Rep. Pete Johnson

Maddy summaryHF 1762 proposes adding a new constitutional amendment to Minnesota's state constitution. If approved by voters, it would guarantee all persons equal rights under state law and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex - including protections for pregnancy decisions, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. The amendment would apply to all state actions and agencies, requiring any discriminatory state action to be the "least restrictive means" of achieving a "compelling governmental interest." The proposed amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, with implementation starting January 1, 2027, if ratified.

Maddy summaryHF 1828 implements recommendations from the state auditor's fire relief association working group by requiring Minnesota firefighters' relief associations to prepare detailed annual financial statements. These statements must show all income, expenses, assets, and liabilities in a format set by the state auditor and be certified by an independent CPA with at least five years of public accounting experience (not affiliated with the association). The associations must submit these certified statements to the state auditor by June 30 each year, with the requirement effective January 1, 2026. The bill directly affects all firefighters' relief associations operating under Minnesota law.

Maddy summaryHF 1399 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Corrections to maintain a supply of opiate antagonists (like naloxone) at all state correctional facilities for immediate use during opioid overdoses. It mandates storing sufficient nasal doses throughout facilities for rapid response and provides training to correctional staff on recognizing overdose symptoms and administering the medication. This bill directly affects people in Minnesota's prisons and jails who may experience overdoses, as well as correctional facility staff responsible for safety. The law creates a specific protocol for overdose response within correctional settings, referencing existing statutes for definitions and administration procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's remediation fund to allow reimbursement for PFAS contamination cleanup at emergency response training centers. It specifically covers costs incurred on or after January 1, 2023, for investigations, remediation, and related activities at centers that stopped using PFAS-containing firefighting foam by January 1, 2015. The bill appropriates $1 million in fiscal year 2026 for grants to qualifying state colleges or universities operating these centers. It directly affects emergency response training centers that used PFAS firefighting foam before 2015 and now seek cleanup funding. The policy change expands the fund's eligible uses to include PFAS remediation at these specific facilities.

Maddy summaryHF 1842 authorizes sports betting and fantasy contests in Minnesota while establishing licensing requirements for operators and prohibiting local governments from banning these activities. The bill creates a tax system for sports betting and fantasy contests, requires operators to obtain state licenses, and includes specific rules for mobile betting applications and in-game wagers. It clarifies that standard fantasy sports contests (based on real athlete performance) are permitted, but esports events must meet additional criteria. The legislation also updates tax rates for pari-mutuel horse racing and requires reports on gambling revenue, affecting operators, tribal casinos, and residents aged 21+ who place bets.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the maximum tax rate that housing and redevelopment authorities in Minnesota can levy on property within their districts. It increases the allowable levy limit from 0.0185% to 0.037% of a property's estimated market value. The change directly affects local housing authorities that collect special taxes to fund redevelopment projects. The provision adjusts a technical cap in existing law, allowing these authorities to collect a higher maximum tax for their projects. The bill does not create new programs but changes the financial limit on existing tax authority.

Maddy summaryHF 1506 appropriates $1,000,000 from the general fund for a one-time grant to the Entrepreneur Fund in fiscal year 2026. This funding will capitalize the Entrepreneur Fund's revolving loan program to address unmet financing needs for for-profit business startups, expansions, and ownership transitions in northeast Minnesota. The bill directly affects small businesses in that region that struggle to secure traditional financing. The key mechanism is using the $1 million grant to expand the Fund's existing loan program, which repays and reuses funds for future business support.

Maddy summaryHF 1507 appropriates $1,058,200 from the general fund for capital improvements at the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth. The funding, provided as a one-time grant to the Lake Superior Center Authority, covers predesign, construction, and renovations including mechanical/electrical system replacements, utility upgrades, life-safety improvements, and exterior facility work. This bill directly affects the Great Lakes Aquarium's physical infrastructure and operations in Duluth. The appropriation is available until the project is completed or abandoned, effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a $5,000 annual income tax credit for Minnesota graduates of accredited aerospace or aviation educational programs during their first five years of full-time employment with qualifying employers. It also provides a tax credit for employers who reimburse tuition for these graduates during the same five-year period. The credit applies only to graduates with degrees, certificates, or FAA-recognized certifications from approved programs at eligible institutions. Both credits are limited to the taxpayer's annual income tax liability and expire after five years.

Maddy summaryHF 1539 adjusts special education funding for Duluth's Independent School District No. 709. It increases the district's annual special education initial aid by $500,000 starting in fiscal year 2026 to account for changes not included in the 2016 funding base. The bill also creates a new $1 million annual supplemental special education aid for the district beginning in 2026. These funds are appropriated from the state general fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The bill directly affects Duluth School District No. 709's special education budget.