Rep. Peggy Scott

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's family law guidelines for determining parenting time and custody by updating the factors courts must consider when evaluating a child's best interests. It requires judges to make detailed findings on each factor, prohibits gender-based preferences, and establishes a rebuttable presumption that joint legal custody is in the child's best interest unless domestic abuse has occurred between the parents. The legislation also clarifies that disability alone cannot determine custody outcomes, protects service members' children from having deployment used as the sole deciding factor, and specifies that disagreement over parenting schedules does not automatically indicate an inability to cooperate. These changes apply to all custody and parenting time determinations in Minnesota family court cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the role of volunteers in Minnesota's guardian ad litem program, which advocates for the best interests of children, minor parents, and incompetent adults in juvenile and family court cases. It amends state law to explicitly state that the program includes both volunteers and paid staff working together to represent these individuals. The bill directs the State Guardian Ad Litem Board to establish standards, policies, and procedures that apply to both volunteer and employee guardians, while also requiring the board to manage program funding and propose necessary changes to ensure quality advocacy. Additionally, the board must align its rules with existing federal and state laws that affect the work of guardian ad litem volunteers and employees.

Maddy summaryHF 16 prohibits Minnesota cities, counties, or local governments from passing laws that block law enforcement from sharing immigration status information with federal authorities. It requires county attorneys to notify federal immigration agencies when someone without legal status is arrested for a violent crime. The bill overrides any local "noncooperation" policies that would restrict this information sharing or federal immigration enforcement. It applies to all local law enforcement and government entities in Minnesota, ensuring consistent cooperation with federal immigration enforcement on specific matters.

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 requires providers, vendors, and individuals applying for public funds to submit proof of recent operational history and financial records as part of their eligibility process. Applicants must demonstrate they have performed similar services over the past three years, provide audited financial statements or nonprofit tax forms from that period, and show good standing with the secretary of state if they are business or nonprofit entities. The law adds new requirements to Minnesota statutes governing financial screening for programs administered by state commissioners. These measures aim to establish clearer standards for verifying the legitimacy and financial stability of entities seeking government money.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state agencies to disclose information about investigations into potential overpayments of public funds within 30 days of a request, provided the agency has already taken action to reduce, suspend, or withhold payments. It affects the Department of Human Services and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families by mandating transparency about ongoing investigations into service providers and recipients. The law also expands access to investigative data for the ombudsman for mental health and developmental disabilities, allowing them to request both active and inactive case information including reporter names. Additionally, the bill clarifies when certain investigative data becomes public by classifying it as such once submitted to a court or administrative law judge.

Maddy summaryHF 100 would amend Minnesota tax law to allow taxpayers to subtract the full amount of their Social Security benefits from their state taxable income, removing previous limits. Currently, Minnesota caps this subtraction at $5,840 for joint filers, $4,560 for singles, and lower amounts for separate filers. The bill eliminates these maximums, meaning eligible taxpayers could deduct all their Social Security benefits without reduction. It directly affects Minnesota residents receiving Social Security income who file state tax returns. The change takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 2937 regulates how parenting consultants can be used in Minnesota family court cases involving custody and parenting time disputes. The bill requires consultants to meet specific qualifications (similar to parenting time expeditors or marriage and family therapists) and clarifies they cannot modify court orders or change parenting time percentages. Crucially, it states that parenting consultants' recommendations and decisions are not binding on parents or courts, and their evidence cannot be used in family court proceedings. This directly affects parents, family courts, and consultants by setting clear boundaries for their role in resolving disputes without altering legal custody arrangements.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota's paid family and medical leave insurance program to explicitly include foreign-licensed physicians as eligible health care providers. It also establishes stricter rules for certifying these providers by requiring the state to suspend certification processing when there are credible allegations of fraud, such as verified complaints or audit findings. Additionally, the legislation disqualifies foreign-licensed physicians from certification if they have been convicted of specific fraud-related offenses listed in Minnesota statutes or equivalent laws in other jurisdictions. These changes aim to strengthen fraud prevention measures while expanding the pool of eligible providers for the state's insurance program.