Rep. Josh Heintzeman

Maddy summaryHF 944 amends Minnesota's trespass law to allow landowners to use purple paint markings as a legal alternative to traditional "no trespassing" signs for restricting outdoor recreation on their property. The bill specifies that purple markings must be vertical lines (at least 8 inches long, 1 inch wide) placed 3-5 feet from the ground, spaced no more than 100 feet apart on forest land or 1,000 feet apart elsewhere. This directly affects landowners seeking to manage recreational access and users who might enter marked areas without permission. The change provides a standardized, visible method for landowners to communicate trespass restrictions without requiring physical signs.

Maddy summaryHF 1360 establishes the "Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Program" to provide infrastructure project support to small local governments. It appropriates $2.5 million for fiscal year 2026 and $2.5 million for fiscal year 2027 to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. The program assists communities with populations under 15,000 (or collaborative groups of such communities) that lack capacity to develop infrastructure projects or apply for grants. It funds project analysis, planning, and development through university partnerships, requiring consideration of sustainability, climate resilience, and coordinated infrastructure investments.

Maddy summaryThis bill recognizes Minnesota's historic state flag (described as a blue flag with a central emblem featuring 19 stars, the word "MINNESOTA," and scenes from the Great Seal) and grants all Minnesotans the right to display it. It requires the lieutenant governor to set standards for its display on state property, mandating it be shown during specified holidays and on Capitol grounds during legislative sessions. The bill also allows the historic flag to be displayed on other public property for ceremonial purposes, while requiring it to be placed beneath the official state flag when both are displayed together. It directly affects all Minnesotans who display the flag and government entities managing public property.

Maddy summaryHF 1120 establishes Minnesota's "Keep it Clean" program to prevent water pollution from garbage and human waste left on ice during winter activities on state waters. The bill directly affects local governments and nonprofit organizations by creating a grant program to fund projects like installing winter-ready waste stations, providing seasonal waste disposal services, increasing winter patrols, and running education campaigns. Key provisions include funding for infrastructure (e.g., dumping stations), enforcement support, and community outreach to promote responsible winter use. The bill appropriates state funds for the program's administration and grants, with at least a portion dedicated to local projects.

Maddy summaryHF 489 appropriates $25.8 million for 2026 and $26.9 million for 2027 from Minnesota's parks and trails fund to support state parks, recreation areas, and trails. It allocates $12.9 million annually for regional park and trail grants outside the Minneapolis metro area, requiring projects to align with the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks Strategic Plan. The bill also provides $652,000 annually for coordination between agencies and web-based park information, while extending project funding deadlines for specific initiatives like the Cannon Valley Trail and Spirit Mountain Recreation Area through 2027. This funding directly affects state park operations, regional park commissions, and local projects receiving grants under Minnesota Statutes § 85.535.

Maddy summaryHF 723 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of natural resources. This funding supports the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission in carrying out its duties under Minnesota Statutes section 85.536. The bill directly affects the commission and its ability to manage regional parks and trails across Greater Minnesota. It provides specific, concrete funding amounts for two consecutive budget years without altering existing park policies or programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1040 requires manufacturers and importers of wind and solar energy equipment (like solar panels and wind turbine components) to fund recycling programs for their discarded products. It bans landfill disposal of wind and solar infrastructure, imposes a fee on retail sales to cover recycling costs, and mandates producers to submit detailed recycling plans by March 2026. The law directly affects companies selling wind and solar technology in Minnesota, shifting responsibility for end-of-life management from taxpayers to producers. Key provisions include creating a statewide recycling system, requiring annual reports to the state, and defining terms like "discarded infrastructure" and "producer" to clarify obligations. This focuses on concrete policy changes for waste management, not future environmental outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's wildlife commissioner to establish an annual open season for wolf hunting after wolves are delisted from federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. It directly affects state wildlife managers, hunters, and livestock owners by creating a mandatory yearly process for setting hunting seasons. Key provisions include requiring the commissioner to consult with the agriculture commissioner and USDA's animal health agency before determining seasons, and to review data on wolf attacks on livestock and human conflicts. The bill mandates public comment opportunities for all proposed seasons, ensuring transparency in the annual decision-making process.

Maddy summaryHF 2448 prohibits counties, cities, and towns in Minnesota from banning the sale of flavored tobacco products, such as those with fruit, chocolate, mint, or candy flavors. It amends Minnesota Statutes to state that local governments may not enact ordinances that ban these products or create regulations making their sale impossible within their boundaries. The bill specifically defines "flavored products" as tobacco or nicotine products with non-tobacco tastes distinguishable before or during consumption. This law overrides any existing or future local ordinances attempting to restrict or ban such sales, while allowing local governments to maintain other tobacco sales regulations. The bill takes effect the day after final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 2447 establishes a dedicated account for financial assurance funds collected from gas development permits. It requires the commissioner of natural resources to deposit these funds into an account managed by the State Board of Investment, with earnings credited back to the account. The funds can only be used for financial assurance purposes related to specific gas permits under chapters 93 and 103I of Minnesota Statutes. This bill directly affects gas development permit applicants and the commissioner's office, creating a new mechanism for handling and investing these required funds.