Rep. Bidal Duran

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new felony crime in Minnesota for providing material support or resources to designated foreign terrorist organizations or those engaged in terrorist activity. It directly affects individuals who might offer money, training, weapons, shelter, or other assistance to such groups, while explicitly excluding medical and religious materials from the definition. The law sets tiered penalties based on harm caused, ranging from up to ten years in prison for basic violations to up to forty years if the support results in death. The legislation will take effect on August 1, 2026, and applies only to crimes committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows employees in Minnesota to choose not to participate in the state's paid family and medical leave program by submitting an opt-out form. The legislation requires the commissioner to create and provide both physical and online versions of this opt-out form for eligible workers. Once enacted, the change takes effect immediately, giving employees the option to decline participation in the benefit program. This policy adjustment directly impacts workers covered under Minnesota's paid leave system by adding an additional choice regarding their enrollment status.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the licensing fees for scrap metal copper dealers in Minnesota, reducing the application and renewal fees from $250 to $100. It requires individuals to obtain a license from the commissioner of commerce to sell scrap metal copper starting January 1, 2025, with the new fee structure taking effect July 1, 2026. The legislation outlines application requirements, including personal information and proof of lawful copper acquisition, while also specifying conditions for license denial, suspension, or revocation. Additionally, the bill allows licensed professionals in related trades to sell scrap metal copper without a separate license if they hold existing certifications.

Maddy summaryHF 16 prohibits Minnesota cities, counties, or local governments from passing laws that block law enforcement from sharing immigration status information with federal authorities. It requires county attorneys to notify federal immigration agencies when someone without legal status is arrested for a violent crime. The bill overrides any local "noncooperation" policies that would restrict this information sharing or federal immigration enforcement. It applies to all local law enforcement and government entities in Minnesota, ensuring consistent cooperation with federal immigration enforcement on specific matters.

Maddy summaryHF 13 would amend Minnesota Statutes section 609.06 to eliminate the requirement that individuals must attempt to retreat before using reasonable force in self-defense or defense of others. The bill specifically removes the "duty to retreat" provision, allowing people to use force without first trying to avoid confrontation if they reasonably believe it is necessary. This change would directly affect Minnesotans using force to defend themselves or others in situations where they perceive an immediate threat. The bill was introduced but not passed, as it was laid on the table during the 2025 legislative session.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Minnesota Pet and Companion Animal Welfare Act to apply to all persons, including veterinarians, animal boarding facilities, and commercial animal facilities, rather than limiting protection to specific individuals. It increases criminal penalties for animal maltreatment by changing violations from misdemeanors to gross misdemeanors for first offenses and felonies for repeat offenders or those with prior animal cruelty convictions, which could result in up to two years in prison or fines of up to $10,000. The legislation also removes a provision that required expert opinions to resolve disputes over the definitions of abuse, cruelty, or neglect. These changes directly affect anyone who owns, cares for, or works with animals in Minnesota and law enforcement agencies enforcing animal welfare laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Minnesota Pet and Companion Animal Welfare Act to cover veterinarians, animal boarding facilities, and commercial animal facilities in addition to individual pet owners. It increases criminal penalties for animal maltreatment by changing most violations from misdemeanors to gross misdemeanors and making repeat offenses felonies punishable by up to two years in prison or fines of up to $10,000. The legislation also removes a provision that previously required expert opinions to resolve disputes over definitions of abuse, cruelty, or neglect. These changes directly affect anyone who owns, cares for, or works with animals in Minnesota and law enforcement officials who enforce animal welfare laws.

Maddy summaryHF 194 increases property tax relief for Minnesota veterans with service-connected disabilities by raising the exclusion amount for their homesteads. It raises the exclusion from $150,000 to $200,000 for veterans with a 70%+ disability rating, and from $300,000 to $400,000 for veterans with a total (100%) permanent disability. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans who died while serving or with a total disability also gain eligibility for the higher $400,000 exclusion if they continue living in the home. This directly affects veterans with VA-certified disabilities and their eligible spouses, reducing their property tax burden on their primary residence. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 273.13, subdivision 34.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a $500,000 one-time grant to Independent School District No. 31 in Bemidji to modernize its machine shop as part of career and technical education programs. The funds can be used to purchase new equipment, repair existing equipment, and cover related costs such as training and installation. The school district must submit a report by February 1, 2028, detailing student participation, demographic information, career readiness outcomes, industry partnerships, and recommendations for improving career and technical education statewide. The appropriation is available until June 30, 2028, and is drawn from the state's general fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts Beltrami County from paying its usual 25% cost-share for state disaster assistance related to the severe storm event covered under Emergency Executive Order 25-06. It requires the commissioner of public safety to reimburse the county 100% of eligible costs instead of the standard partial reimbursement. The exemption applies retroactively from June 21, 2025, and directly affects only Beltrami County's disaster recovery funding.