Rep. Pete Johnson

Maddy summaryHF 1958 modifies Minnesota's individual income tax brackets for 2025 tax returns. It raises the income thresholds for each tax rate, meaning more income is taxed at lower rates before higher rates apply. For example, married couples filing jointly pay 5.35% on income up to $47,620 (up from $38,770), and 6.8% on income between $47,620 and $189,180 (up from $38,770-$154,020). The bill directly affects Minnesota residents who file state income tax returns, particularly middle-income earners whose taxable income falls within the revised brackets. The changes are effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 961 appropriates $250,000 for each of the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years to fund the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation's ProStart program. This program provides high school students with culinary and hospitality management education, including curriculum, tools, skills training, professional development, and scholarships. The funds directly support addressing workforce shortages in Minnesota's hospitality industry by enhancing career pathways for students. This is a one-time appropriation specifically designated for these educational services in participating high schools.

Maddy summaryHF 442 provides a refundable sales tax exemption for construction materials used in specific housing projects in St. Louis County. It applies to apartment developments with 20+ units, condominiums with 40+ units, or townhome projects with 40+ units, covering materials purchased between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2027. Developers pay the sales tax upfront but receive a refund through the state’s general fund, mirroring existing procedures for similar housing projects. This policy directly affects developers building qualifying multi-unit housing in St. Louis County during the specified timeframe. The exemption ends on June 30, 2027, with no changes to existing tax rates for other projects.

Maddy summaryHF 2195 proposes adding a new constitutional section to Minnesota's state constitution, specifically stating "Marriage is a fundamental right and shall not be restricted based on gender or race" (Sec. 18). If approved by voters, this amendment would prohibit legal restrictions on marriage based on gender or race. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, with potential implementation starting January 1, 2027, if ratified. This bill directly affects marriage rights and legal protections for all Minnesotans, requiring voter approval rather than legislative passage alone.

Maddy summaryHF 1485 requires Minnesota health insurers and medical assistance programs to cover over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptive drugs, devices, and products without cost-sharing (like co-pays or deductibles). It applies directly to health plans and enrollees, mandating coverage of all FDA-approved OTC contraceptives at the point of sale without prescription requirements or quantity limits. The bill also requires health plans to list covered contraceptive services accessibly and cover provider-recommended methods based on medical necessity. This law takes effect January 1, 2026, for health plans offered, issued, or renewed after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 2468 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support mental health initiatives in Minnesota's construction industry. The funds, available until June 30, 2027, are designated for outreach, education, stigma reduction programs, and worksite strategies to prevent suicide. They can be used for grants to industry groups and developing resources targeting construction workers. This bill directly affects construction industry workers by funding concrete mental health support services through state-administered programs.

Maddy summaryHF 278 increases fees for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) registrations and nonresident trail passes in Minnesota. It adds a $45 surcharge to all ATV registration fees (raising public-use fees from $6 to $20 annually) and increases the nonresident trail pass fee from $30 to $45 per year. The surcharge and higher pass fees fund grant-in-aid programs under Minnesota Statutes 84.927, specifically for constructing and maintaining ATV trails and use areas in counties and municipalities. This directly affects ATV owners (residents and nonresidents) who must pay these updated fees to operate on state or grant-in-aid trails.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $375,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $375,000 for fiscal year 2027 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund to the Lake Superior Zoological Society. The funding is specifically for developing educational exhibits and programs focused on Minnesota's history and cultural heritage. The Lake Superior Zoological Society directly receives these funds to support its educational initiatives. The bill provides concrete financial support through established state funding mechanisms without altering broader policies.

Maddy summaryHF 2332 appropriates $680,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $680,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to Rethos, a nonprofit organization. The funds will support Rethos' work expanding Minnesota's Main Street America program through outreach, training, education, and reducing financial barriers for participants. Specifically, $230,000 must be distributed as technical assistance grants to local Main Street organizations using criteria developed by Rethos. This bill directly affects Rethos and local Main Street organizations participating in the program.

Maddy summaryHF 279 appropriates $752,000 from the natural resources fund for specific all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trail projects in St. Louis County and $200,000 for a route study in Duluth. The St. Louis County funds will support four local club projects - including engineering, construction, and right-of-way acquisition for trails managed by the Alborn Dirt Devils, Ranger Snowmobile/ATV, Twig Area Trail Riders, and Quad Cities ATV clubs. The Duluth study aims to establish connectivity for ATV routes in the western part of the city. All funds are one-time appropriations available until June 30, 2028.