Rep. Walter Hudson

Maddy summaryHF 2362 appropriates $3 million for fiscal year 2026 and $3 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of children, youth, and families. This funding is designated for existing youth intervention programs under Minnesota Statutes section 142A.43. The bill adds these amounts to the base funding for these programs, providing ongoing support. It directly affects state-administered youth intervention services by increasing their available resources.

Maddy summaryHF 3149 repeals Minnesota's political contribution refund program, which previously allowed eligible voters to receive partial refunds for certain political contributions. The bill removes Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 290.06, subdivision 23, ending this specific refund mechanism. It affects voters who made qualifying political contributions before the repeal, as they will no longer be eligible for these refunds. The repeal takes effect for contributions made after June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 750 expands automatic driver's license suspensions to apply whenever a peace officer believes someone committed criminal vehicular homicide (vehicular manslaughter) or criminal vehicular operation (dangerous driving causing injury). It requires all peace officers to report such cases to the commissioner of public safety, rather than just certain types of cases under current law. The bill amends Minnesota statutes to trigger suspension based on an officer's probable cause determination, not just after a conviction. This change takes effect August 1, 2025, directly affecting drivers in these specific criminal cases.

Maddy summaryHF 1998 clarifies and updates victim notification procedures for law enforcement and prosecutors when cases involving domestic assault, criminal sexual conduct, harassment, stalking, or violations of protection orders are not prosecuted. The bill requires prosecutors to notify victims via phone first, then email or mail, and to document dismissal reasons - especially if a witness is unavailable - while also informing victims about obtaining protection orders without fees. It updates the model notices that must be provided to victims at initial contact and after charges, including current information on victim services, reparations, and support resources. These changes standardize and improve communication to ensure victims consistently understand their rights and available assistance.

Maddy summaryHF 2881 appropriates $4.9 million from the general fund for the Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with the same amount continuing annually thereafter. This funding directly supports the task force's operations, enabling it to investigate and combat human trafficking within Minnesota. The bill provides specific, concrete financial resources without altering existing laws or creating new obligations.

Maddy summaryHF 3043 creates a new criminal offense for "illegal remuneration" involving federal health care programs (like Medicare/Medicaid), behavioral health services under Chapter 254B, and family programs under Chapter 142E. It prohibits healthcare providers, social service organizations, and others from intentionally offering or accepting money, goods, services, or other value in exchange for referrals, purchases, or recommendations related to these programs. The law also targets improper conduct in grant applications, such as offering inducements to influence grant awards or providing false information. Violations are punishable as crimes under Minnesota Statutes, with sentencing details outlined in the bill.

Maddy summaryHF 2891 requires state employees who handle grants management duties - such as awarding, monitoring, or closing grants - to complete training and obtain certification from the commissioner. This applies to all employees overseeing grant processes (e.g., reviewing applications, monitoring compliance, or distributing funds) across Minnesota’s executive agencies. Granting agencies must only assign these responsibilities to certified employees, with a temporary 30-day exception allowed if no certified staff are available. The commissioner also maintains a public list of grantees convicted of fund misuse, suspended, or repeatedly failing grant terms. The bill aims to standardize grant oversight through mandatory certification and transparency.

Maddy summaryHF 341 amends Minnesota Statutes section 171.24 to establish minimum fines and enhance penalties for repeat driving without a valid license. It specifically targets individuals convicted of driving while license is suspended, revoked, or canceled who: (1) cause injury or death in a collision, or (2) have prior convictions for similar offenses within 10 years. The bill sets a minimum fine amount for these repeat violations, raising them to gross misdemeanor level when the specified conditions are met. This directly affects drivers with repeated license violations who operate vehicles without authorization. The changes apply to offenses under existing statutes related to license suspension, revocation, or disqualification.

Maddy summaryHF 3110 amends Minnesota's student privacy law to allow educational institutions to disclose private student contact information to legislators and photographers for "specified purposes." This change modifies existing restrictions under Minnesota Statutes §13.32, creating a new exception to the general rule that protects student data. The bill directly affects students and schools by altering when personal contact details (like phone numbers or addresses) can be shared with these groups. It does not define the specific "specified purposes," so the exact scope of this disclosure remains unclear from the provided text.

Maddy summaryHF 3113 amends Minnesota's Administrative Procedure Act to require state agencies to explicitly demonstrate statutory authority for any new rules they create. It removes the governor's emergency power to authorize rules without standard procedures and prevents courts from automatically deferring to agency interpretations of their own rules. These changes directly affect state agencies developing regulations, the governor's emergency powers, and courts reviewing agency actions. The bill aims to strengthen legislative oversight of rulemaking by requiring clearer legal justification and reducing agency discretion in rule creation.