Rep. Cal Warwas

Maddy summaryHF 1829 modifies Minnesota's property tax rules for a specific type of resort property called "homestead resort properties." It affects owners of properties that qualify as both recreational resorts (with 3+ rental units, seasonal use, and recreational services) and homesteads (where the owner or a family member lives there). The bill changes how these properties are taxed by adjusting the tier limits: the first $500,000 of value would be taxed at a lower rate, while higher value portions would follow different rules. This amendment applies to properties abutting water or state trails that meet all the specified criteria for seasonal rental and homestead use.

Maddy summaryHF 2372 creates a voluntary "Minnesota Civic Seal" designation for high school students who complete specific civics requirements. To earn the seal, students must complete approved civics coursework, complete a project-based civic assessment, participate in at least one civic activity outside class (like voting in student elections or community service), and demonstrate civic dispositions. School districts may choose to participate but cannot charge students fees, must provide information about the program to all students, and must affix the seal to diplomas and transcripts for qualifying graduates. The program begins for students graduating in 2027 or later, with the Department of Education developing the insignia and guidelines to ensure equitable access for all students.

Maddy summaryHF 238 modifies the interest rate applied to unpaid special assessments in Minnesota, which are fees for local improvements like roads or sewers. It requires municipalities to refund interest payments made under the previous rate if they were overcharged. The bill directly affects property owners who pay these assessments and may owe interest on unpaid amounts. Key changes include setting a new interest accrual rate and mandating refunds for overpayments, as specified in the amended Minnesota Statutes section 429.061.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Minnesota's property tax refund program for taxes payable in 2026. It requires the refund calculation to use an eight percent threshold instead of the current twelve percent threshold, which would increase refund amounts for eligible property owners. The change applies only to property taxes due in 2026 and does not affect refunds for other tax years. The legislation is limited to a one-time expansion and does not create permanent changes to the refund system.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's social studies standards to include information about the dangers and perils of communism and socialism, specifically during the 2030-2031 review and revision of state academic standards. The legislation mandates that the state commissioner incorporate details about estimated lives lost and negative outcomes associated with these ideologies into the updated curriculum. It directly affects Minnesota public school systems by setting a specific requirement for future social studies education content. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, and does not change current curriculum requirements but establishes a mandate for future revisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts individuals under 15 years old from Minnesota's Paid Leave Law requirements. It directly affects employers who hire workers younger than 15, removing them from the state's paid leave coverage mandates. The legislation amends Minnesota Statutes 268B.01 by adding language to exclude young workers from the definitions of "covered employment" and "employee" under the paid leave program. Employers of workers under 15 will no longer be required to provide paid leave benefits to these employees under this law.

Maddy summaryHF 16 prohibits Minnesota cities, counties, or local governments from passing laws that block law enforcement from sharing immigration status information with federal authorities. It requires county attorneys to notify federal immigration agencies when someone without legal status is arrested for a violent crime. The bill overrides any local "noncooperation" policies that would restrict this information sharing or federal immigration enforcement. It applies to all local law enforcement and government entities in Minnesota, ensuring consistent cooperation with federal immigration enforcement on specific matters.

Maddy summaryHF 13 would amend Minnesota Statutes section 609.06 to eliminate the requirement that individuals must attempt to retreat before using reasonable force in self-defense or defense of others. The bill specifically removes the "duty to retreat" provision, allowing people to use force without first trying to avoid confrontation if they reasonably believe it is necessary. This change would directly affect Minnesotans using force to defend themselves or others in situations where they perceive an immediate threat. The bill was introduced but not passed, as it was laid on the table during the 2025 legislative session.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to fund a new facility for the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm, Minnesota, by issuing up to $3.2 million in state bonds. The funds will be used to purchase property, prepare the site, and build or renovate a building that includes space for museum exhibits, cultural events, and storage for historical artifacts. The state may also enter into a lease or management agreement to operate the programs housed in the new facility. The legislation becomes effective the day after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $3.1 million in state funds to the city of Buhl for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure improvements. The money will be used to build and upgrade pipes, pumps, and drainage systems to support new commercial and residential development in the area. To finance this project, the state will issue bonds up to $3.1 million, which will be repaid through future tax revenues. The funds cover design, engineering, and construction costs for approximately 2,600 feet of wastewater pipes, 1,200 feet of stormwater pipes, new pumps, and related road improvements.