Rep. Esther Agbaje

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $12 million from state bond funds to improve Minneapolis' North Commons Park. The funds will cover designing, constructing, and equipping park upgrades, including renovating a community building with indoor sports and arts spaces, building new sports fields, and relocating the water park. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will administer the project using these state bond proceeds. The state will issue bonds to cover the cost, consistent with Minnesota's bond authorization rules.

Maddy summaryHF 1757 requires anyone who owns, possesses, or controls a firearm to report a loss or theft to local law enforcement within 48 hours. Failure to report can result in escalating penalties, starting with a minor offense for the first violation and increasing to a gross misdemeanor for repeated failures. The bill also provides immunity from prosecution for storage-related offenses if the report is made on time and mandates that law enforcement agencies report lost or stolen firearms to the state commissioner within seven days. Additionally, the bill appropriates $36,000 for a one-time implementation of a reporting system to support these requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 1939 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to Twin Cities R!SE. The funds will support the Empowerment Institute by expanding its capacity through personal empowerment training, employer partnerships, and statewide implementation of a youth personal empowerment curriculum. This one-time appropriation must be spent by June 30, 2028. The bill directly affects Twin Cities R!SE and the participants in its programs, including youth statewide.

Maddy summaryHF 1862 reorganizes Minnesota's Statewide Office of Appellate Counsel and Training, establishing it as an independent agency within the executive branch. The bill creates a 7-member State Board (with specific appointment rules and diversity requirements) to oversee the office, which directly serves parents in juvenile protection cases by providing appellate legal representation, training parent attorneys, and coordinating federal child welfare funding (Title IV-E). It also sets salary standards for the office's head counsel, requiring their compensation to align with county attorneys' pay under state law. The changes affect parent attorneys statewide, the office's employees, and parents navigating juvenile court appeals.

Maddy summaryHF 1826 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for 2027 to fund the "Change Starts With Community" violence prevention jobs program in North Minneapolis. The program targets at-risk Black, Indigenous, and People of Color youth and adults, providing year-round job training, mentorship, and on-site employment opportunities at the Shiloh Cares Food Shelf - Northside Community Safety Resource Center. It requires the organization to add positions like food service workers, program coordinators, and managers, while partnering with the Cargill Foundation for youth career exposure. The program must submit annual reports detailing fund usage, outcomes, and impact on the target population to the commissioner of employment and economic development.

Maddy summaryHF 1777 appropriates $1 million from Minnesota's general fund to the Department of Health for a grant to the Birth Justice Collaborative. The funding supports planning and developing an African-American-focused "Homeplace" model in Hennepin County, aiming to improve maternal and child health outcomes through culturally centered care during pregnancy and postpartum. The grant requires the Birth Justice Collaborative to report on implementation and results by December 15, 2026, including recommendations for future expansion. This initiative directly affects African-American mothers and infants in Hennepin County by expanding access to specialized care. The appropriation is available until June 30, 2028.

Maddy summaryHF 1625 appropriates $600,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $600,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to provide a grant to Emerge Community Development. This funding directly supports three specific programs in Minneapolis: the Emerge Career and Technical Center, Cedar Riverside Opportunity Center, and Emerge Second Chance programs. The bill establishes a concrete financial mechanism to reinforce workforce development initiatives at these locations. The grant is intended to support critical workforce training and services for residents in the Minneapolis community.

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 1586 appropriates $800,000 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund for a commemorative project honoring Gordon Parks. The bill directs the Minnesota Humanities Center, working with Soul Touch Productions, to create an art installation and related programming celebrating Parks' life and legacy. This funding specifically supports cultural programming focused on Parks' contributions as a photographer, filmmaker, and civil rights advocate. The bill does not create new policy but allocates existing state funds for a specific cultural initiative.

Maddy summaryHF 1385 appropriates funds from the general fund for a statewide tenant education and hotline service in Minnesota. The bill allocates unspecified amounts for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to provide all Minnesota renters with free, confidential legal advice through a hotline and educational resources. The service will be administered by the Housing Finance Agency. This funding directly supports renters seeking assistance with housing rights and legal questions.