Rep. Cal Warwas

Maddy summaryHF 271 appropriates funding from the general fund for compensation payments to Minnesota farmers and ranchers who suffer livestock losses or property damage from wolves or elk. Specifically, it allocates money for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to cover livestock destroyed by wolves (under Minn. Stat. § 3.737) and crop or fence damage caused by elk (under Minn. Stat. § 3.7371). The bill includes a provision allowing up to $5,000 annually to reimburse university extension agents for determining fair market values of damaged livestock. If claims exceed expected levels, funds can be shifted between the wolf and elk programs to ensure payments remain available.

Maddy summaryHF 767 increases penalties for arson committed against political organizations or motivated by political reasons. It amends Minnesota Statutes 609.561, 609.563, 609.5631, and 609.5632 to add specific circumstances that elevate penalties. For example, arson targeting a building housing a political organization (under §609.561) carries a maximum 25-year prison sentence, while lesser offenses with political motivation face enhanced fines and jail terms. The law applies to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2025, and directly affects individuals who commit arson against political organizations or for political statements.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support Minnesota's existing Loggers Safety Grant Program. The funds will be administered by the commissioner of labor and industry to provide safety grants directly to loggers and logging businesses. The program, established under Minnesota Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter 10, article 3, section 21, helps logging operations implement safety improvements. This funding ensures continued support for workplace safety initiatives in Minnesota's logging industry.

Maddy summaryHF 636 removes the requirement for a permit to carry a firearm in public places for eligible Minnesotans, while creating an optional permit system. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 624.714 to state that anyone not prohibited by state or federal law (and at least 21 years old) may carry a firearm without a permit in public places - defined as government-owned property or private property open to the public, excluding homes, businesses, gun shops, and hunting areas. An optional permit, which requires proof of pistol safety training and background checks for disqualifying offenses, remains available for those who choose it. This change directly affects eligible residents who currently need permits to carry firearms in public, eliminating that barrier while preserving the option for a permit.

Maddy summaryHF 416 amends Minnesota Statutes to lower the minimum age for applying for a permit to carry a pistol from 21 to 18 years old. The bill directly affects Minnesota residents aged 18 or older who meet other requirements, such as completing firearm safety training and passing background checks. Key provisions include updating section 624.714, subdivision 2, to reflect the new age eligibility while maintaining existing criteria for permit issuance. This change would allow 18- to 20-year-olds to apply for carry permits under the same conditions as older applicants.

Maddy summaryHF 575 appropriates $1 million from state bond proceeds to fund the city of Biwabik's acquisition of property and preliminary design work for a new public safety facility. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $1 million in bonds to cover this cost, following standard state bond procedures. This funding directly supports Biwabik's efforts to develop a dedicated public safety building, with the appropriation effective upon final enactment. The bill does not change existing laws but provides specific financial resources for a local infrastructure project.

Maddy summaryHF 49 repeals a tax on all lawful gambling receipts in Minnesota, removing an existing tax burden for gambling businesses. This bill directly affects casinos, racetracks, and other legal gambling operators that previously paid this tax. The primary mechanism is the repeal of specific tax provisions (including sections 297E.01 and 297E.02), with related technical adjustments to other statutes to align with the repeal. The change eliminates a financial obligation for these businesses but does not alter gambling regulations or operations.

Maddy summaryHF 126 allows legally carried firearms at Minnesota's State Fairgrounds by amending statutes to prevent the State Agricultural Society (which operates the fairgrounds) from banning lawful firearm possession. The bill clarifies that fairgrounds bylaws cannot prohibit firearms consistent with Minnesota's gun laws, while maintaining existing rules for private establishments (like requiring conspicuous "no guns" signs at entrances). It directly affects attendees, vendors, and staff at the State Fairgrounds, ensuring they can carry legally permitted firearms there. The changes take effect August 1, 2025, and do not override rules for parking areas or peace officer access.

Maddy summaryHF 429 appropriates $850,000 from state bonds to fund the design of a new wastewater treatment facility in Eveleth, Minnesota. The funds, drawn from the bond proceeds fund, will be granted to the city of Eveleth to address environmental and health concerns related to its current wastewater system. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $850,000 in bonds under existing state law to cover this appropriation, with the funds specifically designated for the facility's design phase. This bill directly affects Eveleth residents and local infrastructure planning.

Maddy summaryHF 634 appropriates $1,950,000 from the state general fund for a one-time grant to the Minnesota Forest Zone Trappers Association. The funds are designated to cover land acquisition, design, construction, and site development for a Sportsman's and Sportswoman's Outdoor Development Learning Center in Hibbing. This bill directly affects the Minnesota Forest Zone Trappers Association and the Hibbing community by providing capital funding for the center's physical development. The appropriation is available until the project is completed or abandoned, as specified in Minnesota law.