Rep. Max Rymer

Maddy summaryHF 29 suspends the scheduled 2030-2031 review of Minnesota's social studies academic standards and repeals requirements for schools to include ethnic studies content in their curriculum. It also cancels funding allocated for ethnic studies programs. The bill modifies existing education statutes by removing mandates for schools to integrate ethnic studies or Indigenous education into social studies standards, effectively eliminating these curriculum components. This directly affects Minnesota public schools and students by removing specific educational content requirements and associated funding. The changes take effect upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 1784 requires government entities (such as state agencies or local municipalities) to pay the legal costs - including attorney fees - of individuals or organizations they sue and lose in court. If a government entity initiates a civil lawsuit against a person and does not win, the bill mandates that the government cover all defense-related expenses incurred by the losing party. This applies to actions filed on or after August 1, 2025, and does not limit other legal remedies available to defendants. The bill aims to discourage government entities from filing meritless lawsuits by making them financially responsible for opposing legal costs.

Maddy summaryHF 3251 eliminates the requirement for a license to sell copper scrap metal in Minnesota. The bill repeals Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 325E.21, subdivision 2c, which previously mandated the license. This change means sellers of copper scrap metal no longer need to obtain or maintain a separate license. The bill directly affects copper scrap metal sellers and scrap metal dealers, who no longer need to verify a copper-specific license for transactions. The repeal removes the existing licensing requirement without introducing new rules for copper sales.

Maddy summaryHF 15, the "Safe Haven In Every Local District (SHIELD) Act," requires all Minnesota public school districts and charter schools to include specific student and staff safety measures in their long-term facility plans by August 2025. The bill creates new grants to fund comprehensive security systems, including features like bullet-resistant doors, emergency alert systems, and staff training, with priority given to schools serving the most students. School districts must apply for these grants through the Minnesota School Safety Center, which will rank applicants and provide lists of approved vendors. The law appropriates funds from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to support these security upgrades and plan updates.

Maddy summaryHF 1372 allows Minnesota cities to create designated "social districts" where alcohol purchased at licensed bars or restaurants can be consumed in public areas adjacent to those venues. The bill requires cities to clearly mark district boundaries with signs showing permitted hours, include safety statements on containers (e.g., "Drink Responsibly - Be 21"), and restrict containers to non-glass, 16-ounce sizes with specific labeling. It mandates cities to report on community impact, safety concerns, and operational challenges within 24 months of implementation. This directly affects local governments, licensed businesses, and public safety management in areas where such districts are established.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting in Minnesota, but only if conducted by federally recognized Indian tribes under existing gaming compacts or by state-licensed horse racing tracks. It would require a 20% tax on wagers (minus winnings) and mandate that revenues be split equally to fund substance use disorder programs, local charitable organizations supported by gambling donations, horse racing purses, and the state general fund. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election. If passed, it would establish the first legal framework for sports betting in Minnesota under these specific conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 3255 prohibits Minnesota employers from deducting and withholding wage taxes, and bars the collection of sales or excise taxes (like those on goods or services), during a government shutdown period. Specifically, it prevents these tax collections on wages paid or transactions occurring during the period starting July 1 of an odd-numbered year when funding bills for state government operations (executive, legislative, or judicial branches) haven't been approved for the upcoming biennium, plus 10 days for wage taxes or 3 days for consumption taxes. This directly affects employers who normally withhold income tax and businesses that collect sales tax during these funding gaps. The law amends Minnesota Statutes to add these temporary tax exemptions, effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 3254 prohibits the sale of food products containing seven specific artificial dyes - Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3 - in Minnesota. It directly affects food sellers, including restaurants, grocery stores, and manufacturers, who would no longer be allowed to sell items containing these dyes after the effective date. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2026, banning the sale, offering for sale, or distribution of such products. This is a direct regulatory change targeting food labeling and ingredients, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryHF 2764 requires Minnesota public schools (including charter schools participating in the National School Lunch Program) to offer at least one plant-based meal option daily starting with the 2026-2027 school year. A "plant-based meal" is defined as one without any animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, fish), and schools must provide this option within four weeks of a student's written request. Schools must also make the request process clear to students and parents, comply with federal nutrition standards, and report annually on implementation to the Department of Education. The bill applies to all public schools serving lunches through the National School Lunch Program.

Maddy summaryHF 20 clarified which data maintained by Minnesota's Attorney General's Office must be treated as "private data" under state law. It specifically designated five categories as private: disciplinary records (excluding public hearings), non-final administrative communications, consumer complaint data (excluding confidential data), inactive investigative files, and detailed home protection hotline information (like mortgage details and income). This change directly affects the Attorney General's Office by requiring them to handle these specific data types with privacy protections. The bill was introduced in 2025 but was not passed by the legislature and was laid on the table.