Rep. Brion Curran

Maddy summaryHF 141 modifies Minnesota's sustainable building guidelines to require state agencies to comply with these standards during the predesign phase for all new state buildings and major renovations. It directly affects state agencies planning construction or major renovations (defined as projects over 10,000 sq. ft. or involving mechanical system replacement). The bill adds specific requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving indoor air quality, conserving water, and enhancing climate resilience into the guidelines, while mandating a report and appropriating funds for implementation. These changes apply to all state-funded projects after specified dates, ensuring sustainability is integrated early in the planning process.

Maddy summaryHF 670 appropriates $100,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2026 to the Direct Care and Treatment executive board for planning a locked psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF). This funding directly supports the board in developing a facility plan, which will serve patients requiring specialized psychiatric care. The bill requires the board to submit a detailed report by March 1, 2026, including location analysis, build-out costs, ongoing maintenance expenses, and potential revenue from medical assistance programs. The appropriation is one-time and expires June 30, 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 79 modifies Minnesota's water allocation priority system under Statute 103G.261. It reorders priorities so domestic water supplies (including hospitals, schools, and municipalities), power production meeting contingency plans, and small water uses (<10,000 gallons/day) now rank higher than agricultural irrigation and other large-scale uses. Specifically, it moves domestic uses to first priority (previously fourth), small uses to second priority (previously second), and agricultural irrigation to third priority (previously second). The bill directly affects water users across Minnesota, including municipalities, farms, power plants, and industrial facilities, by changing which water uses get priority during allocation. It maintains the 10,000-gallon daily threshold for certain categories and discourages surface water use from small lakes (<500 acres).

Maddy summaryHF 501 proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee equal rights under Minnesota law and prohibit state discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex - including pregnancy decisions, gender identity, and sexual orientation. If approved by voters in 2026, it would add a new section to the Minnesota Constitution requiring state actions to use the least restrictive means to achieve compelling government interests. The amendment would directly apply to all Minnesotans and state agencies, ensuring equal protection in all state laws and programs. It requires voter approval at the 2026 general election, with the question asking whether the state constitution should include these equal rights protections.

Maddy summaryHF 209 appropriates $3 million from state bond proceeds to fund specific capital improvements for the Brown's Creek State Trail in Washington County. The bill directs funds for constructing a trail connection from County State-Aid Highway 5 to the trail and for building an overlook at the historic Point Douglas-Saint Louis River Road Bridge. It authorizes the state to issue bonds up to $3 million to cover these costs, following established bond procedures under Minnesota law. The project directly affects Washington County infrastructure and provides public access to recreational trail and bridge viewing areas.

Maddy summaryHF 262 prohibits employers from paying people with disabilities less than the state minimum wage, effective August 1, 2025 for new hires and August 1, 2027 for all current employees, ending the use of federal or state special certificates that allow subminimum wages. It requires providers of home and community-based services to report data on individuals currently paid subminimum wages by August 1, 2027, including personal details and employment metrics. The bill appropriates $38,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $75,000 in fiscal year 2027 to enhance the MnCHOICES system with employment-related resources. These changes directly affect employers, service providers, and people with disabilities working in supported employment programs across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 37 proposes adding a new constitutional guarantee to Minnesota's state constitution, stating that "Elections shall be free, fair, and equal. No civil or military power shall, at any time, interfere with the free exercise of the right to vote." If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, this amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, directly affecting all Minnesotans participating in elections by establishing this fundamental principle. The bill specifies the exact wording for the constitutional amendment and the ballot question voters would see. It does not create new election procedures but enshrines this standard into the state constitution.

Maddy summaryHF 257 establishes a formal review process for individuals denied or having reduced access to long-term services and supports in Minnesota. It requires lead agencies (like human services departments) to provide a 10-day notice before denying eligibility for services such as home care, personal assistance, or community support programs, and to allow individuals or their representatives 10 days to respond. During the review, agencies must hold an interactive meeting within 5 days of a request, continue services until the decision is finalized, and provide clear written notice explaining the outcome. This bill directly affects Minnesotans relying on state-funded long-term care services who face eligibility denials. It does not change existing appeal rights under Minnesota law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for ticket sales in Minnesota to increase transparency and prevent deceptive practices. It requires ticket sellers and online marketplaces to clearly display the total price, including all fees, and to provide buyers with proof of purchase and refund policies within 24 hours. The legislation also prohibits specific behaviors such as selling duplicate tickets, using unauthorized domain names, or bypassing online security measures to buy multiple tickets. The commissioner of commerce is given the authority to request data on how violations occur and to enforce these rules, with the law taking effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota's Uniform Commercial Code to include modern digital tools like electronic records and smart contracts in its legal framework. By adding new definitions for terms such as "electronic" and "electronic document of title," the law ensures that business transactions conducted online are treated with the same legal weight as traditional paper-based deals. The changes directly affect businesses, banks, and individuals who use digital platforms to buy, sell, or secure goods and services. These amendments clarify how courts should interpret digital agreements and establish rules for transferring control of electronic documents, thereby reducing legal uncertainty in the digital economy.