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.
Rep. Tom Sexton
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHF 993 requires county auditors and municipal clerks to publish the address, dates, and hours of temporary polling locations on their websites within five business days of designating them. It also mandates that the secretary of state post this same information on the state election website within five business days of receiving notice. This applies to temporary polling places established under existing law, such as those requested by federally recognized tribes for reservation voting or by colleges with 100+ on-campus students. The bill adds a public notice requirement to existing provisions without changing eligibility for temporary locations.
Maddy summaryHF 991 prohibits Minnesota counties, municipalities, and school districts from accepting contributions from for-profit businesses or nonprofits intended to cover election expenses, such as costs for federal, state, or local elections. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to explicitly ban these contributions, overriding any local home rule charters or ordinances that might permit them. An exception applies to entities providing polling places for free or at a discount. The law takes effect the day after final enactment, directly affecting local election funding practices.
Maddy summaryHF 636 removes the requirement for a permit to carry a firearm in public places for eligible Minnesotans, while creating an optional permit system. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 624.714 to state that anyone not prohibited by state or federal law (and at least 21 years old) may carry a firearm without a permit in public places - defined as government-owned property or private property open to the public, excluding homes, businesses, gun shops, and hunting areas. An optional permit, which requires proof of pistol safety training and background checks for disqualifying offenses, remains available for those who choose it. This change directly affects eligible residents who currently need permits to carry firearms in public, eliminating that barrier while preserving the option for a permit.
Maddy summaryHF 542 authorizes local law enforcement agencies to place stationary automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in specific highway areas, including trunk highways, county state-aid highways, and county highways. The bill requires agencies to provide 14-day notice to highway authorities before and after placement, including exact location details, and mandates that ALPRs be mounted on existing traffic infrastructure like signs or lighting devices. It prohibits placements that create collision hazards or interfere with highway operations and restricts use to locations within the agency’s jurisdiction. This law updates Minnesota’s highway regulations to clarify where and how ALPRs may be installed, directly affecting local police departments and highway authorities managing those rights-of-way.
Maddy summaryHF 347 expands Minnesota's individual income tax deduction for military retirement pay. The bill adds three specific provisions allowing taxpayers to subtract military retirement income from taxable income: (1) certain military pensions under federal law, (2) federal employee retirement pensions multiplied by military service ratio, and (3) civil service retirement pensions multiplied by military service ratio. It also prohibits taxpayers claiming another specific credit (section 290.0677) from using this deduction. The change applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, directly benefiting Minnesota residents receiving qualifying military retirement pay.
Maddy summaryHF 426 provides $1 million in state funding for clean water infrastructure in Waseca, specifically for a new water tower project. The bill appropriates money from state bond proceeds to the city of Waseca for acquiring land, permanent easements, and designing the water tower, with no requirement for local matching funds. The state will issue bonds up to $1 million to cover this cost, following Minnesota's bond laws. This directly affects the city of Waseca by enabling a key water infrastructure upgrade. The funding is effective upon final enactment.
Maddy summaryHF 423 establishes specific speed limits on a segment of Steele County State-Aid Highway 12 within the city of Medford, Minnesota. It sets a 45 mph limit between 6th Street Southeast and Steele County State-Aid Highway 1, and a 35 mph limit between 5th and 6th Streets Southeast. The bill requires the county engineer to install appropriate signage for these new limits. This change directly affects drivers traveling on that specific Highway 12 segment in Medford. The legislation amends Minnesota Statutes section 169.14 to implement these localized speed adjustments.
Maddy summaryHF 425 appropriates $8.9 million from state bond proceeds to fund sanitary sewer improvements in Waseca, Minnesota. The city of Waseca will receive a grant to design, construct, and engineer upgrades to its sewer system, including reducing inflow/infiltration, increasing capacity, and reconstructing the Nelson Lift Station. The funds also cover related street, roadway, and sidewalk reconstruction within project areas, with no requirement for local matching funds. The state will issue bonds up to $8.9 million to finance this appropriation, as authorized under Minnesota bonding laws. This bill directly affects Waseca's infrastructure projects and public health systems.
Maddy summaryHF 578 allocates $500,000 in state bond funds to the city of Faribault for a new environmental education center and outdoor improvements at the River Bend Nature Center. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds to cover this cost, with funds to be used for site preparation, design, construction, and equipment of a building and public spaces. This directly affects Faribault residents and visitors who will gain access to enhanced educational facilities and trails at the nature center. The key mechanism is using state bond proceeds to finance specific infrastructure projects under Minnesota's capital investment rules.