Rep. Wayne Johnson

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $5 million from the state transportation fund to fund a new interchange at Trunk Highway 36 and Lake Elmo Avenue in Washington County. The funds will support the city of Lake Elmo for property acquisition, design, construction, and equipment of the interchange. The state will issue bonds up to $5 million to cover this appropriation, as authorized under Minnesota law. The bill directly affects Washington County residents and commuters by advancing this infrastructure project.

Maddy summaryHF 1296 requires Minnesota's Board of Animal Health to post specific information online about kennels, dealers, and commercial breeders, including current license statuses, annual inspection records, and reasons for license revocations. It also mandates that all advertising for animal sales must include the seller's current license number or a link to it. The bill clarifies that most breeder data (like addresses and premises locations) remains private, but the Board may disclose it for public health, safety, or law enforcement purposes. These changes directly affect licensed breeders, dealers, and the public seeking transparency about animal facilities.

Maddy summaryHF 1 establishes a centralized Office of Inspector General (OIG) for Minnesota state government, replacing existing agency-specific inspector general offices. The OIG will oversee state spending, require agencies to halt payments when fraud is suspected, and mandate a fraud reporting hotline for employees and contractors. It directly affects all state agencies and recipients of state funds (such as contractors and organizations administering state programs) by requiring them to report suspected fraud and prohibiting retaliation against whistleblowers. The bill also specifies the OIG must coordinate with the legislative auditor and amends statutes related to fraud detection, waste prevention, and oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $4 million in state funding for Minnesota food shelf programs during fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It directs the state agency overseeing food shelves to use these funds to support community food banks that serve people facing food insecurity. The money comes from the state general fund and is added to existing base funding for these programs. This directly affects food shelves across Minnesota and the families and individuals they serve.

Maddy summaryHF 3545 repeals a requirement for Minnesota to adopt new residential energy codes with specific efficiency targets. It removes Section 326B.106, subdivision 1(g), which would have mandated the commissioner to adopt updated residential energy codes starting in 2026, aiming for a 70% reduction in energy use by 2038. This repeal eliminates the obligation to implement these incremental code changes and the associated reporting requirements for residential construction. The bill directly affects residential builders, developers, and local building officials who would have been required to comply with future energy code standards. The repeal does not impact existing energy codes or commercial energy code requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies water-use permit requirements specifically for the City of Lake Elmo. It requires the state commissioner of natural resources to issue permits for the city to construct and operate municipal water wells, and to adjust existing permits to match the city's approved annual water needs. The bill removes a prior requirement that would have imposed conservation measures near White Bear Lake on Lake Elmo's permits. The changes expire on June 30, 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 3383 requires employers with 25 or more employees (or 15 or more after July 1, 1994) to provide a standardized job accommodation request form when an employee discloses a known disability. The form must help employees identify their disability-related limitations and suggest potential accommodations. Employers must then engage in an interactive process with the employee to determine reasonable accommodations that address these limitations without causing undue hardship. The Minnesota Department of Human Rights will develop and distribute this required form.

Maddy summaryHF 1066 increases annual funding for soil and water conservation districts in Minnesota. It amends state law to raise the annual appropriation from $15 million (for 2023-2024) to $20 million starting in 2025, paid from the general fund to the commissioner of revenue. This funding directly supports local soil and water conservation districts that provide technical assistance and cost-share programs for landowners. The bill takes effect for payments made in 2025 and subsequent years.

Maddy summaryHF 1078 appropriates $4 million from state bond proceeds to Washington County for its wood waste and diseased tree program, specifically for land acquisition. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $4 million in bonds to fund this grant, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. This directly affects Washington County, which will use the funds to manage wood waste and address diseased trees through its designated program. The policy change is a direct funding mechanism for a local environmental management initiative, without altering broader regulations.

Maddy summaryHF 1950 amends Minnesota law to establish mandatory minimum fines for drivers who fail to stop for school buses. It sets fines at $500 for first violations, $700 for a repeat within ten years, and $950 for two or more prior violations. The bill also creates a gross misdemeanor for passing a school bus on the passenger side or when children are outside the bus on the street or sidewalk. This directly affects drivers who violate school bus stop arm laws, effective August 1, 2025.