Rep. Cal Warwas

Maddy summaryHF 1425 prohibits the commissioner of natural resources from selling any state-owned land located wholly or partially within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This directly affects the commissioner’s authority over state lands and prevents potential private sales in this protected wilderness area. The bill repeals Minnesota Statutes section 92.82, which previously allowed such sales, while permitting land exchanges. It applies to all state lands managed by the commissioner, including those acquired through legal processes like condemnation or congressional grants.

Maddy summaryHF 2220 prohibits Minnesota state agencies from charging parking fees to state employees at facilities owned or operated by the state. It directly affects all state employees who park on state property, whether working or with manager approval for personal use. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes (sections 16B.04 and 16B.58) to require free parking, removing all fees, fines, or penalties for eligible employees. This change applies to all state parking lots managed under the Department of Administration, ensuring employees receive a free parking permit.

Maddy summaryHF 1285 declares Minnesota a "mining-friendly state" by amending Minnesota Statutes section 93.001. The bill establishes a formal state policy supporting mineral exploration, development, production, and commercialization through long-term state support. This policy change directly affects the mining industry, state agencies responsible for mineral regulation, and communities near potential mining sites. It does not create new regulations or funding but sets a guiding principle for future state actions related to mineral development.

Maddy summaryHF 11 delays the implementation of Minnesota's Paid Leave Law from 2026 to 2027, affecting employers, employees, and state agencies responsible for administering the program. The bill amends multiple statute sections to adjust key dates, including the start of employer premium payments (now January 1, 2027) and administrative requirements like public outreach and annual reporting. This one-year delay provides additional time for businesses to prepare for the new paid leave program without changing the law's core requirements. The law's substance - such as premium rates and fund management - remains unchanged, only the rollout timeline is extended.

Maddy summaryHF 2074 reinstates Minnesota's previous teaching standards of effective practice by voiding specific rule amendments. The bill directly affects public school teachers and administrators in Minnesota, reversing changes made to Minnesota Rules, part 8710.2000, which were published in the State Register (volume 47, page 988). The key mechanism is declaring those rule amendments "void and do not take effect." This bill restores the prior standards governing teaching practices without creating new requirements. It becomes effective the day after final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 2109 clarifies eligibility rules for Minnesota's Class 2c managed forest land property tax classification, which applies to forested land managed under a forest management plan but not enrolled in the sustainable forest program. To qualify, land must be 20-1,920 acres statewide per owner, require a formal application to the county assessor by May 1, and include verification from the commissioner of natural resources. This classification reduces the tax rate to 0.65% of market value (compared to 1% for other rural land), directly affecting forest landowners who meet these criteria. The bill ensures consistent application of the tax benefit by specifying deadlines and verification steps for property owners seeking the lower rate.

Maddy summaryHF 1283 amends Minnesota law to treat a veteran's original or certified DD214 discharge papers as legally equivalent to a permit to carry a firearm. This bill directly affects veterans (defined under Minnesota Statute 197.447) who wish to carry a pistol in locations requiring a permit. Under the bill, veterans no longer need to apply for a permit, pay fees, or complete firearm safety training to carry a pistol; they simply must carry their DD214. All other existing laws governing firearm permits and carry remain applicable. The bill takes effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 764 eliminates the statute of limitations for prosecuting first-degree arson in Minnesota. This means prosecutors can file charges for any first-degree arson offense at any time, regardless of when it occurred. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 628.26 to remove the previous time limit (previously six years for some cases) specifically for violations of section 609.282 related to arson. It directly affects individuals who commit first-degree arson and the state's ability to pursue such cases, with the change applying to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1286 amends Minnesota's vehicle registration tax to provide reduced rates for disabled veterans. It requires the tax on a disabled veteran's vehicle to be lowered to a percentage matching their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating, with only one vehicle per veteran eligible for the reduction. The bill also mandates that the state treasury transfer funds from the general fund to the highway user tax fund each July to cover the tax reductions provided under this provision. This change directly affects disabled veterans who own vehicles in Minnesota and alters how vehicle registration tax proceeds are handled for this specific group.

Maddy summaryHF 1996 increases Minnesota's annual funding cap for town aid from $10 million (for 2015-2025) to $11.5 million (starting in 2026). It modifies the calculation method for distributing this aid to all qualifying towns but does not change the formula itself. The bill affects all Minnesota towns receiving state aid under this program, directly increasing the total available funds for their distribution. The change takes effect for aid paid in calendar year 2026 and later.