Rep. Isaac Schultz

Maddy summaryHF 1331 requires the commissioner of natural resources to conduct an annual statewide survey to estimate Minnesota's wolf population. The survey must cover the entire state - not just historic wolf habitats - and be completed each year. This amendment to Minnesota Statutes section 97B.646 (wolf management) adds this requirement to the existing framework, which already includes a wolf management plan and quarterly mortality reporting. The bill directly affects state wildlife management practices under the Department of Natural Resources.

Maddy summaryHF 1324 appropriates $1.8 million from state bond proceeds to fund sewer, stormwater system improvements, and street reconstruction in the city of Gilman. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds up to $1.8 million under Minnesota law to provide this funding through the Public Facilities Authority for the city's infrastructure projects. It directly affects Gilman's municipal infrastructure by covering design, construction, and equipment for sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and street work. The funding mechanism is explicitly tied to bond issuance and requires specific appropriation from the bond proceeds fund. The bill becomes effective the day after final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 1284 allows Minnesota school districts to delay compliance with certain state mandates that lack funding until the required financial resources are appropriated. Specifically, districts are not required to follow mandates affecting daily operations, local policy authority, curriculum changes, or spending priorities until funding is secured. Exceptions apply for mandates with minimal budget impact or those directly related to student safety, health, or financial audits. The law takes effect for mandates active after June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1288 increases presumptive sentence lengths for specific criminal sexual conduct crimes in Minnesota by 25%. It applies to violations of statutes covering sexual assault (Minnesota Statutes §§ 609.342-609.3458), requiring the Sentencing Guidelines Commission to adjust the 2025 sentencing grid. The increase does not apply when the offender held a position of authority over the victim (e.g., a teacher or supervisor). The changes take effect August 1, 2025, for crimes committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 271 appropriates funding from the general fund for compensation payments to Minnesota farmers and ranchers who suffer livestock losses or property damage from wolves or elk. Specifically, it allocates money for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to cover livestock destroyed by wolves (under Minn. Stat. § 3.737) and crop or fence damage caused by elk (under Minn. Stat. § 3.7371). The bill includes a provision allowing up to $5,000 annually to reimburse university extension agents for determining fair market values of damaged livestock. If claims exceed expected levels, funds can be shifted between the wolf and elk programs to ensure payments remain available.

Maddy summaryHF 1152 amends Minnesota Statutes to clarify and update the mission and operations of Explore Minnesota, the state tourism office. The bill modifies sections defining Explore Minnesota's purpose to explicitly include promoting "livability" and "workforce and economic opportunity" alongside tourism, and updates the director's duties to emphasize partnerships, efficiency, and data collection. It revises how the office manages promotional contracts, requiring the director to coordinate marketing strategies with other state agencies and expand international tourism programs. The changes directly affect Explore Minnesota's director, its divisions (Tourism, Business, Film), and local communities that partner with the office on marketing efforts. The bill focuses on streamlining operations and aligning promotional activities with broader economic development goals.

Maddy summaryHF 850 appropriates $21 million from state bond proceeds to fund capital improvements on County State-Aid Highway 1 (Mayhew Lake Road) in Sauk Rapids, Benton County. The funds cover designing, engineering, constructing, and reconstructing six roundabouts and the highway itself between 14th Avenue and 35th Street. The project requires no local matching funds and is financed through state bond sales under Minnesota law. This bill directly affects Benton County residents and infrastructure along this specific highway corridor.

Maddy summaryHF 136 increases sentencing for specific crimes committed after unlawful deportation or for transnational crime organizations. It adds five years to the maximum sentence for felonies committed by someone deported for a prior felony, or who left the U.S. while a deportation order was pending (with ten years if the victim is a child under 18). The bill also defines "transnational crime organization" to include groups involved in international drug, human, or weapons trafficking, and imposes additional penalties for crimes committed "for the benefit of" such groups. These changes apply to offenses committed on or after August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies and expands Minnesota's self-defense laws by removing the requirement to retreat before using force to protect oneself or one's home. It specifically eliminates the "duty to retreat" outside the home, broadens the definition of "dwelling" to include vehicles and adjacent areas like porches or decks, and creates a legal presumption that force was justified when someone enters a dwelling or occupied vehicle by stealth or force. The law applies directly to Minnesotans defending their homes, vehicles, or occupants against unlawful entry or threats, and extends protections to individuals defending others in these spaces. These changes codify existing common law principles into statute while removing restrictions on defensive force in specified scenarios.

Maddy summaryHF 285 modifies Minnesota's firearm carry laws by eliminating the permit requirement for most public carry while creating an optional permit system. The bill states that eligible residents (not prohibited by law) may carry firearms openly or concealed in public places without a permit, excluding homes, businesses, gun shops, and hunting areas. It also establishes an optional permit process requiring applicants to be 21+, have firearm safety training, pass background checks, and meet specific criteria. The bill repeals existing permit mandates and amends Minnesota Statutes 624.714 to define "public place" and outline permit application procedures.