Rep. Pam Altendorf

Maddy summaryHF 2226 modifies Minnesota's background check process for child care providers. It requires the commissioner to submit requests every six months to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) seeking information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's Law Enforcement Services Portal regarding background study subjects. This new information can now be used to disqualify providers from direct contact roles, and the commissioner may not disclose the specific reason for disqualification if it comes from this source. The bill directly affects licensed child care centers, family child care providers, and certified license-exempt centers by changing how background check results are reviewed and applied.

Maddy summaryHF 1840 amends Minnesota Statutes section 200.031 to establish a specific standard for determining the residence of individuals under civil commitment orders. It states that such individuals' residence is defined as their last known residential address prior to the commitment order, rather than their current location in a facility. This change directly affects people subject to civil commitment under chapters 253B or 253D of Minnesota law. The bill updates the existing voting residence rules to clarify that commitment status does not automatically change an individual's voting residence. This is a technical amendment to existing election law, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryHF 2884 prohibits Minnesota state and local government entities from enforcing any vaccine mandates, including requirements for vaccine passports or credentials. It requires employers in Minnesota to accept proof of natural antibodies (from prior infection) as a valid alternative to vaccination if they require immunization for employees. The bill directly affects employers operating in Minnesota and all state/local government agencies, preventing them from mandating vaccines or denying access based solely on vaccination status. It takes effect immediately upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 2813 increases penalties for state employees and officials who fail to stop fraudulent payments. It amends Minnesota Statutes to raise the maximum penalty for knowingly processing false claims from 5 years in prison/$10,000 fines to 7 years/$20,000 fines. The bill also requires officials to halt payments if misuse is reported until an investigation by the attorney general or legislative auditor concludes the claim is lawful. This directly affects state employees and officials handling payment approvals, particularly in finance or procurement roles. The changes clarify and strengthen existing responsibilities to prevent fraud in public fund disbursements.

Maddy summaryHF 2830 proposes a constitutional amendment to Minnesota's Article IV, Section 17, requiring all laws to address a single subject clearly stated in their title. It prohibits legislative amendments that change a bill's original purpose and mandates courts to interpret these rules narrowly. The amendment would allow any Minnesota resident to sue if a law violates these requirements, with unconstitutional laws deemed void in their entirety. If approved by voters in 2026, this would strengthen Minnesota's single subject clause and add an "original purpose" requirement to legislative processes. The bill aims to prevent omnibus bills with unrelated provisions by ensuring all lawmaking stays focused on a single, clearly defined topic.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new criminal offense for intentionally transferring bodily fluids (like blood or feces) onto healthcare workers in hospital emergency departments. It expands fourth-degree assault to include all healthcare providers - such as physicians, nurses, and other staff - by adding specific protection for them when assaulted. The law makes it a felony punishable by up to two years in prison or a $4,000 fine, applying to assaults causing demonstrable bodily harm. The changes take effect August 1, 2025, and directly affect healthcare workers providing services in emergency settings.

Maddy summaryHF 2816 extends the deadline for filing property tax refund claims in Minnesota from one year to two years after the original due date. This change directly affects homeowners and property owners who seek refunds for overpaid property taxes. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 289A.40, subdivision 4, to update the filing window period. The new deadline applies to property taxes payable in 2025 and beyond. This is a straightforward procedural change to provide more time for claimants, with no other policy impacts.

Maddy summaryHF 2814 strengthens Minnesota state employees' obligations to report suspected fraud involving public funds. It requires state employees (including University of Minnesota staff) to promptly report suspected theft, embezzlement, or misuse of public funds in writing to the legislative auditor and attorney general. Employees who fail to report face a two-year salary freeze, while those who knowingly disburse fraudulent payments (without personal gain) lose eligibility for promotions or pay raises for two years. The bill directly affects all state employees handling public funds, creating clear reporting duties and consequences for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryHF 2815 prohibits Minnesota local governments (cities, counties, and their agencies) from enforcing any federal vaccine requirements, such as vaccine passports or credentials. It directly affects local authorities who might attempt to require proof of vaccination for public access or services. The bill creates a legal path for individuals harmed by such enforcement to sue for damages and recover attorney fees. This law prevents local entities from implementing federal vaccination mandates without state approval.

Maddy summaryHF 2408, titled the "No Patient Left Alone Act," requires hospitals and nonacute care facilities (like nursing homes) to allow patients and residents to have at least one support person of their choice physically present during healthcare services. This applies to individuals receiving care in hospitals (defined as "patients") or long-term care facilities (defined as "residents"). Facilities must create written policies explaining this right, including any reasonable restrictions (like infection control during emergencies), and ensure support persons have equal visitation access. The bill specifically ensures accommodations for end-of-life situations (up to six people), virtual visits when physical presence isn’t possible, and prohibits facilities from requiring patients to waive this right or sign additional documents to have a support person.