Rep. Athena Hollins

Maddy summaryHF 1314 appropriates $10 million from bond proceeds to fund the acquisition of private lands within existing Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. This money, raised by issuing up to $10 million in state bonds, is specifically for creating new parks or expanding current ones. The bill directly affects the Commissioner of Natural Resources (who administers the funds) and private landowners willing to sell property within designated park boundaries. It establishes a dedicated funding mechanism through bonds instead of general state funds for park land expansion.

Maddy summaryHF 3156 restricts local governments from blocking affordable housing developments by religious organizations on their own land. It requires cities to permit such projects as a "permitted use" in specific zones: up to three units on most residential lots, up to eight units outside single-family districts, and up to 12 units in mixed-use or commercial areas. The bill defines "affordable housing" as developments where 20-40% of units are for households earning ≤50-60% of area median income, and sets minimum density requirements (e.g., 1.25x existing density). This directly affects religious organizations seeking to build housing, cities with zoning codes that previously restricted such projects, and low-income residents in communities where these developments may be constructed.

Maddy summaryHF 3147 appropriates $20 million from state bond proceeds to fund new habitats for lions, tigers, cougars, snow leopards, and wolves at St. Paul's Como Zoo. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $20 million in bonds to cover these construction costs, with funds directed through the Metropolitan Council to the City of St. Paul. The habitats must include space for animal care, training, enrichment, and veterinary services beyond basic exhibit areas. This legislation directly affects Como Zoo operations and the specific animal species listed, using state financing to modernize their facilities.

Maddy summaryHF 3190 would impose a 2% gross receipts tax on businesses providing specific professional services to other businesses within Minnesota. It directly affects companies offering services like legal, accounting, architectural, engineering, management consulting, and computer services to other trade or business entities. The tax applies to the total revenue from these business-to-business service sales, with businesses optionally collecting it from customers (if separately stated) or paying it directly to the state. Businesses that paid similar taxes to other states may claim a credit against this tax. The bill does not apply to services sold directly to end consumers or to personal services.

Maddy summaryHF 2915 appropriates $1.575 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1.575 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to the Family Tree Clinic. The funding is designated to support the clinic’s health services, educational outreach, and workforce training programs focused on culturally competent care. This bill directly affects the Family Tree Clinic, which provides healthcare to diverse communities in Minnesota. The key provision is the specific, multi-year funding allocation for these defined services, with no additional policy changes or eligibility requirements outlined.

Maddy summaryHF 2761 updates Minnesota's pesticide regulations to include pesticides from treated seeds in the commissioner's management plans and monitoring. It requires new coordination between state agencies, local governments, and public health agencies for pesticide management, and adds monitoring for pesticides from treated seeds and their breakdown products in groundwater, surface water, and air. The bill establishes new labeling requirements for certain pesticide-treated seeds and defines "systemic pesticides" (like neonicotinoids) for a new regulatory program. These changes primarily affect farmers using treated seeds, state environmental agencies, and local communities managing water and air quality.

Maddy summaryHF 2152 increases state funding for Minnesota's adult basic education programs. It raises the annual state total aid from $52.76 million to $65.17 million for fiscal year 2026, raises the per-contact-hour aid limit from $30 to $36, and fully covers (100%) the cost of commissioner-selected high school equivalency tests (like the GED) for eligible individuals, up to $40 per test. The bill appropriates $375,000 annually for test costs through 2027. These changes directly affect adult education programs statewide and individuals seeking high school equivalency credentials.

Maddy summaryHF 3148 allows cities of the first class (like Minneapolis and St. Paul) to issue "social district licenses" that permit public consumption of alcohol in designated outdoor areas contiguous to licensed venues, but not sales. It requires strict rules: alcohol must be in non-glass containers (max 16 oz) with specific labeling, districts must have clear signage showing hours/days, and licensees must follow container requirements. The city must maintain safety plans online, post boundaries, and report to the legislature within 24 months on community impact, challenges, and public safety. This directly affects cities, licensed businesses, and residents/businesses near designated social districts.

Maddy summaryHF 2509, the Youth Civic Engagement Act, establishes a state grant program to support civic activities for Minnesota youth aged 14-24. The bill directs the Secretary of State to award grants to eligible organizations (like schools, nonprofits, and community centers) for specific initiatives including civic education curricula, youth-led projects, mentorship programs, and events such as designated "Youth Civic Engagement Day" (the third Friday in October). Grant funds may cover costs like program materials, participant stipends, and outreach to underserved communities. The bill appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2026-2027 to support these activities, aiming to increase youth participation in voting, community service, and public decision-making.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's definition of a "debt buyer" to clarify that businesses purchasing charged-off medical debts for collection purposes are considered debt buyers, while excluding nonprofits buying for charitable reasons. It appropriates $5 million from the general fund for a one-time grant to the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to relieve medical debt for eligible residents who couldn't pay after hospitals completed reasonable collection efforts. The grant must be used by June 30, 2028, and Undue Medical Debt must report recipient demographics to state agencies. The bill directly affects low-income Minnesotans with unpaid medical bills and hospitals that previously pursued collections.