Rep. Jeff Witte

Maddy summaryHF 491 appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide grants to Hometown Hero Outdoors, a Stillwater-based nonprofit. The funding supports mental health services and outdoor recreational activities for current and former law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel. The bill directs these services to promote positive mental health, longevity, quality of life, and interactions with mental health professionals through organized outdoor programs. It does not create new policy but allocates specific funds to an existing nonprofit for targeted support of first responders.

Maddy summaryHF 492 appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to fund mental health services and outdoor recreational activities for currently serving military personnel and veterans in Minnesota. The funds are directed to Hometown Hero Outdoors, a Stillwater-based nonprofit, to support programs promoting mental wellness, community interaction with professionals, and quality of life through outdoor engagement. This bill specifically provides dedicated funding for an existing nonprofit's established services rather than creating new state programs. It directly affects military members and veterans by expanding access to mental health support and outdoor activities through this designated organization. The appropriation is limited to these specific fiscal years and services as outlined in the bill.

Maddy summaryHF 2454 establishes a Minnesota law enforcement grant program to help recruit and retain officers by covering tuition and fees at public colleges for eligible individuals. It directly affects current Minnesota law enforcement officers, their dependent children, and dependent children of officers who suffered a total and permanent duty disability while serving. The grant covers 100% of tuition and fees after other aid is deducted, renewable each semester if eligibility continues (e.g., maintaining enrollment in criminal justice programs and meeting academic standards). Funds are appropriated by the state to administer the program through the Office of Higher Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires legislators serving on public safety policy or finance committees to complete at least 12 hours of ride-alongs with law enforcement or fire departments every two years. It directly affects members of these specific legislative committees in both the House and Senate. The bill also mandates that both chambers adopt rules to implement this requirement. The provisions aim to provide committee members with direct exposure to public safety operations through structured on-the-job observation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 626.19, subdivision 3, to explicitly authorize law enforcement agencies to use drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) during the lawful pursuit of a fleeing suspect. It directly affects police departments and the public, as it expands drone use for suspect chases beyond existing emergency or disaster scenarios. The key provision adds a specific exception to the list of permitted drone uses, allowing agencies to deploy drones "in risk of, or for purposes of, the lawful pursuit of a fleeing suspect." This change clarifies and formalizes an existing practice under Minnesota law.

Maddy summaryHF 167 modifies Minnesota's individual income tax system by removing limits on subtracting Social Security benefits, allowing taxpayers to subtract all their Social Security income without phaseout thresholds or maximums. It also updates income tax brackets, raising the first tax bracket threshold to $47,620 for married couples filing jointly and $47,620 for single filers (from $38,770 and $26,520, respectively). The bill additionally modifies property tax refund rules, though specific changes aren't detailed in the provided text. These changes apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 2468 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support mental health initiatives in Minnesota's construction industry. The funds, available until June 30, 2027, are designated for outreach, education, stigma reduction programs, and worksite strategies to prevent suicide. They can be used for grants to industry groups and developing resources targeting construction workers. This bill directly affects construction industry workers by funding concrete mental health support services through state-administered programs.

Maddy summaryHF 2350 appropriates $97,026,000 in bond proceeds to fund a new Minnesota State Patrol headquarters in the metropolitan area. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds to cover the costs of acquiring property, constructing the building, and equipping it with office space, training facilities, evidence storage, and fleet operations. This funding directly affects the State Patrol by replacing its current headquarters with a new facility. The money will come from state bonds sold under Minnesota law, not from general tax revenue. The bill requires the commissioner of management and budget to handle the bond sale process.

Maddy summaryHF 2234 modifies how Minnesota's metropolitan counties (like Hennepin and Ramsey) must allocate state and regional transportation funds. It increases the required allocation for active transportation, safety studies, transit, and complete streets projects from 41.5% to 58.5%, while decreasing the share for road repairs to 41.5%. The bill also allows counties to use funds for specific mitigation projects and requires new allocations to "supplement, not supplant" existing funding sources. The changes take effect January 1, 2026, for funds received on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $375,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $375,000 for fiscal year 2027 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund to The Sanneh Foundation. The funding supports three specific programs: family nutritional distribution in the seven-county metropolitan area, senior community programming, and multicultural women's athletic programming. The Sanneh Foundation directly receives these funds to implement these community services.