Rep. Bidal Duran

Maddy summaryHF 17 amends Minnesota's handgun permit law to create lifetime permits for carrying concealed handguns, replacing the previous temporary permits. It also reduces the application fee for these permits, capping it at $100 or the actual processing cost (whichever is lower), with $10 of each fee deposited into the general fund. The bill maintains existing requirements, including proof of firearm safety training (via certified courses or peace officer employment) and in-person application submissions with specific documents like training certificates and photo ID. This directly affects Minnesotans seeking or renewing concealed carry permits, streamlining the process by eliminating renewal fees and duration limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's renewable energy standards by expanding which hydroelectric projects count toward clean energy goals (including facilities over 100 megawatts if operating since 2023). It allows electric utilities to request delays in meeting renewable, solar, or carbon-free energy requirements if the commission determines it serves the public interest, considering factors like cost impacts and system reliability. The bill also expands sales tax exemptions for residential heating fuels and electricity, and prohibits demolition of fossil-fuel power plants under specific conditions. Additional provisions include supporting carbon capture technology and removing barriers to new nuclear power plants.

Maddy summaryHF 924 amends Minnesota law to allow retired peace officers to possess firearms in the Capitol complex, directly affecting retired law enforcement personnel who previously may have faced restrictions. The bill updates Section 609.66 of Minnesota Statutes by adding retired peace officers to an existing exception (under federal law § 926C) for firearm possession in Capitol Area buildings, alongside active officers and others with specific permissions. This change applies to all state buildings within the Capitol Area described in Chapter 15B, excluding the National Guard Armory, and takes effect August 1, 2025. The policy modifies existing felony prohibitions without altering general firearm laws or creating new permit requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 1590 establishes mandatory minimum prison sentences for individuals who maliciously punish children, specifically targeting cases involving severe physical injury. It affects parents, legal guardians, or caretakers who cause substantial or great bodily harm to children, with penalties increasing based on the child's age (under 4) and the injury's severity. For example, causing head/neck injuries to a child under 4 mandates at least one year in prison, while causing great bodily harm requires a minimum two-year sentence. The bill amends Minnesota Statute 609.377 and takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1231 prohibits Minnesota's environmental commissioner from creating rules that apply exclusively to construction and demolition landfills. The bill amends state law to block rules targeting facilities handling only construction debris (like wood, concrete, or shingles) or specific industrial waste from building materials. It directly affects the commissioner's rulemaking authority, requiring any new rules to apply broadly rather than focusing solely on these landfill types. This change ensures regulations for solid waste disposal facilities cannot be limited to a single waste stream.

Maddy summaryHF 1549 requires Minnesota public school districts and charter schools to allow American Indian drumming at graduation ceremonies when requested by the school's American Indian parent committee or student organization. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 124D.792 to explicitly state that schools must not prohibit American Indian regalia or objects of cultural significance at graduations, and must permit drumming upon request. It directly affects public schools in Minnesota and impacts American Indian students, families, and cultural practices during graduation events. The key provision is a mandatory allowance of drumming upon formal request, not a general permission.

Maddy summaryHF 1374 amends Minnesota's eligibility rules for the Challenge Incarceration Program, which allows certain incarcerated individuals to serve part of their sentence in a community-based setting. The bill adds specific categories of people who can no longer participate, including those convicted of violent crimes involving death or injury (like murder or assault), recent sex offenses, or crimes requiring sex offender registration. It also bars individuals with active warrants, less than 180 days left on their sentence, recent disciplinary issues in prison, or suspended disciplinary sanctions. The changes directly affect incarcerated Minnesotans seeking to transition to community supervision through this program.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Minnesota's sales tax exemption to include additional baby products, directly affecting parents and caregivers who purchase these items. It adds baby wipes, cribs and bassinets (including mattresses and sheets), changing tables and pads, strollers, car seats and bases, baby swings, bottle sterilizers, and infant eating utensils to the list of tax-exempt items. The exemption applies to sales and purchases made after June 30, 2025. This change removes sales tax from these specific baby products, aligning with the existing exemption for items like breast pumps and baby bottles.

Maddy summaryHF 540 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Administration to submit a report by February 15, 2026, detailing all state-owned or leased office space and identifying substantially vacant properties. The report must assess the feasibility of converting vacant space into housing, estimate conversion costs, and analyze potential revenue from renting or selling repurposed properties. This report will be provided to specific legislative committees overseeing the Department of Administration's budget. The bill does not change existing laws but mandates a study to evaluate underutilized state assets. (HF 540, Section 1)

Maddy summaryThis bill increases funding for school districts' pupil transportation costs by adjusting how transportation aid is calculated. It requires districts to receive additional funds equal to 35-70% of the difference between their actual transportation costs and previous funding formulas, starting in fiscal year 2026. Charter schools receive similar adjustments based on district per-pupil funding. The bill appropriates specific funding for 2026 and 2027 to support these changes. It directly affects all Minnesota public school districts and charter schools that provide student transportation.