Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called disruption of worship services in Minnesota, targeting individuals who enter religious buildings with the intent to disrupt scheduled services by committing a crime. The law defines a religious establishment as a building used for worship that is clearly marked with a sign or other identifier. First-time offenders face gross misdemeanor charges, while repeat offenders could be charged with a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of $10,000 or both. The provisions take effect on August 1, 2026, and apply only to crimes committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies income and asset requirements for households receiving SNAP benefits in Minnesota. It requires SNAP households to demonstrate that their gross income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, while net income must still meet federal SNAP requirements. The legislation also changes how vehicles are counted toward asset limits, specifically requiring that vehicles with a trade-in value of $100,000 or more be included in personal property calculations rather than being excluded. These changes directly affect Minnesota residents applying for or receiving SNAP assistance by adjusting eligibility criteria for income and vehicle assets.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of up to $4,000,000 in state bonds to fund capital improvements at the Duluth International Airport. The funds will be used by the Duluth Airport Authority to design, construct, and equip a new air traffic control tower base building, which will include office spaces, equipment rooms, and support areas. The project also covers site preparation, demolition of old buildings, utility installation, stormwater systems, and replacement of existing fuel tanks. A portion of the state funding will serve as a match for federal funding for this infrastructure project.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's child maltreatment reporting requirements and adjusts criminal penalties for failing to report suspected abuse. It expands the definition of mandatory reporters to include clergy members who receive information during ministerial duties, while maintaining protections for privileged communications. The legislation also clarifies that organizations cannot have policies that discourage reporters from filing abuse reports. Additionally, the bill increases penalties for failure to report, making it a felony when multiple children are abused by the same offender, and strengthens civil liability for knowingly making false reports. These changes aim to improve child safety by broadening who must report abuse and increasing consequences for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryHF 3562 modifies Minnesota's motor vehicle registration tax for passenger cars and hearses. It reduces the tax rate from 1.54-1.575% to 1.25-1.285% of a vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), depending on whether the vehicle was first registered in Minnesota before or on/after November 16, 2020. The tax amount decreases each year based on the vehicle's age (e.g., 100% of MSRP in year one, dropping to 10% in year ten), then becomes a flat $20 annually after the 10th year. This bill directly affects Minnesota vehicle owners paying registration fees for passenger cars and hearses, effective for registrations starting January 1, 2027.

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.

Maddy summaryHF 3669 reduces Minnesota's watercraft licensing fees for most boat owners and operators. It cuts standard watercraft fees from $59 to $27, rental boat fees from $14 to $9, personal watercraft fees from $85 to $37.50, and dealer license fees from $142 to $67.50, among other reductions. The bill affects recreational boaters, rental businesses, nonprofit safety programs, and boat dealers by lowering their annual licensing costs. These changes take effect July 1, 2026, and repeal an outdated definition of "other commercial operation" in the statutes.

Maddy summaryHF 7 modifies multiple public safety laws in Minnesota. It requires law enforcement agencies to make bail/bond information public and mandates county attorneys to publicly report reasons for dismissing charges. The bill establishes mandatory minimum sentences for certain sex trafficking offenses and requires individuals subject to stays in sexual conduct cases to register as predatory offenders. It also increases penalties for assaulting police officers, obstructing highway/airport traffic, and expands law enforcement's use of tracking devices on fleeing vehicles. These changes apply directly to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and individuals involved in criminal cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's "Read Act" to require literacy instruction based on "science of reading" research, emphasizing evidence-based methods like phonics and decoding while explicitly excluding the three-cueing system. It establishes a new Office of Achievement and Innovation within the Department of Education to support literacy implementation and creates a statewide school performance reporting system. The bill also allows school boards to opt out of complying with certain recently enacted state education laws or rules and authorizes fund transfers for education programs through fiscal year 2029. These changes directly affect all Minnesota public school districts, educators, and students by reshaping literacy instruction requirements and school accountability systems.

Maddy summaryHF 21 would require a three-fifths supermajority vote in both the Minnesota House and Senate to extend a peacetime emergency declaration beyond 14 days. Currently, such extensions beyond 14 days could be approved by the Executive Council, but this bill would shift that authority to the legislature. The bill directly affects governors seeking to prolong emergency powers and the legislative process for reviewing those requests. It does not change the initial 14-day emergency declaration period or the governor's authority to declare emergencies under existing criteria. Note: This bill was introduced but not passed during the 2025 legislative session.