Rep. Samakab Hussein

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the rules for the St. Paul Teachers Retirement Fund Association and adjusts pension funding for Independent School District No. 625. It increases the pension adjustment rate for ISD 625 to 5.95% for fiscal year 2027 and later, while setting a lower rate of 1.25% for other districts starting in 2025. Additionally, the legislation raises employee contribution rates for the basic program to 11.25% in 2026 and 11.5% thereafter, and adjusts employer contribution rates for coordinated members. These changes take effect on July 1, 2026, with specific provisions for pension revenue calculations beginning in fiscal year 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 309 amends Minnesota Statutes §84.523 to tighten mining restrictions in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) and Rainy River headwaters. The bill requires the commissioner of natural resources to determine that proposed mining (for taconite, sand, gravel, or granite) in the Rainy River headwaters would not harm the BWCA before any permits are issued. This modifies existing law by adding this specific assessment step, directly affecting mining operations seeking approval in these areas. The change maintains the general prohibition on mining without legislative approval but adds a new administrative requirement for the commissioner to evaluate environmental impacts. The bill focuses on protecting the BWCA's wilderness character through stricter permitting conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 1420 allocates $20 million from state bond proceeds to fund a public realm project over Shepard Road in St. Paul, including adjacent rail lines and related infrastructure. The funds will be granted to Ramsey County for predesign, design, construction, and equipment of this public space. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $20 million in bonds to cover this appropriation, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. This project directly affects Ramsey County and residents of St. Paul by creating new public infrastructure along Shepard Road.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state of Minnesota to issue up to $100 million in bonds to fund capital improvements for specific event venues in downtown St. Paul: the RiverCentre Arena, the RiverCentre complex, and Roy Wilkins Auditorium. The funds are intended for physical upgrades such as renovating and expanding spaces, improving safety and accessibility, updating mechanical systems, and enhancing facilities for performers, athletes, and visitors. A key provision limits the use of these funds so that no more than 62.5 percent can be spent on the RiverCentre Arena, while the remaining amount covers the other two venues. The legislation also establishes the legal framework for managing the bond proceeds and outlines the types of financial agreements the state commissioner can enter into to support the project.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1.5 million from the arts and cultural heritage fund to the City of Minneapolis to create a public memorial honoring Renée Good and Alex Pretti. The memorial will feature statues, educational exhibits, and a space for community reflection, focusing on their deaths and the broader issues of civil rights and immigration enforcement. The project requires a collaborative planning process involving local residents, civil rights groups, artists, and historians, with oversight provided by a partnership including city officials and state legislators. While the state provides the initial funding, the city is permitted to seek additional private donations and partnerships to cover design, programming, and long-term maintenance costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state of Minnesota to issue up to $75 million in bonds to fund the renovation of the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul. The funds will be used by the city to upgrade the facility's infrastructure, including its heating and cooling systems, electrical and plumbing networks, and security features. Additionally, the project will expand and reconfigure interior and exterior event spaces while improving accessibility and storage areas for equipment. The legislation also includes upgrades to visitor amenities such as restrooms, seating, and sound systems to support ongoing operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $3 million in state funds to the African Development Center to help small businesses recover from financial losses caused by Operation Metro Surge. The program offers forgivable loans to eligible businesses with 50 or fewer employees that are located in areas affected by the immigration enforcement operation. Funds can be used for rent, utilities, payroll, inventory replacement, and other essential operating costs, provided the recipients follow specific program rules. The African Development Center must submit a detailed report by February 2027 outlining how many businesses received aid and the program's overall impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $500,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund in fiscal year 2027 to support youth art and culture programs in the Capitol area. The money will be given to the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, which is responsible for managing these specific initiatives. The legislation directly affects young people in the capital city by providing funding for their creative projects and cultural activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Metropolitan Airports Commission to increase transparency regarding flights at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport that transport detained immigrants. Specifically, it mandates that the airport operator notify the commission whenever U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrives or departs with passengers being held in restraints. The legislation also requires the commission to install a live-streaming camera to record these flights and to submit monthly reports detailing the number of detained individuals, including minors, on each trip. These measures are designed to provide the public and state officials with real-time data and regular updates on immigration-related air traffic at the airport.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $80 million in state funding to help the city of St. Paul upgrade West 7th Street from downtown to the Mississippi River. The money will be used for designing and building new roads, sidewalks, and underground water systems, while also adding traffic calming measures and a bus rapid transit line to connect downtown, the airport, and the Mall of America. The funds are a one-time appropriation available until the project is finished or canceled, and the law takes effect immediately upon final passage.