Rep. Jeff Witte

Maddy summaryHF 515 increases Minnesota's annual funding for public schools by guaranteeing a minimum 3% raise to the general education basic formula allowance starting in fiscal year 2026. This directly affects all public school districts receiving state education funding, as it changes how their base funding amount is calculated each year. The bill requires the state education commissioner to calculate the allowance using either a 3% increase or the current inflation rate (whichever is higher), but never exceeding a 3% annual increase. The change ensures schools receive predictable, inflation-adjusted funding growth while maintaining a minimum 3% annual increase in state support.

Maddy summaryHF 1352 modifies Minnesota's definition of "residential generator" for solid waste management billing. It clarifies that multi-unit properties like apartment buildings, condos, or manufactured home parks where residents aren't separately billed for waste services (and the owner/association pays directly) are explicitly included as residential generators. This directly affects property owners, associations, and waste service providers managing such properties. The change ensures consistent billing responsibility for waste services in these multi-residence settings, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1007 appropriates $5 million from Minnesota's general fund for the World Junior Hockey Championships hosted in Minnesota during December 2025 and January 2026. The funds, available until June 2027, are directed to Minnesota Sports and Events through Explore Minnesota to cover event-related costs. This bill provides specific financial support for the tournament's operational expenses. It directly affects the state's tourism organization and the event organizer, Minnesota Sports and Events. The legislation is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions.

Maddy summaryHF 2238 requires Minnesota's commissioner to approve youth skills training programs in construction trades, specifically those conducted at central locations like headquarters or training facilities. It directly affects young workers in construction training programs and the commissioner who must review these programs. The bill adds a new rule to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 175.46, mandating commissioner approval for eligible programs and exempting participants from conflicting child labor laws under section 181A.07, subdivision 7. This creates a streamlined pathway for youth to gain construction trade experience while complying with labor regulations.

Maddy summaryHF 128 increases criminal penalties for individuals engaging in prostitution with minors in Minnesota. The bill raises maximum sentences and fines based on the minor's age: up to 30 years or $40,000 for victims under 14, 20 years or $40,000 for those aged 14-15, 15 years or $30,000 for those aged 14-15 (for the act itself), and 10 years or $20,000 for victims aged 16-17. It also increases penalties for hiring minors for sexual acts across all age groups. The bill applies to crimes committed on or after its effective date of August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1901 requires Minnesota school districts and charter schools to provide annual violence prevention training to middle and high school students, focusing on identifying warning signs of potential violence, taking threats seriously, and using anonymous reporting systems. It mandates that schools report active shooter incidents and threats to the Minnesota Fusion Center with specific details - including how threats were communicated (e.g., social media), actions taken by school staff, and law enforcement involvement - while protecting identities. The bill appropriates funds to support anonymous threat reporting systems for schools and requires the state to maintain a publicly updated list of evidence-based violence prevention trainings for schools to adopt. These changes aim to improve school safety through education and standardized incident reporting.

Maddy summaryHF 1821 appropriates $ for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from Minnesota's general fund to provide supplemental security grants to nonprofits. It directly affects nonprofits that have already received federal grant approval through the Emergency Management Agency's nonprofit security program, allowing them to access state funds without submitting new applications. The bill limits total funding per nonprofit to $75,000 across both federal and state programs, with grants awarded based on the federal program's ranking order. This ensures nonprofits can cover security costs without extra paperwork, using funds already allocated by the federal government.

Maddy summaryHF 1401 expands Minnesota's definition of "endangered" for the missing and endangered persons program. The bill adds specific circumstances that classify a missing person as endangered, including needing urgent medical care, having cognitive impairments like dementia, or being lost in dangerous wilderness areas. This change allows law enforcement to activate immediate search and rescue resources when these new criteria are met. The bill directly affects local police departments and individuals who go missing under these expanded circumstances, ensuring faster response for vulnerable cases.

Maddy summaryHF 2040 directs Minnesota's Commissioner of Human Services to provide regular updates and seek federal approval for children's mental health programs. It funds gaps in children's residential facilities, establishes crisis stabilization facilities, and creates a legislative task force to address issues in residential care. The bill also requires licensing for facilities serving youth with sexual behavior concerns and mandates a financial study on residential facility funding. These changes aim to improve access to mental health services for children, particularly those in foster care, juvenile justice, or under protective services, with specific funding appropriations included.

Maddy summaryHF 1120 establishes Minnesota's "Keep it Clean" program to prevent water pollution from garbage and human waste left on ice during winter activities on state waters. The bill directly affects local governments and nonprofit organizations by creating a grant program to fund projects like installing winter-ready waste stations, providing seasonal waste disposal services, increasing winter patrols, and running education campaigns. Key provisions include funding for infrastructure (e.g., dumping stations), enforcement support, and community outreach to promote responsible winter use. The bill appropriates state funds for the program's administration and grants, with at least a portion dedicated to local projects.