Rep. Liish Kozlowski

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 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 2261 clarifies and modifies Minnesota's landlord-tenant laws, directly affecting residential landlords and tenants. The bill updates landlord covenants (Minnesota Statutes 504B.161) requiring properties to be fit for use, in reasonable repair, energy-efficient under specific cost-saving conditions, and compliant with health/safety laws. It provides tenants with a clearer process to deposit rent with the court administrator if landlords fail to fix violations after 14 days (Minnesota Statutes 504B.385), while adding a 14-day written notice requirement for landlords before tenant legal action (Minnesota Statutes 504B.395, subdivision 4). These changes aim to streamline dispute resolution without altering core tenant protections.

Maddy summaryHF 999 appropriates $100 million to the Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation (MMCDC) to administer a down payment assistance program for first-generation homebuyers. The program assists households where at least one adult never owned a home or lost one to foreclosure, with income at or below 100% of the area median income. It provides a no-interest loan covering up to 10% of a home's purchase price (capped at $32,000 initially), forgiven 20% annually over five years, usable for down payments or closing costs with a qualifying mortgage. MMCDC must report annually on program usage, demographics, and outcomes to the legislature.

Maddy summaryHF 2254 adds a $400 "baby bonus" to Minnesota's existing child credit for each qualifying child born during the tax year. This directly affects Minnesota taxpayers with newborn children, increasing their state income tax credit. The bill modifies the child credit calculation by adding the $400 per newborn (without reducing the minimum credit amount) and allows for potential advance payments. It takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 1582 modifies Minnesota's Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) benefits for educators. It allows teachers with 30 years of service to retire at age 60 without reduced annuity payments (previously requiring 35 years), adjusts early retirement penalties, and increases postretirement cost-of-living adjustments. The bill also raises employer contribution rates for school districts (from 13.3% to 17.3% for basic members) and increases pension adjustment revenue rates for school districts starting in 2026. These changes directly affect current and future TRA members, school districts funding retirement costs, and the state's retirement system budget.

Maddy summaryHF 1879 allocates $2 million annually starting in fiscal year 2026 to fund Minnesota's homeownership education, counseling, and training program. The bill transfers funds from the general fund to the housing development fund and then appropriates $2 million yearly to the Housing Finance Agency commissioner for this program. Ten percent of each year's appropriation specifically supports the Minnesota Homeownership Center to administer the program and provide culturally appropriate services, including counseling for limited English proficiency individuals and those with limited technology access. This funding directly affects prospective and current homeowners seeking education and support through state-approved counseling programs.