Sen. Jeff Howe

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota law to exclude certain mortgages from the definition of a "conventional loan" if they meet the federal Qualified Mortgage points and fees threshold (12 CFR §1026.43(e)(3)). Specifically, loans where borrower fees and points don’t exceed the federal limit will no longer be classified as conventional loans under state law. This change directly affects borrowers and lenders who originate mortgages meeting this federal standard, simplifying compliance for those specific loans. The policy adjustment aligns Minnesota’s definition with federal mortgage rules for these qualifying loans.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $150,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $150,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of veterans affairs. It creates a grant program for Independent Lifestyles, Inc., to operate retreats at Camp Bliss in Walker for eligible veterans and their family members. The grant covers therapy, transportation, activities, and camp maintenance, with the commissioner reimbursing the grant recipient at least $850 per eligible attendee per visit (up to two visits yearly). Eligible veterans include those with a DD-214 or current military members, and family members include spouses, domestic partners, or children.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts commercial and industrial products from Minnesota's PFAS restrictions, which currently limit "forever chemicals" in consumer items like food packaging and children's products. It directly affects businesses selling products such as industrial cleaners, coatings, and manufacturing supplies containing PFAS. The bill modifies reporting requirements for these exempt products, reducing compliance burdens for businesses. This change would allow continued use of PFAS in business-oriented products without needing to meet current restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's eligibility rules for burial in state veterans cemeteries. It adds "honorably discharged members of the National Guard or a reserve component of the United States armed forces" to the list of qualifying individuals, alongside active-duty service members, eligible veterans, and their families (as defined in U.S. Code 38 U.S.C. § 101(2)). The change, found in Minnesota Statutes § 197.236, subd. 8, clarifies who qualifies for burial in state-run veterans cemeteries. The bill also appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2026-2027 to support this program. It directly affects honorably discharged National Guard and reserve members seeking burial in Minnesota's state veterans cemeteries.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $97 million from state bonds to fund a new Minnesota State Patrol headquarters in the metropolitan area. The funds will cover acquiring property, construction, design, equipment, and space for offices, training, evidence storage, and vehicle operations. It authorizes the state to sell bonds up to this amount under existing bond laws to finance the project. The bill directly affects the State Patrol's operations and the communities where the new facility will be located.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $300,000 per county (totaling $1.5 million) from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to five specific Minnesota counties - Rock, Jackson, Lac qui Parle, Roseau, and Red Lake - to participate in the statewide ARMER public safety radio system. Each county must provide a 50% nonstate match ($150,000) to receive the grant, which must be used exclusively for purchasing or upgrading portable, mobile, or related radio equipment compatible with the ARMER system. The funding is a one-time appropriation, not renewable, and directly affects these counties’ emergency communication capabilities. It does not change existing law but provides targeted financial support for equipment upgrades.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota state agencies to have specific legal authority from a statute before creating, changing, or removing rules. It directly affects all state agencies that issue regulations (like environmental or licensing rules), preventing them from relying on general rulemaking procedures alone. The key change amends Minnesota law to state that agencies cannot adopt rules under broad statutory sections (like 14.001-14.69) without explicit, specific authorization in another law. Rules adopted after July 1, 2025, must comply with this requirement, ensuring agencies cannot create regulations without clear legislative permission.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts specific accredited zoos from Minnesota's fur farm regulations. It amends state law to exclude zoos that are USDA-licensed exhibitors of regulated animals (like bears or wolves), hold AZA accreditation, and participate in the AZA Species Survival Plan. These zoos will no longer be subject to requirements designed for fur farms, such as specific housing or waste management rules. The exemption applies only to zoos meeting all three criteria, not all zoos or fur farms.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded program to extend the design life of pavement on Minnesota's trunk highways from 20 years to at least 50 years for eligible projects. It directly affects the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), which must use the program to fund pavement design revisions for trunk highway projects already in the state's transportation plan with a proposed design life of 20 years or less. Key mechanisms require projects to meet a cost-effectiveness ratio of at least 2 (comparing baseline pavement costs to modified project costs over their design lifetimes) and limit program spending to $150 million, available until 2035. The program mandates public reporting of selected projects, pavement changes, and fund usage on MnDOT's website.

Maddy summarySF 696 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Minnesota's legislative districts are drawn. It would require the Senate to be apportioned by county (one senator per county, increasing the Senate from 67 to 87 members) and the House of Representatives to be apportioned by population (with 134 districts of roughly equal population). The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election. If passed, the new district boundaries would be established following the next federal census, replacing the current system where Senate districts are not strictly county-based.