Rep. Fue Lee

Maddy summaryHF 1685 requires Minnesota's IT Services agency to combine the state's transit assistance program (currently managed by Metro Transit) into the existing Minnesota Benefits Web Portal by December 31, 2025. The bill mandates coordination with transportation, human services, and children's agencies to ensure seamless integration while allowing Metro Transit to continue processing applications. It also appropriates $1.2 million from the general fund in fiscal year 2026 specifically for this integration work. This change directly affects state agencies managing benefits and Metro Transit, aiming to streamline access for Minnesotans using transit assistance programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1637 establishes a Minnesota pilot program to reduce trauma from gun violence by funding community-based services. It directs the state health commissioner to provide grants to organizations offering healing services, train community "trauma navigators" to help families access resources like housing and mental health care after gun violence, and develop culturally appropriate education campaigns. The bill appropriates $5 million for the program through fiscal year 2028 and requires a progress report by February 1, 2027, to health and public safety committees. This program directly affects communities and families impacted by gun violence, focusing on trauma support rather than criminal justice measures.

Maddy summaryHF 1639 appropriates $550,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $550,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the state's workforce development fund to the International Institute of Minnesota. The funds must be used to provide workforce training for immigrants and refugees (referred to as "New Americans") in industries facing labor shortages. This one-time funding supports job skills development in high-demand sectors without creating new permanent programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1636 modifies local plant pest control regulations to require new transparency and equity measures. It mandates that local rules allowing inspections of properties (other than single-family homes) must require inspectors to contact owners in person first, and rules for pest removal must include annual equity plans, multilingual notices, 180 days for property owners to act, and itemized cost details. Cities of the first class must update their existing plant pest control rules by September 1, 2025, to comply. This bill directly affects local governments creating these rules and property owners subject to inspections or removal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $250,000 from the general fund for a one-time grant to Equaspace in fiscal year 2026. The funds will provide workspace and wrap-around services - including IT support, HR assistance, accounting, fundraising, and executive director support - to small and startup nonprofit organizations. The grant is specifically intended to help these nonprofits access essential operational resources through Equaspace’s programs. The funding is limited to the stated purposes and does not create ongoing program requirements.

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 383 appropriates $5.7 million from state bond proceeds to fund planning, design, engineering, environmental work, and construction of a new water distribution facility in Minneapolis, located in Hennepin or Anoka County. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds up to $5.7 million to cover these costs, with funds administered through the Public Facilities Authority to the city of Minneapolis. This directly affects Minneapolis by providing capital for critical water infrastructure upgrades. The legislation enables the city to advance a specific water system project without immediate state budget expenditure.

Maddy summaryHF 1267 appropriates $250,000 from Minnesota's workforce development fund for a one-time grant to the Northside Boxing Club. The funding supports youth programs teaching business and life skills through barbering mentorship, including customer service, communication, money management, and professionalism. The club will use hand-picked barbers as role models to instill discipline and respect, while also providing wraparound services like meals, tutoring, and homework help. This grant is available until June 30, 2027, specifically for youth participants in the club's program.

Maddy summaryHF 1107 appropriates $1,000,000 from the workforce development fund for a one-time grant to the Black Women's Wealth Alliance. The grant will fund job skills training, career counseling, and career placement assistance specifically for Black women. This is a single-year allocation for fiscal year 2026 with no ongoing funding provided. The bill directly affects the Black Women's Wealth Alliance as the recipient organization and Black women seeking workforce development services.

Maddy summaryHF 1180 appropriates $17 million from state bond proceeds to fund repair, renovation, and construction of Minneapolis' Nicollet Avenue Bridge over Minnehaha Creek. The funds are provided to the city of Minneapolis through the commissioner of transportation, but only after nonstate funding commitments are secured. The state will issue up to $17 million in bonds under Minnesota's bonding laws to cover this appropriation. This bill directly affects Minneapolis infrastructure maintenance and the city's ability to complete the bridge project.