Rep. Pete Johnson

Maddy summaryHF 427 provides $14 million in state funding for capital improvements at Duluth International Airport, directly benefiting the Duluth Airport Authority. The bill authorizes the sale of state bonds to fund a new air traffic control tower base building, including design, construction, office spaces, site preparation (like demolishing old buildings), utility work, and replacing fuel tanks. A portion of the funds will match federal grants for the project. The legislation specifies that the money comes from bond proceeds and is effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 569 appropriates $6 million from state bond proceeds to fund public infrastructure improvements in Two Harbors, Minnesota, specifically for projects related to the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Trunk Highway 61 reconstruction. The funds will support the city's design, construction, and reconstruction of sewers, water systems, utilities, streets, sidewalks, ADA-compliant features, and stormwater management systems along Highway 61. The state will issue bonds up to $6 million to cover these costs, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. The bill becomes effective the day after final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 446 appropriates $7 million from state bond proceeds to fund wastewater infrastructure improvements in the unorganized area of Ash River, St. Louis County. The funds will support the predesign, design, and construction of a wastewater collection and treatment system for the Voyageurs National Park Clean Water Joint Powers Board. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $7 million in bonds to cover this cost, exempting it from standard budget appropriation requirements. This directly affects residents in Ash River's unorganized area by improving their wastewater services.

Maddy summaryHF 440 appropriates $8 million from state bonds to fund the expansion and preservation of St. Louis County's Heritage and Arts Center (the Depot) in Duluth. This funding requires at least $5.67 million in nonstate contributions from St. Louis County before the state money becomes available. The bill authorizes the sale of state bonds to cover this appropriation, which will pay for construction, renovations, and upgrades to the building's mechanical, electrical, and safety systems. The direct beneficiaries are St. Louis County residents and users of the Duluth arts center.

Maddy summaryHF 702 amends Minnesota law to set specific property rate increases for four nursing facilities, removing an automatic expiration date (sunset) for these increases. The bill directly affects facilities in St. Paul ($10.65 increase), Duluth ($20.81), Chatfield ($21.35), and Fergus Falls ($38.56), all effective January 1, 2025. These increases are fixed dollar amounts and will remain in effect without a sunset provision. The changes take effect July 1, 2025, for the property payment rates.

Maddy summaryHF 441 appropriates $7 million from state bond proceeds to fund capital improvements at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC). The funds will cover specific projects including elevator and escalator upgrades, energy efficiency measures, ADA compliance work (like seat replacements and flooring in Symphony Hall), fire door replacements, and parking lot repairs. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $7 million in bonds to cover these costs under Minnesota’s bond laws. This directly affects the DECC Authority, which will use the funds for facility renovations and maintenance.

Maddy summaryHF 334 appropriates $20 million in state bond proceeds to fund public infrastructure grants for businesses in Greater Minnesota (outside the Twin Cities metro area). The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $20 million in bonds to finance these grants under Minnesota Statutes § 116J.431. The grants will support business development projects requiring public infrastructure improvements like roads, utilities, or site preparation. This funding directly affects eligible businesses and economic development agencies in Greater Minnesota by providing capital for infrastructure upgrades.

Maddy summaryHF 333 appropriates $10.85 million from state bond proceeds to fund infrastructure improvements for Duluth's Lot D redevelopment project. The funds will cover specific capital upgrades like seawall repairs, utility connections, debris removal, transportation facility upgrades, and site preparation. The state will issue bonds to cover this cost under Minnesota's bonding authority. This bill directly affects the City of Duluth by providing funding for the redevelopment of publicly owned infrastructure at Lot D.

Maddy summaryHF 37 proposes adding a new constitutional guarantee to Minnesota's state constitution, stating that "Elections shall be free, fair, and equal. No civil or military power shall, at any time, interfere with the free exercise of the right to vote." If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, this amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, directly affecting all Minnesotans participating in elections by establishing this fundamental principle. The bill specifies the exact wording for the constitutional amendment and the ballot question voters would see. It does not create new election procedures but enshrines this standard into the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HF 139) increases annual cost-of-living adjustments for retirees in Minnesota's Public Employees Police and Fire Retirement Plan and State Patrol Retirement Plan. It raises the standard adjustment from 1% to up to 1.5% annually (based on federal Social Security COLA), and shortens the required waiting period from 36 months to 12 months for full benefits. Retirees receiving benefits for less than 12 months will now get a pro-rated increase based on months served. The changes take effect for adjustments starting January 1, 2026, and apply automatically unless retirees opt out in writing.