Rep. Erica Schwartz

Maddy summaryHF 2169 modifies Minnesota's unintentional murder in the second degree statute to include cases where someone causes death while violating a protective order issued by a court in another U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Tribal Lands, U.S. territories, Canada, or a Canadian province. This change directly affects individuals who violate protective orders from these additional jurisdictions and cause a death, expanding the circumstances under which this offense applies. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 609.19, subdivision 2, to explicitly include such out-of-state orders as part of the definition. The amendment takes effect August 1, 2025, for crimes committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 13 would amend Minnesota Statutes section 609.06 to eliminate the requirement that individuals must attempt to retreat before using reasonable force in self-defense or defense of others. The bill specifically removes the "duty to retreat" provision, allowing people to use force without first trying to avoid confrontation if they reasonably believe it is necessary. This change would directly affect Minnesotans using force to defend themselves or others in situations where they perceive an immediate threat. The bill was introduced but not passed, as it was laid on the table during the 2025 legislative session.

Maddy summaryHF 3562 modifies Minnesota's motor vehicle registration tax for passenger cars and hearses. It reduces the tax rate from 1.54-1.575% to 1.25-1.285% of a vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), depending on whether the vehicle was first registered in Minnesota before or on/after November 16, 2020. The tax amount decreases each year based on the vehicle's age (e.g., 100% of MSRP in year one, dropping to 10% in year ten), then becomes a flat $20 annually after the 10th year. This bill directly affects Minnesota vehicle owners paying registration fees for passenger cars and hearses, effective for registrations starting January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 275 modifies Minnesota's trapping regulations by changing how often certain traps must be checked. It allows body-gripping traps and snares (that can't drown animals) to be tended only once every third calendar day, instead of daily. The bill also permits foot-encapsulating traps within 50 feet of water without special permits during mink and muskrat season, while maintaining other restrictions. These changes replace an existing rule requiring daily snare checks (Minnesota Rules 6234.2400, subpart 10), directly affecting fur trappers and wildlife management practices.

Maddy summaryHF 3633 allocates $96.9 million in state bond funds for Minnesota State University, Mankato to replace Armstrong Hall with a new academic building and renovate other campus facilities. The bill specifically funds the demolition of Armstrong Hall, design and construction of a new academic building, and renovations to accommodate current academic programs. The money will be raised through state bond sales authorized under Minnesota law, with the funds directed to the university's Board of Trustees. This legislation directly affects students, faculty, and staff at Minnesota State University, Mankato by upgrading their campus infrastructure. The bill becomes effective the day after final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 21 would require a three-fifths supermajority vote in both the Minnesota House and Senate to extend a peacetime emergency declaration beyond 14 days. Currently, such extensions beyond 14 days could be approved by the Executive Council, but this bill would shift that authority to the legislature. The bill directly affects governors seeking to prolong emergency powers and the legislative process for reviewing those requests. It does not change the initial 14-day emergency declaration period or the governor's authority to declare emergencies under existing criteria. Note: This bill was introduced but not passed during the 2025 legislative session.

Maddy summaryHF 2809 establishes a new crime for protesting directly in front of or about a person's home (excluding homes used as businesses). It makes this a misdemeanor, escalating to a gross misdemeanor if the person has a prior conviction under this law or ignores court orders like protection orders. The bill specifically allows peaceful protests about community meetings or assemblies held at locations commonly used for public discussion. This law applies to residential properties only and takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 2879 establishes the Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crimes Advisory Board in Minnesota to address organized retail theft. The board, composed of law enforcement officials, retail association leaders, tribal representatives, and community members, advises the Public Safety Commissioner on strategies to identify, prevent, and prosecute retail theft networks. Key provisions require the board to analyze trends, connect theft to other crimes like human trafficking, address online retail impacts, and develop statewide protocols. A statewide coordinator will oversee enforcement coordination, training, and business education efforts to combat these theft enterprises. The bill appropriates funding for this initiative but does not create new criminal penalties.

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 summarySF 2200 protects communications from restorative justice programs by making statements and documents created during these processes inadmissible as evidence in civil or criminal court cases. It directly affects participants in restorative programs, including victims, offenders, and community facilitators, by shielding their discussions from legal use. The law establishes specific data classification rules for handling these protected materials, ensuring they are stored and managed separately from standard court records. This change aims to encourage open dialogue in restorative processes without fear of legal repercussions.