Maddy summaryHF 1396 expands Minnesota law enforcement's permitted uses of drones (unmanned aerial vehicles). It adds 10 specific scenarios where police may deploy drones, including conducting threat assessments before events, gathering evidence after serious traffic collisions, searching for missing persons, and collecting information with reasonable suspicion of crime. The bill modifies Minnesota Statutes section 626.19, subdivision 3, to authorize these uses while requiring written consent for private property use and written requests from other government entities. This directly affects all Minnesota law enforcement agencies operating drones under current statutes. The changes focus on operational safety, evidence preservation, and public safety during specific high-risk situations.
Sponsored bills
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 1255 allows certain public safety employees in Minnesota to purchase their surplus badges at fair market value. The bill specifically applies to current or retired state troopers, commercial vehicle inspectors, and Capitol security officers. It amends Minnesota Statutes to permit the commissioner to sell badges bearing pre-May 11, 2024 seals (or retired personnel badges) directly to the employee who originally used them. The sale price must reflect the badge's fair market value as determined by the commissioner. This is a procedural change affecting badge ownership for these specific state employees.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows law enforcement to use mobile tracking devices (like GPS trackers) on vehicles fleeing from police officers, which was previously prohibited under state law. It directly affects police departments and officers by expanding their tools for tracking vehicles during high-speed pursuits. The key change amends Minnesota Statutes to create an exception for "fleeing motor vehicles," defining "flee" using existing law (section 609.487, subdivision 1). The policy change takes effect August 1, 2025, for crimes committed on or after that date.
Maddy summaryHF 2525 establishes a state program to provide free hearing protection products meeting specific safety standards to Minnesota public safety officers. The program, funded by a $2 million appropriation from the general fund for fiscal year 2026, covers eligible peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical providers. Products must have a minimum 25 decibel noise reduction rating and maximum 80 decibel output. Applications are processed in order received while supplies last, with no cost to applicants.
Maddy summaryHF 1295 amends Minnesota law to include children's advocacy centers as a program eligible to receive 70% of certain fines collected from offenders convicted of specific crimes, such as those involving child abuse or exploitation. The bill requires courts to collect a minimum fine of 30% of the maximum penalty for these crimes and forward 70% of that amount to a local victim assistance program, now explicitly including children's advocacy centers. If multiple programs serve the county, courts may choose which one receives funds based on the crime type and program needs; if no program is available, funds go to the state general fund. This ensures children's advocacy centers can directly access funding to provide services for child victims.
Maddy summaryThis bill repeals Minnesota Statutes section 299A.707, which established the "Community Justice Reinvestment Account" in the state's special revenue fund. The account previously received an annual $461,000 transfer from the general fund to fund local substance use disorder treatment programs, mental health services, pretrial supervision initiatives, and recidivism reduction efforts. By eliminating this dedicated funding source, the bill removes the legal mechanism for allocating these specific resources. The repeal affects programs that relied on these grants, though it does not directly alter the programs themselves. This is a procedural change removing a funding provision, not a new policy.
Maddy summaryHF 2812 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Corrections to charge fees for incarcerated people's communication services (like phone calls, video, or messaging), but only up to the actual cost of providing those services. It mandates that voice calls remain free for both the incarcerated person and the recipient, prohibits state agencies from profiting from these services (except for pre-2023 contracts), and requires facilities to maintain in-person visitation programs unless an emergency exists. The bill also adds reporting requirements for the Department of Corrections to track fees, spending, and usage of communication services. This directly affects incarcerated individuals, their families, and correctional facilities in Minnesota.
Maddy summaryHF 2796 proposes adding a constitutional amendment to Minnesota's state constitution, protecting the right of people to keep and bear arms. If adopted by voters, it would insert a specific provision into Article I stating: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." The amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election with a ballot question asking, "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to protect the right of the people to keep and bear arms?" This is a procedural step requiring voter approval to amend the state constitution, not an immediate law change.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 609.54 to clarify sentencing thresholds for embezzling public funds. It sets specific penalties based on the amount stolen: up to $2,500 (max 5 years in prison or $10,000 fine), $2,500-$100,000 (max 10 years or $20,000), or $100,000+ (max 20 years or $50,000). The law directly affects public officials or employees convicted of embezzling public funds, such as government employees or contractors handling public money. It takes effect August 1, 2025, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.