Rep. Cal Warwas

Maddy summaryHF 514 amends Minnesota Statutes section 121A.425 to modify dismissal limitations for kindergarten through grade 3 students. The current law prohibits disciplinary dismissals for these students, with exceptions for short-term dismissals (less than one school day) for students receiving special education services and for expulsions only after exhausting other resources in cases of serious safety threats. This bill adjusts those limitations, but the specific policy changes are not detailed in the provided bill text. The amendment directly affects public school students in grades K-3 and their schools, altering how disciplinary actions may be applied.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Minnesota's sales tax exemption to include additional baby products, directly affecting parents and caregivers who purchase these items. It adds baby wipes, cribs and bassinets (including mattresses and sheets), changing tables and pads, strollers, car seats and bases, baby swings, bottle sterilizers, and infant eating utensils to the list of tax-exempt items. The exemption applies to sales and purchases made after June 30, 2025. This change removes sales tax from these specific baby products, aligning with the existing exemption for items like breast pumps and baby bottles.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases funding for school districts' pupil transportation costs by adjusting how transportation aid is calculated. It requires districts to receive additional funds equal to 35-70% of the difference between their actual transportation costs and previous funding formulas, starting in fiscal year 2026. Charter schools receive similar adjustments based on district per-pupil funding. The bill appropriates specific funding for 2026 and 2027 to support these changes. It directly affects all Minnesota public school districts and charter schools that provide student transportation.

Maddy summaryHF 649 requires Minnesota's wildlife commissioner to establish an annual open season for wolf hunting after wolves are removed from federal endangered species protections. The bill mandates that the commissioner consult with the agriculture commissioner and USDA before setting season rules, considering data on wolf conflicts with livestock and pets. Season rules must align with Minnesota's existing wolf management plan and include public comment opportunities. This directly affects state wildlife management decisions, hunters, and livestock owners by creating a required annual process for wolf population control.

Maddy summaryHF 1343 establishes the Minnesota Nice HomeShare pilot program to help seniors aged 55+ in Lake, St. Louis, and Washington counties reduce housing costs by matching them with renters seeking affordable housing in spare rooms. The program, funded with $150,000 in fiscal year 2026, requires participating agencies to facilitate matches via phone or video, handle payments, conduct background checks, and verify renters’ employment or school enrollment. It directly affects seniors with available space and low-income renters in the three specified counties. The pilot program will operate through partnerships with agencies like the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging and AARP Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 763 prohibits falsely impersonating a military service member, veteran, or public official with the intent to gain politically or to wrongfully obtain money, property, or other tangible benefits. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to explicitly add "for political gain" as a prohibited motive, making such impersonation a misdemeanor. This law directly affects individuals who might impersonate these figures to influence elections, campaigns, or political activities. The policy change clarifies and expands existing protections under Minnesota law to address political misuse of identities.

Maddy summaryHF 1287 appropriates $2.5 million from state bond proceeds to fund capital improvements for Virginia, Minnesota’s city hall building. The funds will cover specific upgrades including HVAC system replacement, window replacements, and other capital repairs. The state will issue up to $2.5 million in bonds under existing state bond laws to provide this funding. This bill directly affects the city of Virginia by enabling physical upgrades to its municipal building.

Maddy summaryHF 1284 allows Minnesota school districts to delay compliance with certain state mandates that lack funding until the required financial resources are appropriated. Specifically, districts are not required to follow mandates affecting daily operations, local policy authority, curriculum changes, or spending priorities until funding is secured. Exceptions apply for mandates with minimal budget impact or those directly related to student safety, health, or financial audits. The law takes effect for mandates active after June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1282 allows renters (lessees) of property in specific small Minnesota cities to request their property tax statements directly from county auditors. It applies only to renters in cities with populations between 940-960 (2020 census) located in counties with 190,000-210,000 residents. The bill requires renters to submit their name and address to the county auditor to receive notices about proposed and final property tax statements. This change takes effect for taxes payable in 2026 and does not alter tax rates or create new taxes.

Maddy summaryHF 1288 increases presumptive sentence lengths for specific criminal sexual conduct crimes in Minnesota by 25%. It applies to violations of statutes covering sexual assault (Minnesota Statutes §§ 609.342-609.3458), requiring the Sentencing Guidelines Commission to adjust the 2025 sentencing grid. The increase does not apply when the offender held a position of authority over the victim (e.g., a teacher or supervisor). The changes take effect August 1, 2025, for crimes committed on or after that date.