Rep. Katie Jones

Maddy summaryHF 3436 requires drivers approaching a stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights to stop at least 20 feet away. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 169.444 to mandate this stop until the bus retracts its stop arm and turns off the red lights. It also adds a new provision requiring drivers to prepare to stop within 20 feet when a bus shows prewarning amber lights, signaling red lights are about to activate. This law directly affects all drivers operating vehicles near school buses in Minnesota, aiming to improve safety for children boarding or exiting buses. The bill takes effect the day after final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 3773 establishes Minnesota's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (MNSNAP), a state-funded program to provide food assistance to Minnesotans who would lose federal SNAP benefits due to upcoming federal restrictions. It directly affects vulnerable groups including veterans, seniors, people experiencing homelessness, foster youth aging out of care, new Americans, and working parents who lost jobs. The bill requires counties to conduct face-to-face assessments within 30 days of enrollment to determine eligibility for federal exemptions or support for meeting federal SNAP requirements. Funding of $X for fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund to operate MNSNAP, with a moratorium on benefit terminations for those lacking medical or behavioral health assessments after July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 1987, the Minnesota Starter Home Act, allows municipalities to permit more housing types in all residential zoning districts without requiring new zoning changes. It specifically authorizes single-family homes, duplexes, accessory dwelling units (in most cases), and townhouses on newly platted lots or vacant land. The bill exempts municipalities from needing comprehensive plan amendments for these housing types until December 2029. Additionally, it lowers the voting threshold for approving affordable housing developments from a two-thirds to a simple majority vote in local governing bodies.

Maddy summaryHF 970 requires original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of farm equipment to provide independent repair shops with necessary tools, parts, and documentation on fair and reasonable terms. It directly affects Minnesota farmers and independent repair providers by ensuring they can access repair resources without being forced to use manufacturer-approved services or pay excessive fees. Key provisions include prohibiting OEMs from imposing unreasonable restrictions (like requiring repair shops to become authorized dealers) or charging more for parts/tools than they offer to their own authorized providers. The bill amends Minnesota law to define terms like "authorized repair provider" and "fair and reasonable terms" to clarify these requirements. This applies specifically to digital electronic farm equipment, aiming to increase repair options and reduce costs for farmers.

Maddy summaryHF 2372 creates a voluntary "Minnesota Civic Seal" designation for high school students who complete specific civics requirements. To earn the seal, students must complete approved civics coursework, complete a project-based civic assessment, participate in at least one civic activity outside class (like voting in student elections or community service), and demonstrate civic dispositions. School districts may choose to participate but cannot charge students fees, must provide information about the program to all students, and must affix the seal to diplomas and transcripts for qualifying graduates. The program begins for students graduating in 2027 or later, with the Department of Education developing the insignia and guidelines to ensure equitable access for all students.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's transportation design standards and variance procedures for county state-aid projects, affecting local governments and the state Department of Transportation. It establishes that design standards for new or modified road projects must follow the most recent Facility Design Guide, while allowing commissioners to grant variances from these standards upon written request from political subdivisions. The bill requires commissioners to evaluate variance requests within 30 days, provide written justification for denials, and notify legislative committee chairs if a variance is rejected. It also mandates special consideration for modifications that narrow lanes in urban areas, improve safety for nonmotorized users near schools or transit, or follow alternative design guides recognized by federal agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new requirements for transit planning and performance evaluation in seven Minnesota counties, including Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington. It defines high-frequency transit service with specific scheduling standards and mandates that regional transportation plans include public input, detailed highway improvement timelines, and airport development assessments. The legislation also requires regular performance evaluations of the transit system using peer-reviewed benchmarks and limits certain highway projects to prioritize transit-oriented development. Additionally, the bill authorizes reallocation of funds to support these updated planning and performance standards.

Maddy summaryHF 3748 appropriates $250 million from the general fund for grants to replace lead service lines in municipal water systems. This funding directly helps water utilities and homeowners affected by lead pipes, which pose health risks. The grants are administered by the Public Facilities Authority under Minnesota Statutes, section 446A.077, and are available until June 30, 2034. The bill provides one-time state funding to accelerate the replacement of hazardous lead pipes in drinking water infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHF 1795 appropriates state funds for Minnesota's farm-to-school and early childhood care programs, directly supporting schools and child care providers serving children. The bill allocates specific funding for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to purchase Minnesota-grown fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, grain, and dairy for these settings, including reimbursements for equipment and food purchases. It also sets aside $150,000 annually for a statewide coordinator to assist farmers and institutions, and allows limited state funding (up to 7.5% of federal funds) to support federal program administration. Eligible entities must participate in federal nutrition programs like the National School Lunch Program.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new vehicle weight surcharge and modifies how passenger automobile registration taxes are calculated in Minnesota. It directly affects vehicle owners by requiring additional fees based on vehicle weight and adjusting tax rates based on the manufacturer's suggested retail price. The key provisions include a tiered weight surcharge schedule that charges more for heavier vehicles, a registration tax calculation that uses a percentage of the vehicle's price that decreases over the vehicle's life, and requirements for dealers and registrars to disclose specific pricing information. The bill also appropriates funds and requires a report, with changes taking effect for registration periods starting on or after January 1, 2027.