to this established maximum. The bill directly affects students receiving state grants at public Minnesota universities who were enrolled before 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 2018 requires Minnesota municipalities to permit multifamily residential developments (buildings with 13+ units or mixed-use buildings with ≥50% residential space) in zoning districts that allow commercial uses, effective until December 31, 2029. It limits local governments' ability to block such projects through comprehensive plan amendments or zoning changes, mandating approval under defined conditions. Municipalities must still enforce standards for public health, safety, infrastructure, and existing environmental protections (e.g., floodplains). The bill directly affects local zoning decisions, developers seeking to build apartment complexes, and residents in communities with commercial zoning. It does not override state/federal prohibitions or require affordable housing in all projects.

Maddy summaryHF 3158 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds vote in both the Minnesota House and Senate to authorize public funding for the design, construction, or renovation of a professional sports facility. Currently, a simple majority vote suffices for such funding. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, where they will decide whether to adopt the two-thirds requirement. If approved by voters, this change would become part of the Minnesota Constitution, affecting future legislative decisions on sports facility funding.

Maddy summaryHF 3057 establishes a public option within MinnesotaCare, allowing Minnesotans to enroll in a government-run health plan alongside private insurers. It expands eligibility to more residents and sets income-based premiums for public option enrollees. The bill requires the commissioner of commerce to seek federal approval for a special waiver (Section 1332) and appropriates funding for implementation. This directly affects individuals purchasing health insurance in Minnesota's individual market, particularly low- and middle-income residents seeking affordable coverage options.

Maddy summaryHF 3118 requires Minnesota's Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board to study voluntary campaign spending limits by January 15, 2026. The board must analyze participation in public subsidy programs, historical spending trends, and how other states set similar limits, including whether they adjust for contested races or use automatic inflation adjustments. This study will cover data on candidate spending, opponent spending, and independent expenditures in races without public subsidies. The findings will inform potential recommendations for Minnesota's current public subsidy program and spending limits. The bill does not change existing laws but mandates a detailed review to assess the program's effectiveness.

Maddy summaryHF 2908 establishes Minnesota's MinneKIDS program, creating automatic savings accounts for children under 18 born on or after July 1, 2026, who are Minnesota residents. The state will open accounts within 90 days of receiving birth data, make an initial "seed deposit" (state contribution), and allow parents to opt their child out. Parents receive annual notifications about the account, including how to opt out, access balances, or link to separate college savings plans. The program requires the state commissioner to notify parents annually until the account closes, and it appropriates funds for implementation.