Rep. Bryan Lawrence

Maddy summaryThis bill recognizes Minnesota's historic state flag (described as a blue flag with a central emblem featuring 19 stars, the word "MINNESOTA," and scenes from the Great Seal) and grants all Minnesotans the right to display it. It requires the lieutenant governor to set standards for its display on state property, mandating it be shown during specified holidays and on Capitol grounds during legislative sessions. The bill also allows the historic flag to be displayed on other public property for ceremonial purposes, while requiring it to be placed beneath the official state flag when both are displayed together. It directly affects all Minnesotans who display the flag and government entities managing public property.

Maddy summaryHF 2392, the "Minnesota Elections Integrity Act," requires voters to present a photo ID to register and vote in Minnesota, creating a new state-issued voter identification card. It establishes provisional ballots for voters without required ID at polling places and mandates that individuals assisting voters at polls or acting as agents for absentee voters must identify themselves. The bill prohibits certain voter registration and absentee voting activities, increases criminal penalties for violations, and appropriates funds for implementation. These changes will affect all Minnesota voters starting June 1, 2026, and amend multiple election statutes to enforce the ID requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to research autonomous mower technology for use on state-owned properties like rest areas, highway rights-of-way, and other public spaces. It requires MnDOT to study safety, cost-benefit, worker impact, and commercial availability, with a focus on Minnesota-based companies for any equipment purchases. The bill appropriates $150,000 in fiscal year 2026 for this research and mandates a detailed report by February 15, 2027, covering pilot project plans, cost analyses, and safety evaluations. The research directly affects MnDOT operations and could influence future roadside maintenance practices.

Maddy summaryHF 2363 grants residents of long-term care facilities in Minnesota the right to have one designated support person (such as a family member, partner, or close friend) physically present with them while receiving care. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 144.651 and 144G.91, requiring facilities to allow this support person unless restricted for medical reasons (like during surgery) or if the person poses a safety threat. Facilities must follow internal grievance procedures if a support person is denied. This directly affects long-term care residents and facilities, ensuring they can choose a comfort person without facility interference, except in specific safety or clinical circumstances.

Maddy summaryHF 1704 appropriates $6.7 million for fiscal year 2026 and $6.834 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state's general fund to the Board of Animal Health. This funding supports the Board's core responsibilities under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 35, including animal health programs and regulatory oversight. The bill directly affects the Board of Animal Health by providing specific, dedicated financial resources for its operations. Note: The provided bill text only details this appropriation; the full bill title suggests additional provisions, but no further details are included in the given context.

Maddy summaryHF 2364 establishes "Donate Life" special license plates in Minnesota. Vehicle owners who pay a $25 annual contribution to the organ and tissue donation account (in addition to standard plate fees) can obtain these plates, which must display a standard donation logo and "Donate Life" inscription. Funds collected through this contribution are deposited into a dedicated account and used to cover administrative costs, with remaining funds distributed to LifeSource, a nonprofit focused on organ donation activities like registry maintenance and public education. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, for new plates issued on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 1057 modifies Minnesota's definition of "employee" for earned sick and safe time benefits. It explicitly excludes certain workers, including independent contractors, specific emergency service personnel (like volunteer firefighters and ambulance attendants), elected officials, and farm workers under limited conditions. Farm workers are excluded if employed by a small farm (5 or fewer employees) or if their work totals 28 days or less per year. This change directly affects these excluded groups by determining who qualifies for the state's sick and safe time protections.

Maddy summaryHF 1241 repeals Minnesota's Paid Leave Law, which previously provided state-funded family and medical leave benefits. The bill transfers any unspent funds from the family medical leave account to the general state fund, effective July 1, 2025. It specifically repeals all provisions of Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 268B.001 through 268B.30, which governed the paid leave program. This action eliminates the state's paid leave law and redirects unused program funds to the general state budget.

Maddy summaryHF 1463 appropriates $25 million annually (fiscal years 2026-2027) from the general fund for Minnesota town roads and $10 million annually for town bridges. The funds will be distributed under existing rules in Minnesota Statutes section 162.081 to support local road and bridge maintenance programs. This bill directly affects Minnesota's town road and bridge systems by providing dedicated state funding for upkeep. It does not create new policies or alter current distribution methods, only allocating existing budget resources.

Maddy summaryHF 483 prohibits local governments (like cities or counties) from banning natural gas or propane hookups to any building. It directly affects municipalities that might have tried to restrict these energy services through local ordinances, as well as building owners and utility companies seeking connections. The bill explicitly bans any local rule that prevents utilities from connecting, reconnecting, or supplying natural gas or propane to buildings. This creates a statewide standard, ensuring consistent access to these energy sources regardless of local restrictions. The policy change takes effect immediately after the bill is enacted.