Rep. Marion Rarick

Maddy summaryHF 1039 requires the State Board of Civil Legal Aid to submit an annual report to legislative committees by January 15 in odd-numbered years. The report must include data on cases and individuals served by each legal aid organization receiving state funds, broken down by organization and geographic region where possible. The bill mandates that this data be provided in aggregate form to protect the privacy of clients. This affects the State Board and all legal aid grant recipients funded under Minnesota Statutes section 480.242.

Maddy summaryHF 1083 amends Minnesota law to prohibit domestic abuse advocates (such as counselors or shelter staff) from disclosing certain client information without consent. The bill specifically states that these advocates cannot share information acquired during professional services, except when the client provides written consent, a crime is involved, or the client sues the advocate. This directly affects domestic abuse survivors seeking help and the advocates who support them. The change updates Minnesota Statutes 595.02 to add this restriction, aligning with existing confidentiality rules for other professionals like social workers and counselors.

Maddy summaryHF 1265 amends Minnesota Statutes section 241.80 to require the Commissioner of Corrections to develop a policy providing cultural programming services to American Indian inmates in all state correctional facilities and community-based programs. The bill mandates services including spiritual/cultural education, work training for post-incarceration employment, development of cultural pride, and partnerships with Tribal Nations to address unique needs. Key provisions require programming that teaches American Indian history, traditions, and spiritual practices, fosters mutual respect between staff and inmates, and facilitates rehabilitation and community reentry. The policy must be implemented within available funding, with the option to contract with American Indian nonprofit organizations. This directly affects American Indian inmates across Minnesota's correctional system.

Maddy summaryHF 2594 clarifies that protections for child abuse victim interviews apply to all types of recordings, not just videos, and updates terminology in statutes addressing child sexual abuse materials. The bill amends multiple Minnesota statutes (including 13.821, 144.296, and 617.246) to ensure court procedures for handling recordings of child victims are consistent and to modernize definitions of prohibited materials. It directly affects legal proceedings involving child abuse cases, law enforcement handling evidence, and individuals facing charges related to child sexual abuse materials. The changes aim to strengthen victim privacy protections and ensure statutory language accurately reflects current practices for prosecuting such offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 609.54 to clarify sentencing thresholds for embezzling public funds. It sets specific penalties based on the amount stolen: up to $2,500 (max 5 years in prison or $10,000 fine), $2,500-$100,000 (max 10 years or $20,000), or $100,000+ (max 20 years or $50,000). The law directly affects public officials or employees convicted of embezzling public funds, such as government employees or contractors handling public money. It takes effect August 1, 2025, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 128 increases criminal penalties for individuals engaging in prostitution with minors in Minnesota. The bill raises maximum sentences and fines based on the minor's age: up to 30 years or $40,000 for victims under 14, 20 years or $40,000 for those aged 14-15, 15 years or $30,000 for those aged 14-15 (for the act itself), and 10 years or $20,000 for victims aged 16-17. It also increases penalties for hiring minors for sexual acts across all age groups. The bill applies to crimes committed on or after its effective date of August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 2561 expands the authority for Minnesota state universities to offer applied doctoral degrees in specific professional fields. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to allow these universities to grant such degrees in education, business, psychology, physical therapy, audiology, nursing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other emerging workforce areas. This change directly affects state universities (like Minnesota State universities) and students seeking professional doctoral programs in these fields. The Board of Trustees will determine additional qualifying areas, but the University of Minnesota retains its existing authority to offer all doctoral degrees.

Maddy summaryHF 2241 requires North Star Promise scholarship recipients in Minnesota to live and work in the state for three years after completing their degree or credential program, beginning within six months of graduation. If they fail to meet this requirement, their scholarship converts to a repayable student loan with interest. Exceptions include deferrals for graduate study, Peace Corps/AmeriCorps service, or extreme hardship, and waivers if they didn’t complete their program. The rule applies to scholarships awarded starting fall 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 1034 clarifies eligible grant expenditures for Independent School District No. 482 in Little Falls for its aeronautics and commercial over-the-road technical program. The bill authorizes $450,000 for the program, specifying that funds may cover equipment, staffing, travel, and contracted services. It retroactively allows reimbursement for eligible program costs incurred after May 24, 2023, before the grant was officially awarded, and requires the district to report program details to legislators by February 1, 2027. This bill directly affects only Little Falls School District and clarifies the scope of its specific grant.

Maddy summaryHF 2610 would allow Minnesota state universities to offer an applied doctoral degree in cybersecurity. This bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 135A.052 by adding "cybersecurity" to the list of fields where state universities may grant such degrees. It directly affects Minnesota's public universities, enabling them to develop new doctoral programs in this field. The change is limited to the statutory authorization for degree offerings and does not alter funding or program requirements.