Rep. Kari Rehrauer

Maddy summaryHF 1987, the Minnesota Starter Home Act, allows municipalities to permit more housing types in all residential zoning districts without requiring new zoning changes. It specifically authorizes single-family homes, duplexes, accessory dwelling units (in most cases), and townhouses on newly platted lots or vacant land. The bill exempts municipalities from needing comprehensive plan amendments for these housing types until December 2029. Additionally, it lowers the voting threshold for approving affordable housing developments from a two-thirds to a simple majority vote in local governing bodies.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $11 million for fiscal year 2026 and $11 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to support senior nutrition programs under Minnesota Statutes §256.9752. It directly provides funding for existing programs that serve older Minnesotans, such as meal delivery and congregate dining services. The bill does not change program rules but ensures dedicated state funding for these services over two fiscal years. The funding will help maintain access to nutrition support for seniors, particularly those with limited income or mobility.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Minnesota's commissioner of health to award grants for peer-to-peer suicide prevention programs and training that prepares high school students to serve as peer mentors. The program targets students in grades 9 through 12 and allows grants to go to school districts, charter schools, alternative schools, and nonprofit organizations. Funded programs must be research-based and supervised by qualified adults, with trained students engaging in supportive conversations, identifying warning signs of mental health crises, and referring peers to trusted adults when needed. The bill also requires training on recognizing suicide risk, active listening skills, and how to connect students with appropriate support resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota employers with 50 or more employees to provide 90 days of advance notice before using artificial intelligence or automation to displace workers, and it mandates a 90-day transitional employment period during which affected employees receive continued wages and access to employer-funded retraining programs. The legislation defines technological displacement as job losses or significant hour reductions caused by AI systems and requires employers to notify employees, labor organizations, state labor officials, local government leaders, and workforce development boards about the changes. Employers who fail to comply face penalties including ineligibility for state grants and tax incentives for five years, potential civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation, and liability for up to 60 days of back pay and benefits to affected workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits drug manufacturers from advertising prescription drugs directly to consumers on television. It applies to companies licensed to manufacture prescription medications in Minnesota and prevents them from using TV commercials to promote the sale of these drugs to the public. The law would be enforced by the state attorney general, who could take action against any manufacturer that violates this advertising ban. This measure aims to restrict how prescription medications are marketed through television media without changing other aspects of drug regulation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires money transmitters in Minnesota to allow senders to cancel transactions within one hour of the money being received, with no cancellation fees. Under the new rules, licensees must place a one-hour hold on funds before forwarding them, unless they have reasonable grounds to suspect fraud or illegal activity. The law also mandates that transmitters explain any delays in sending money to senders, unless doing so would violate other laws. These changes take effect on August 1, 2026, and apply to all money transmission transactions occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates policies and training requirements for assisted living facilities in Minnesota, directly affecting facility operators and unlicensed staff members who work there. It mandates that facilities maintain updated policies covering staff training, emergency procedures, infection control, and supervision of unlicensed personnel performing delegated tasks. The legislation also strengthens penalties for violations by allowing commissioners to assess investigation-related costs and increase fines for serious injuries or deaths caused by egregious conduct. Additionally, the bill requires facilities to ensure emergency-trained personnel are available 24 hours a day and to provide residents with clear information about their rights and facility procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides funding for Minnesota's Board of Public Defense, which supports public defenders representing low-income individuals who cannot afford legal representation. The legislation appropriates $6.9 million for fiscal year 2026 and $13.7 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state's general fund, with an additional base funding of $183.529 million starting in fiscal year 2028. These funds are intended to supplement existing appropriations and ensure continued financial support for the public defense system. The bill takes effect immediately upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal claim in Minnesota allowing property owners to sue for trespass caused by airborne biological or chemical substances like pesticides and pollutants. It defines these substances as "intangible particulate matter" and states that liability arises when such matter interferes with a landowner's right to exclusive possession of their property. If a court finds a violation, it can award damages up to $100 per day of trespass, plus additional penalties or court orders to stop the contamination. The law applies to any person who causes these airborne substances to enter another person's land.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal immigration officers from wearing face coverings like masks or hoods while performing public duties in Minnesota, unless the covering is needed for environmental protection. It specifically targets officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement who engage in visible enforcement activities such as patrols, arrests, and interviews. Violating this rule would result in misdemeanor charges. The law applies only to public-facing operations and excludes covert or non-enforcement tasks. It takes effect immediately upon final passage.