Rep. Rick Hansen

Maddy summaryHF 1626 eliminates maximum dollar limits on tax credits for Minnesota agricultural asset owners who sell or rent property to beginning farmers. Previously, credits were capped at $50,000 for sales and $7,000-$10,000 annually for rentals; this bill removes those caps, allowing credits to be calculated based on actual qualifying transaction values (8%, 10%, or 15% of sale price or rental income). The change applies to credits under Minnesota Statutes sections 41B.0391 and 290.06, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024. It directly affects agricultural landowners and beginning farmers participating in Minnesota’s tax credit program.

Maddy summaryHF 1359 increases funding for solid waste management by changing how fees collected from waste management are allocated. Starting in 2026, 7% of these fees will go to a resource management account (rising to 20% in 2027 and 30% after 2028), instead of the general fund. The funds must be distributed to counties for waste management programs under state law. This directly affects counties receiving these allocations and changes the percentage of fees dedicated to environmental resource management over time. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1317 amends Minnesota statutes governing the Metropolitan Council, affecting its 17 members serving in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties. The bill establishes a formal process for removing council members for cause after notice and hearing, requires the governor to appoint a vice-chair from the 16 district members, sets a $40,000 annual salary starting January 2026 (with automatic increases tied to legislative pay), and mandates annual reviews of the regional administrator by the council. These changes specify council member compensation, clarify removal procedures, and define the vice-chair appointment process. The bill does not alter the council's policy-making authority or geographic boundaries.

Maddy summaryHF 1390 appropriates $500,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the 1854 Treaty Authority to study bear populations in the ceded area from the 1854 treaty between the Lake Superior Chippewa and the U.S. government. The bill requires the Authority to complete a study assessing current bear populations, factors affecting them, and future population trends by December 31, 2026. The study results must be submitted to the chairs and ranking members of the relevant legislative environment policy committees. This funding directly supports the 1854 Treaty Authority's work on wildlife management within the treaty area.

Maddy summaryHF 1613 requires Minnesota counties and municipalities to protect and plan for access to aggregate resources (like sand, gravel, and crushed stone) in their land use plans, zoning, and development decisions. It appropriates $950,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $950,000 for fiscal year 2027 to map aggregate resources outside the metro area, update reclamation guidelines for mining sites, and provide technical assistance to local governments. The bill also mandates the Natural Resources commissioner to submit recommendations by February 2026 on improving local permitting processes to better protect these resources. These changes amend Minnesota Statutes 84.94 and 473.859 to integrate aggregate resource planning into existing land use frameworks.

Maddy summaryHF 1566 requires landlords in Minnesota to make reasonable safety modifications for tenants with children who have autism, specifically when hazards like lakes, rivers, or other water bodies are near rental properties. Tenants must request these accommodations, and landlords can ask for documentation unless the child's condition is obvious. Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants making such requests and must adjust policies or property features to protect the child, unless the change would fundamentally alter the property. This bill directly affects tenants with autistic children and their landlords in rental housing.

Maddy summaryHF 1612 appropriates $250,000 from the environment and natural resources trust fund for the commissioner of natural resources to update Minnesota's Aggregate Resources Inventory map. The bill directs the update of a 2000 document (Information Circular 46) specifically for the Seven-County Metropolitan Area, focusing on projected future needs and estimated exhaustion timelines for sand and gravel resources. This funding supports the commissioner's existing duties under Minnesota Statutes section 84.94 to maintain and update the inventory. The primary beneficiaries are the Minnesota Geological Survey and state natural resources officials managing aggregate resource planning.

Maddy summaryHF 1347 appropriates $20 million from state bonds to fund grants for metropolitan cities in Minnesota to reduce wastewater inflow and infiltration in municipal sewer systems. Eligible cities must be identified by the Metropolitan Council as contributors of excessive inflow/infiltration or within 20% of allowable limits, with grants covering up to 50% of eligible capital improvement costs. The funding supports infrastructure projects to mitigate strain on the regional sewer system, administered through the Metropolitan Council's guidelines. The bonds will be issued under Minnesota's bond authority statutes to provide the necessary capital.

Maddy summaryHF 1389 transfers specific state-owned land at the Cloquet Forestry Center in Carlton County to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. It appropriates $1.3 million from the general fund to pay off existing state bonds financing improvements on this property, removing it from "state bond-financed property" status under Minnesota law. This debt payment enables the University of Minnesota to eventually return the land to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, as stated in the bill's purpose. The bill directly affects the state, the University of Minnesota, and the Fond du Lac Band by facilitating a land transfer.

Maddy summaryHF 1537 appropriates $44 million from state bond proceeds to fund Minnesota's Port Development Assistance Program under Chapter 457A of state law. The funds must be used for publicly owned port infrastructure improvements, such as docks or equipment. The commissioner of management and budget will issue up to $44 million in state bonds to provide this funding, following established bond procedures. This bill directly affects Minnesota ports seeking capital improvements for public use.