Big Week for Bill Hearings on the Hill

March 20, 2026

Legislative Update: Multiple Bill Hearings

Friends and neighbors,

This was an important week for me at the State Capitol, as committees held hearings on several of the bills that I have authored this Legislative Session. These bills originated from conversations with you, so I thank you for your continued input and engagement in sharing with me your legislative priorities, as it allows me to draft legislation that improves the lives of those within Washington County and Minnesota at large.

Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson

This week, the Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee had a hearing on HF3091, which is a bill that I authored to give investigators from the Office of the Foster Youth (OFY) broader legal authority to investigate the mistreatment of foster children in Minnesota. The idea for this bill came from conversations that I have had with employees of the OFY, who recounted being hamstrung in some aspects of their investigations by current data-privacy laws.

My bill will allow OFY agents access to the social-services information system, which will give them a better picture of potential threat levels within households who choose to foster a child.

The bill will also grant OFY agents the authority to enter and inspect any place where a foster youth resides, as well as conduct private conversations with foster youth to ensure that no abuse is taking place.

At the end of the day, this bill is all about providing the OFY with the tools that it needs to keep our state's most vulnerable children safe, so that they may grow up in a loving home, overcome their challenging situations, and live long, happy lives.

Improving Assessment & Nonprofit Tax Law

During this week's Taxes Committee, I spoke in favor of HF238. I decided to introduce this bill after hearing feedback from constituents that they had been penalized with unfair interest on assessments that they had paid off early. When a residential road is fixed, it is common for surrounding homes to receive an assessment for the work. Residents can either pay the assessment in one sum, or over time (with interest) as they pay their property taxes. However, those who opt to pay over time, yet choose to pay the sum off early, are currently still required to pay the interest amount of the full term. Typically, if a loan is paid off early, the customer gets a break on the interest payment. The same should be true with assessments, and my bill will recalibrate these interest payments for those who pay their assessments off early.

Another of my bills heard in the Taxes Committee was HF3381, which will allow charitable, religious, and educational nonprofit organizations to purchase prepared food without having to pay sales tax on the purchase. This will allow these organizations to feed more people, and to advance their mission, without the state getting in the way.

Housing Finance & Policy

In the Housing Finance and Policy Committee, we reviewed my bill, HF4141, which will increase criminal penalties for those who assault Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) employees. Similar to the higher penalties faced for assaulting a police officer, EMS, school official, etc., while on the job or due to their profession, this bill will add HRA employees to that list. 

HRA employees have the difficult job of enforcing code within Minnesota's housing developments. As emotions can run high during these code violation interactions, this law is intended to add another layer of deterrence so that residents and landlords will think twice before harming one of our agents. The services that HRA provides our communities are essential for maintaining safety standards, and these employees need to know that the public has their back against anybody who means to do them harm.

Click HERE to watch our discussion of the bill.

Artificial Intelligence Discussion

In the Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee, we listened to experts in the field give an insightful presentation regarding artificial intelligence, and had a conversation with the panel about how we may best shape legislation surrounding AI as it pertains to the workforce.

Many harbor understandable uncertainty regarding how the rollout of AI will impact jobs, and I share these concerns as well. At the same time, given that the technology exists and is not going away, it is my role as a legislator to take a prudent approach to its rollout. The tax and regulatory burden that the state government places on Minnesota businesses have already led to reduced investment and capital flight. As we move forward, it will be my role as a legislator to seek to find the balance between responsible safeguards for workers, while also ensuring that Minnesota is not left behind in the competition among states for economic expansion.

Click HERE to watch my comments during the discussion.

High School Page Program

It was an honor to meet with Taylor and Andrew — two exceptional student leaders from Washington County who are enrolled in the High School Page Program (HSPP) at the State Capitol. I am proud to have members from our community called to civic engagement, and I am confident that these two will go on to do great things!

HSPP provides students with the opportunity to learn and to serve at the Legislature. It is an excellent way to get young people involved in the political process and to foster a spirit of public service that they will be able to carry forward into adulthood. If you are the parent of a young adult, I would encourage you to explore this opportunity for the 2027 Legislative Session!

Click HERE for information about the High School Page Program.

As always, please reach out to me if you have any questions or legislative priorities that you would like to share. Conversations with you is the foundation for my ability to best represent your interests at the State Capitol.

Representative Wayne Johnson

House District 41A

Serving Lakeland, Afton, Baytown, Cottage Grove, Denmark, Grant, Lake Elmo, Lakeland Shores, Lake Saint Croix Beach, Saint Mary's Point, and West Lakeland. 

Please Contact Me

Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter. It's my honor to represent you at our state's capitol, and I always welcome feedback, ideas, or concerns from you and our community. Please send all replies to Rep.Wayne.Johnson@house.mn.gov, or call 651-296-4244, to ensure I get your message. Replies directly to the newsletter do not reach my inbox.

/RepWayneJohnson

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