Rep. Paul Novotny

Maddy summaryHF 3336 prohibits individuals under correctional supervision for a felony offense from serving on juries in criminal cases, including grand juries. This applies to people actively serving sentences or probation for felonies, excluding them until their sentence is fully completed under Minnesota law. The bill directly affects those under supervision for felony convictions who would otherwise be eligible for jury duty. The key provision removes their eligibility during supervision, with ineligibility ending only when the sentence is discharged.

Maddy summarySF 3196 is a one-time funding bill addressing budget deficiencies for Minnesota's Department of Corrections. It allocates specific amounts for immediate needs, including $12.6 million to cover 2023 financial obligations, $1 million for body-worn cameras for correctional staff, $1.5 million for radio system upgrades, and $500,000 for Prison Rape Elimination Act compliance. The bill also funds health services ($2.75 million), educational programming ($5.6 million first year), family support ($480,000 annually), and reentry initiatives ($375,000 first year for Native American programs). These appropriations directly support correctional facility operations, staff equipment, inmate services, and safety programs within the Department of Corrections.

Maddy summaryHF 1163 clarifies how grant funds for Minnesota's hometown heroes assistance program must be used to support firefighters. The bill directs the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative to provide monetary support for firefighters diagnosed with critical illnesses (like cancer) after August 1, 2021, and to develop a mental health program offering up to five annual therapy sessions with peer support. It also requires annual training for all firefighters on occupational health risks (including cancer, heart disease, and emotional trauma), evidence-based suicide prevention, and wellness strategies. The program directly affects all Minnesota firefighters through these health support services and training.

Maddy summaryHF 3006 provides $12.6 million in one-time funding to cover budget shortfalls for Minnesota's Department of Corrections in fiscal year 2023. The bill allocates specific amounts for existing operational needs, including $1 million for body-worn cameras for correctional staff, $1.5 million to upgrade radio systems, $500,000 for Prison Rape Elimination Act compliance, and $2.75 million for health care services. These funds directly support the Department of Corrections' current operations, including inmate services, safety measures, and reentry programs. The bill does not create new policies but addresses immediate budget gaps within the department's existing framework.

Maddy summaryHF 1354 requires Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to make publicly available, within 30 days of case closure, video footage documenting officer-involved death investigations that is already public under other laws. It specifically limits the scope of video shared to only footage recording actions and circumstances surrounding the incident. The bill also mandates an annual report to state leaders by February 1st detailing investigation statistics, outcomes, and charging decisions. This affects the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the public accessing these records. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299C.80, subdivision 6.

Maddy summaryHF 3256 increases the earnings limit for police, firefighters, and paramedics receiving disability benefits under Minnesota's public employees retirement plan. The bill raises the threshold from 125% to 150% of the base monthly salary for comparable positions. This means eligible public safety workers can earn more while working part-time or in other jobs before their disability benefits are reduced. The change applies to members who began disability payments on or after July 1, 2023, and modifies how benefits are adjusted when reemployment earnings exceed the new limit. It directly affects current disability benefit recipients in these professions who return to work.

Maddy summaryHF 1256 extends the annual $6 million funding for the Philando Castile Memorial Training Fund, making it ongoing rather than temporary. This funding reimburses law enforcement agencies for approved training courses focused on use-of-force protocols (per MN Stat. §626.8452), crisis response/cultural diversity (§626.8469), and autism training (§626.8474). Agencies must submit detailed course applications including learning objectives, instructor qualifications, and assessment plans for board approval before reimbursement. The bill amends existing law to ensure this funding remains available each year for these specific training programs.

Maddy summaryHF 2554 designates a specific bridge on Burnsville Parkway over Interstate Highway 35W in Burnsville, Minnesota, as the "Elmstrand * Finseth * Ruge Heroes Memorial Bridge." The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 161.14 to formally name the structure and requires the transportation commissioner to adopt appropriate signage for it. This is a commemorative measure naming a physical location, not a policy change affecting residents or creating new laws. The bridge itself is the direct subject of the designation, with no broader legislative impact beyond the memorial name and signage.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public employees in Minnesota's police and fire retirement plan who are 55 years or older to receive their full retirement pay without reduction or suspension when they return to government employment. It amends retirement laws to require the retirement plan administrator to pay a normal retirement annuity without cutting it off due to reemployment, provided the retiree has reached age 55. The law also clarifies that continued employment does not change the annuity amount, and neither the member nor their employer must make additional retirement contributions. These changes take effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 1263 repeals Minnesota's Paid Leave Law (all provisions in statutes 268B.001-268B.30) and transfers any remaining funds in the family medical leave account to the state's general fund. This bill directly affects the state's paid leave program, which previously provided wage replacement for medical or family leave. The key mechanism is the elimination of the law's requirements and the reallocation of unspent funds to the general budget. The changes take effect on July 1, 2025.