Rep. Kaohly Her

Maddy summaryHF 1359 increases funding for solid waste management by changing how fees collected from waste management are allocated. Starting in 2026, 7% of these fees will go to a resource management account (rising to 20% in 2027 and 30% after 2028), instead of the general fund. The funds must be distributed to counties for waste management programs under state law. This directly affects counties receiving these allocations and changes the percentage of fees dedicated to environmental resource management over time. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1687 creates a sales tax exemption in Minnesota for purchases made by nonprofit organizations focused on preserving specific bird habitats. It directly affects 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose primary work involves developing, preserving, restoring, or maintaining waterfowl, pheasant, or quail habitats in Minnesota. The exemption applies to qualifying items used for these habitat purposes, excluding building materials (under lump-sum contracts), lodging, prepared food, certain beverages, and motor vehicle leases. The law takes effect for sales after December 31, 2025.

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 1533 amends Minnesota's corporate franchise tax laws to treat certain foreign corporations operating in Minnesota as "unitary" businesses. It directly affects foreign corporations that meet the new definition of a "tax haven" (e.g., jurisdictions with opaque tax regimes, preferential treatment for foreign entities, or favorable tax avoidance structures). The bill adds definitions for "tax haven" and requires corporations with significant business in such jurisdictions to have their worldwide income apportioned and taxed under Minnesota's unitary tax rules, rather than just income generated within the state. Key provisions include aligning Minnesota tax deductions with federal "Global intangible low-taxed income" (section 951A) and "Subpart F income" rules. The changes take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1559 appropriates $1.25 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from Minnesota’s arts and cultural heritage fund to support community festivals. The Minnesota Humanities Center will distribute these grants to community organizations, cities, and counties for event programming, staffing, outreach, transportation, facilities, and signage. Up to $200,000 of the total can reimburse county sheriff departments for public safety costs at these events. The bill specifically prioritizes funding for named festivals including the Somali Museum Annual Celebration, Twin Cities Jazz Fest, Hmong Festival, and Rondo Days in St. Paul.

Maddy summaryHF 1315 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 to fund a community center project for Hnub Tshiab: Hmong Women Achieving Together in Ramsey County. The grant will cover acquiring property, building, and equipping the center to host educational and leadership programs focused on strengthening cultural identity and improving opportunities for Hmong women and girls. This one-time funding is specifically earmarked for constructing a facility dedicated to these programs. The bill does not create new policies but provides targeted financial support for an existing community organization's physical space needs.

Maddy summaryHF 1041 imposes an additional tax on Minnesota corporations with high executive-to-median-worker pay ratios, ranging from 0.2% to 1.5% based on the ratio tier (e.g., 0.2% for 50:1 to 100:1 ratios). It directly affects corporations meeting specific pay ratio thresholds, using the federal disclosure standard (17 CFR § 229.402(u)(1)(iii)) to calculate the ratio. The bill also disqualifies these corporations from receiving state grants or subsidies, as specified in amended Minnesota Statutes sections 16B.981 and 290.06. The tax applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, with disqualification effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 1210 allocates $2 million from Minnesota's general fund for fiscal year 2026 to provide a one-time grant to TaikoArts Midwest, a nonprofit organization. The funds will enable TaikoArts Midwest to acquire, renovate, equip, and furnish a property at 449 Front Avenue in St. Paul, creating a permanent home for the organization and a multipurpose community event space. This appropriation is specifically for facility development and must be used to complete the project within the designated timeframe. The bill directly affects TaikoArts Midwest and the St. Paul community by supporting the organization's physical infrastructure and expanding public access to community programming.

Maddy summaryHF 501 proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee equal rights under Minnesota law and prohibit state discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex - including pregnancy decisions, gender identity, and sexual orientation. If approved by voters in 2026, it would add a new section to the Minnesota Constitution requiring state actions to use the least restrictive means to achieve compelling government interests. The amendment would directly apply to all Minnesotans and state agencies, ensuring equal protection in all state laws and programs. It requires voter approval at the 2026 general election, with the question asking whether the state constitution should include these equal rights protections.

Maddy summaryHF 37 proposes adding a new constitutional guarantee to Minnesota's state constitution, stating that "Elections shall be free, fair, and equal. No civil or military power shall, at any time, interfere with the free exercise of the right to vote." If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, this amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, directly affecting all Minnesotans participating in elections by establishing this fundamental principle. The bill specifies the exact wording for the constitutional amendment and the ballot question voters would see. It does not create new election procedures but enshrines this standard into the state constitution.