Rep. David Gottfried

Maddy summaryHF 1335 authorizes Minnesota to issue electronic driver's licenses that comply with national standards (AAMVA and ISO/IEC 18013-5). It affects Minnesota drivers who choose to use electronic credentials and requires the Department of Public Safety (DVS) to develop the system with specific privacy safeguards. Key provisions include mandating secure verification by businesses or law enforcement, prohibiting tracking without consent, and requiring physical licenses to be carried while driving. The bill also allows DVS to charge a separate fee for electronic licenses and sets rules for data handling under existing privacy laws. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 2059 requires Minnesota local governments with over 5,000 residents to create automated online platforms for approving residential solar permits. These platforms must instantly issue permits for small solar systems (up to 200-amp capacity on single- or two-family homes) without manual review, processing at least 75% of typical applications. Local governments must submit an initial compliance report within 60 days of adopting the platform and annual reports starting in 2027 detailing permit usage and progress toward the 75% processing goal. The bill directly affects municipal permitting offices and residential solar customers by streamlining the approval process for rooftop solar installations.

Maddy summaryHF 3344 creates a new "LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights" in Minnesota. It directly affects residents of long-term care facilities, home care clients, and home and community-based services recipients who are LGBTQIA2S+ or living with HIV. Key provisions require facilities to provide staff training in LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV cultural competency, prohibit specific discriminatory acts (like forcing clothing against gender identity or refusing chosen names/pronouns), mandate clear notices of residents' rights, and allow civil lawsuits if rights are violated. The bill appropriates funds to support these changes, aiming to prevent discrimination in care settings.

Maddy summaryHF 3339 reinstates a citizen advisory board for Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which was eliminated by the legislature in 2015. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to require the governor to appoint eight citizen members who must reflect the state's racial, gender, and geographic diversity, including at least one Tribal Nation member, three members from environmental justice communities, one small farmer, and one labor union member. This board will review specific agency decisions - such as permits, environmental impact statements, and rule changes - and provide public input on environmental policies. The change directly affects how the MPCA makes decisions, adding a layer of public oversight previously removed.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (not a bill with policy changes), passed by the Minnesota House. It urges Congress to exercise its constitutional authority to oversee the Executive branch and defend the Constitution. The resolution specifically cites concerns about the Executive branch allegedly bypassing courts, impounding funds, and infringing on free speech, and asks Congress to "assert its constitutional oversight authority." It directs Minnesota's Secretary of State to send copies to Congress and Minnesota's federal representatives.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution, not a law. Minnesota's legislature formally urges the President to respect and comply with federal court rulings, specifically referencing the Trump administration's refusal to follow a court order regarding an immigration case. The resolution directs Minnesota's Secretary of State to send copies to the President, Congress, and Minnesota's congressional delegation. It has no legal effect but serves as a formal statement supporting judicial independence.

Maddy summaryHF 2341 allows teachers with 30 years of service to retire at age 60 without a reduced pension, modifying early retirement rules. It increases employer contributions to the Teachers Retirement Association from 13.3% to 13.5% for coordinated members and 17.3% to 17.5% for basic members after June 2025. The bill also raises postretirement adjustments and removes delays for these adjustments for early retirees. These changes directly affect Minnesota teachers and school districts, which will pay higher pension contributions starting July 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 841 appropriates a one-time emergency appropriation from the general fund to the commissioner of children, youth, and families for food shelf programs in Minnesota. The bill allocates unspecified funds to support existing food shelf programs under Minnesota Statutes section 142F.14, requiring quick distribution and making the funds available until June 30, 2026. This legislation directly affects community food shelves across Minnesota by providing state funding to support their operations. The bill focuses solely on funding allocation with no changes to program eligibility or structure. It is effective upon enactment and does not specify a dollar amount in the provided text.

Maddy summaryHF 1278 establishes a one-time $30 million reproductive health equity grant fund to support abortion care access in Minnesota. The bill provides funding to abortion providers, government agencies, and nonprofits whose primary work involves abortion care, with grants designed to increase access, cover uncompensated care for low-income patients, secure facility infrastructure, and fund staff training in trauma-informed care. Eligible organizations must apply through the commissioner of health, who will prioritize applications based on local need, health equity impact, and applicant need. The fund becomes effective July 1, 2025, with grants to begin by January 1, 2026, and includes strict privacy protections requiring confidentiality of patient information.

Maddy summaryHF 3120 requires Minnesota's commissioner of education to amend the state's "North Star" accountability plan, directly affecting school districts and students who opt out of standardized testing. The bill mandates that districts no longer report scores for students who opt out of the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, and excludes these students from all group data used to calculate district or school achievement rates. This change applies starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The legislation modifies how student assessment data is reported under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act framework.