Rep. Paul Novotny

Maddy summaryHF 2818 creates a program to reimburse Minnesota law enforcement agencies for specific costs incurred while responding to protests or demonstrations at the State Capitol complex or the governor's residence. Eligible costs include overtime pay, equipment damage, backfill staffing, and necessary supplies. Agencies must submit detailed requests within 60 days of a protest, with the Public Safety Commissioner reviewing applications and making payments within 30 days. The law requires an annual report starting in 2027 detailing all reimbursements, and appropriates funding for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 2797 expands Minnesota's public safety officer death benefit law to cover more circumstances where officers die while on duty. It adds heart attacks, strokes, or vascular ruptures sustained during high-stress emergency activities (like firefighting or rescue operations) to the definition of "killed in the line of duty," includes suicide linked to PTSD or within 45 days of a traumatic event, and covers deaths from specific infectious diseases like COVID-19 or tuberculosis. The law applies retroactively from February 1, 2020, allowing families to claim benefits for past deaths that now qualify under the expanded definitions. Families must file retroactive claims by July 1, 2027, for deaths occurring before that date.

Maddy summaryHF 2648 prohibits certain sex offenders convicted of crimes against minors under 18 from accessing social media platforms where users under 18 can interact. It requires these individuals on parole or probation to disclose all social media account details (including usernames and passwords) to their supervising agent and bans access to platforms allowing minor users. The law defines "social media platform" narrowly to exclude email, search engines, and business communication tools. The commissioner must annually publish a list of compliant platforms for probation agents to enforce these restrictions. This directly affects sex offenders sentenced under Minnesota statutes 609.342-609.3458 for offenses involving minors under 18.

Maddy summaryHF 128 increases criminal penalties for individuals engaging in prostitution with minors in Minnesota. The bill raises maximum sentences and fines based on the minor's age: up to 30 years or $40,000 for victims under 14, 20 years or $40,000 for those aged 14-15, 15 years or $30,000 for those aged 14-15 (for the act itself), and 10 years or $20,000 for victims aged 16-17. It also increases penalties for hiring minors for sexual acts across all age groups. The bill applies to crimes committed on or after its effective date of August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1821 appropriates $ for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from Minnesota's general fund to provide supplemental security grants to nonprofits. It directly affects nonprofits that have already received federal grant approval through the Emergency Management Agency's nonprofit security program, allowing them to access state funds without submitting new applications. The bill limits total funding per nonprofit to $75,000 across both federal and state programs, with grants awarded based on the federal program's ranking order. This ensures nonprofits can cover security costs without extra paperwork, using funds already allocated by the federal government.

Maddy summaryHF 1341 designates January 9 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in Minnesota, requiring the governor to issue an annual proclamation. It encourages school districts to partner with law enforcement agencies to create middle and high school "explorer" programs about law enforcement careers, which may count as course credit. The bill appropriates $6 million for 2026-2027 to reimburse agencies for peace officer training and $1 million for 2026 to fund pathway-to-policing programs that help recruit diverse candidates through local government grants. These provisions directly affect schools, law enforcement agencies, and local governments by supporting career education and training funding.

Maddy summaryHF 2532 eliminates Minnesota's Community Crime and Violence Prevention Account and transfers its remaining $42 million to the general fund. It repeals two 2023 law sections that created the account and established its funding mechanism. The transfer takes effect immediately upon the bill's enactment, while the repeal of the 2023 provisions takes effect July 1, 2025. This is a procedural budget adjustment, not a new policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill recognizes Minnesota's historic state flag (described as a blue flag with a central emblem featuring 19 stars, the word "MINNESOTA," and scenes from the Great Seal) and grants all Minnesotans the right to display it. It requires the lieutenant governor to set standards for its display on state property, mandating it be shown during specified holidays and on Capitol grounds during legislative sessions. The bill also allows the historic flag to be displayed on other public property for ceremonial purposes, while requiring it to be placed beneath the official state flag when both are displayed together. It directly affects all Minnesotans who display the flag and government entities managing public property.

Maddy summaryHF 1903 modifies Minnesota's "Safe Place for Newborns" law to clarify and expand where newborns can be safely left anonymously. The bill specifically adds detailed requirements for approved "newborn safety devices" (like secure boxes in hospitals or fire stations), including FDA approval, monthly alarm testing, and 24-hour staffing visibility. It also strengthens protections by stating safe places (hospitals, fire stations, or devices) cannot ask for the parent's identity, call police, or report the parent to authorities if the infant is unharmed. The law grants immunity from criminal or civil liability to staff who follow these procedures in good faith, including those who are mandated reporters under child welfare laws.

Maddy summaryHF 491 appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide grants to Hometown Hero Outdoors, a Stillwater-based nonprofit. The funding supports mental health services and outdoor recreational activities for current and former law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel. The bill directs these services to promote positive mental health, longevity, quality of life, and interactions with mental health professionals through organized outdoor programs. It does not create new policy but allocates specific funds to an existing nonprofit for targeted support of first responders.