Rep. Josh Heintzeman

Maddy summaryHF 819 establishes the Minnesota Sustainable Foraging Task Force to develop science-based recommendations for foraging regulations on state lands. The task force, composed of 16 diverse members including Indigenous knowledge holders, scientists, conservation representatives, and foraging advocates, must gather data on foraging impacts, review current rules, and create guidelines balancing public access with ecological protection. It is required to produce a report with specific, actionable recommendations - including a permitting model allowing volunteer options - by December 1, 2026. The bill directly affects Minnesotans who forage on public lands and aims to guide future regulations through data-driven, inclusive processes.

Maddy summaryHF 1371 exempts specific paper products from Minnesota's extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for solid waste management. It adds two new categories to the list of exempt materials: packaging for newspapers (including supplements) and packaging for magazines with circulation under 95,000 that focus on news and current events. This means publishers of these paper products will no longer be subject to the EPR program's requirements, such as funding waste management or meeting recycling targets. The bill directly affects newspaper and small-circulation magazine publishers in Minnesota.

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 1592 modifies Minnesota Statutes to protect calcareous fens - a specific type of wetland ecosystem - by requiring the commissioner of natural resources to adopt a formal definition for these areas through rulemaking. The bill mandates that before denying a permit affecting a calcareous fen, the commissioner must provide the applicant with a detailed report explaining the fen's ecological benefits and potential impacts. It also requires the commissioner to submit a comprehensive report by December 1, 2025, comparing the ecological value of calcareous fens to other wetlands and summarizing permit denials over the past decade. These provisions directly affect the commissioner, permit applicants, and land use decisions involving calcareous fens.

Maddy summaryHF 1390 appropriates $500,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the 1854 Treaty Authority to study bear populations in the ceded area from the 1854 treaty between the Lake Superior Chippewa and the U.S. government. The bill requires the Authority to complete a study assessing current bear populations, factors affecting them, and future population trends by December 31, 2026. The study results must be submitted to the chairs and ranking members of the relevant legislative environment policy committees. This funding directly supports the 1854 Treaty Authority's work on wildlife management within the treaty area.

Maddy summaryHF 1527 appropriates $200,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $200,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the game and fish fund to expand Minnesota's "Fishing in the Neighborhood" program. The funding, directed to the commissioner of natural resources, will extend the program to all counties and cities statewide. It aims to increase angling opportunities for children, raise public awareness about fishing, and promote environmental stewardship. The bill provides concrete funding for program expansion without altering existing laws or creating new regulations.

Maddy summaryHF 1389 transfers specific state-owned land at the Cloquet Forestry Center in Carlton County to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. It appropriates $1.3 million from the general fund to pay off existing state bonds financing improvements on this property, removing it from "state bond-financed property" status under Minnesota law. This debt payment enables the University of Minnesota to eventually return the land to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, as stated in the bill's purpose. The bill directly affects the state, the University of Minnesota, and the Fond du Lac Band by facilitating a land transfer.

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 1591 prohibits the Minnesota Commissioner of Natural Resources from purchasing state land at auction or accepting land acquired by third parties at auction. This bill directly affects the Commissioner's office by restricting a specific method of land acquisition. The key provision (Section 1.6) explicitly bans such acquisitions, amending Minnesota Statutes chapter 94. The bill is procedural and does not create new programs or impact the public.

Maddy summaryHF 284 expands background checks for noncitizen applicants seeking a permit to carry firearms in Minnesota. The bill requires sheriffs to conduct an Immigration Alien Query (IAQ) check for noncitizens and mandates applicants to provide their country of birth and alien number. This amendment to Minnesota Statutes § 624.714 specifically modifies the application form requirements and investigation process for noncitizen applicants, adding these new data points and verification steps to the existing criminal record checks. The change directly affects noncitizen applicants by expanding the scope of information collected and verified during the background check process.