Rep. Paul Novotny

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates one-time funding from Minnesota's renewable development account to support Liberty Diversified International in planning and constructing an anaerobic digester or biomass thermal generation facility in Becker. The facility would use organic waste to produce renewable natural gas, biochar for soil use, or commercial heat and industrial process energy. The funds are designated specifically for this project and are to be managed by the commissioner of commerce.

Maddy summaryHF 2817 amends Minnesota law to extend service line of duty death benefits to part-time, paid on-call, and volunteer firefighters. The bill updates the definition of "public safety officer" to include these firefighters when performing specific duties like firefighting, emergency medical services, or hazardous material response. This change ensures that the families of these firefighters who die while on duty receive the same death benefits previously available only to full-time firefighters. The policy applies to firefighters working for local government fire departments or independent nonprofit firefighting organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Minnesota to implement federal Workforce Pell Grants by creating a state-level approval process for eligible workforce training programs. It requires the Governor's Workforce Development Board to establish application procedures, coordinate with other workforce programs, and mandate that approved programs report data on completion rates, job placement, and earnings. The bill specifically targets programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand occupations, ensuring alignment with federal requirements while giving the state authority to manage the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing state law to update the sales tax authorization for the city of Elk River, Minnesota. It allows the city to collect an additional half of one percent in local sales tax, with revenues designated for specific purposes. The updated law permits the city to use tax funds to finance up to $20 million in bonds for constructing a new fire station. The bill also increases the total bonding authority for the city from $35 million to $55 million to cover the project costs. These changes take effect once the city completes required administrative procedures.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's HF 3241 modifies rules about electronic displays in vehicles by prohibiting drivers from viewing "dynamic content" (like moving videos, games, or interactive apps) on screens visible while operating a vehicle. It directly affects drivers using electronic devices or vehicle systems that show such content while the vehicle is in motion. Key exceptions include navigation systems, emergency vehicle operations, rearview cameras for visibility, and passive displays (like a phone showing a static map). The law, effective August 1, 2025, aims to reduce distractions by limiting non-essential screen use during driving.

Maddy summaryHF 3541 clarifies and strengthens the responsibilities of Minnesota's Division of Capitol Security. It requires the division to provide security and emergency escorts throughout the Capitol Area (until July 2026) when requested by state constitutional officers, establish an emergency manager role for security planning and training, and maintain at least one state trooper on duty at the Capitol complex 24/7 with specific investigative training. The bill designates the division as the lead agency for criminal investigations occurring in the Capitol Area, with provisions allowing other agencies to take over only through written agreement. These changes directly affect Capitol Security staff, state constitutional officers, and all individuals accessing the Capitol complex for public or official business.

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 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 proposes amending the Minnesota Constitution to limit the governor and lieutenant governor to two consecutive terms, preventing them from seeking a third term. The amendment would also maintain existing requirements that candidates be at least 25 years old, U.S. citizens, and residents of Minnesota for one year before election. If passed by the legislature, the amendment would be submitted to voters for approval at the 2026 general election. The change directly affects current and future candidates for these executive offices by restricting their ability to run for re-election beyond two terms.