Rep. Spencer Igo

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency manages its Housing Development Fund by updating rules on how money enters the fund and how it can be moved between different programs. Specifically, it clarifies that state funds must be tracked in separate accounts and allows the agency to transfer unused balances between loan and grant programs, while also repealing older statutes that listed specific allowable uses for the fund. The legislation removes the ability of the agency to make certain capacity-building grants and spend money on rental housing and full-cycle home ownership services without specific appropriations. These changes directly affect the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and the specific housing programs it administers by tightening financial controls and limiting discretionary spending options.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Minnesota calculates registration taxes for passenger cars and hearses by lowering the tax rate based on the vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price. It changes the tax calculation for new vehicles registered on or after November 16, 2020, and reduces the percentage of the vehicle's value taxed for each subsequent year of ownership. The legislation also establishes a process to transfer money from the state's general fund to the highway user tax distribution fund to cover any revenue shortfall caused by these tax reductions.

Maddy summaryHF 2002 abolishes a prohibition that prevented the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission from issuing a certificate of need for new nuclear power plants. This change would allow the commission to approve applications for new nuclear plant construction, which was previously blocked by law. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 216B.243, subdivision 3b, by removing the language stating the commission "may not issue a certificate of need" for new nuclear facilities. The policy change directly affects nuclear energy developers seeking to build new plants in Minnesota and the commission's approval process.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million for Minnesota's supportive housing program, with $9 million specifically targeting U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Continuum of Care grantees facing funding gaps before December 2026. It allows noncompetitive grants to existing HUD recipients to fill these gaps, covering permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and related services. Grantees must report every 90 days on fund usage and people served, with compiled reports shared with lawmakers and the Legislative Reference Library. The funding is a one-time appropriation under Minnesota Statutes §462A.42.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes liability limits for injuries or deaths resulting from inherent risks associated with motorized recreational vehicle activities in Minnesota. It directly affects participants in activities involving off-highway vehicles, snowmobiles, golf carts, motorcycles, and similar vehicles, as well as the organizations that sponsor or manage these events. The law defines inherent risks to include terrain variations, collisions, operator error, weather conditions, and spectator actions, while allowing participants to recover damages only in cases of gross negligence, willful misconduct, or when provided equipment is unreasonably dangerous. To qualify for liability protection, organizers must post clear warning signs at activity sites stating that participants assume the risk of injury or death. The provisions take effect on August 1, 2026, and apply to legal claims arising on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Task Force on Housing Taxes and Fees to examine how state, county, and local taxes and fees affect the cost of building and preserving housing in Minnesota. The 15-member task force includes legislators, state agency representatives, industry stakeholders, and public members, with appointments due by July 1, 2026. The group will inventory existing housing-related charges, analyze their impact on market prices, evaluate how funds are distributed among government levels, and provide recommendations for reducing costs while maintaining essential services. The task force must submit its findings and recommendations by February 15, 2027, after which it will dissolve.

Maddy summaryHF 2103 appropriates $9 million from Minnesota's general fund to fund a tracking system for tradable ammonia, hydrogen, and renewable energy certificates. The bill directly affects the Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System, which will manage the certificate system. Key provisions require grantees to submit annual spending reports to the Legislative Auditor (2026-2030) and report on green ammonia certificate issuances to commerce and agriculture commissioners (2030-2035). The funding supports developing infrastructure for tracking these renewable energy credits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota utilities to consider nuclear power as an option when planning their future energy resources, and it mandates that the state government actively seek federal funding for nuclear power projects. Under the new rules, utilities must include nuclear power in their resource plan filings, and if they decide not to select it as a preferred resource, they must explain their reasoning. Additionally, the state energy department must monitor and apply for all available federal funding related to nuclear-powered plants, and it must report annually to state lawmakers on these applications and any reasons for not pursuing eligible projects. These changes take effect immediately, with the utility planning requirement applying to plans filed after September 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of up to $12 million in state bonds to fund the renovation and expansion of the Itasca County Family YMCA facility in Grand Rapids. The funds will be provided as a grant to Itasca County for design, construction, furnishing, and equipping of the facility, subject to existing state laws governing such projects. The commissioner of management and budget is directed to sell and issue the bonds, while the commissioner of employment and economic development will manage the distribution of funds. The legislation takes effect immediately upon final passage by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of up to $7 million in state bonds to fund a regional housing and senior nutrition services facility in Hibbing, Minnesota. The funds will be used to acquire property, design, construct, and equip a facility that provides housing and nutrition programs for low-income individuals and seniors in the northeast region of the state. The city of Hibbing may manage or lease the facility's programming under existing state laws. The legislation takes effect immediately upon final enactment.