Minnesota State Representative Wayne Johnson announced on April 24 that several key bills are moving through the legislature as the end of the 2026 Legislative Session approaches.
Johnson said most committees have completed their work, with the Taxes Committee, where he serves, still meeting. He also serves on the Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee and the Housing Finance and Policy Committee. Both committees passed small bills this year which will be reconciled with Senate versions in conference committees.
Johnson highlighted several pieces of legislation he is advocating for. These include HF4017 to address infectious waste at the R&E center in Newport; HF3901 to give investigative powers to the Office of Foster Youth Ombudsperson; HF4141 to create a criminal penalty for assaulting Housing and Redevelopment Authority employees; HF4923 to provide a sales tax exemption for clean water infrastructure materials; bonding bills for Cottage Grove, Lake Elmo, and Washington County (HF3989, HF3400, and HF1196); HF4072 to establish a Local News Talent Pipeline Program grant; and HF4425 to increase statutes of limitations for Medical Assistance fraud cases.
“Though the State Legislature is technically not required to pass legislation in a non-budget year, there are still many bills that I have been advocating for as I work to uphold your interests at the State Capitol,” Johnson said.
He also stated his commitment to meeting with cities, school boards, school officials, and constituents: “I believe our best ideas come from those who have boots-on-the-ground experience with the issues they are advocating for. With your insight, we can draft legislation that will best address the needs of Washington County and Minnesota at large.”
Looking ahead, Johnson said he will continue working with constituents until session ends before returning to his district: “I look forward to listening, learning, and working together on legislation for next year.”
