Rep. David Gottfried

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Legislative Working Group on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to examine gaps in state and county services for people with these disabilities. The group will consist of 18 members, including legislative committee chairs and representatives from two specific counties, who will meet at least monthly to review demographic data and service availability. The working group will receive administrative support from the Legislative Coordinating Commission and must submit a report, with funding appropriated for its operations.

Maddy summaryHF 3258 repeals two Minnesota statutes (3.226 and 16C.053) that previously prohibited state agencies and the legislature from entering contracts with vendors who discriminate against Israel or businesses operating in Israel. The bill removes the requirement to avoid such vendors, allowing state government to contract with any vendor regardless of their position on Israel-related business practices. This change applies to new contracts published or entered on or after the effective date, which is the day after enactment. The repeal affects all state procurement decisions involving vendors, eliminating the prior restrictions and exemptions for small contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Hennepin and Ramsey Counties to create a pilot program that allows qualified job applicants with disabilities to prove their abilities through up to 700 hours of on-the-job training instead of traditional interviews. The program serves as a noncompetitive hiring alternative for permanent civil service positions, enabling counties to convert successful candidates to probationary employment once they demonstrate they can perform essential job functions. Counties must establish grievance procedures, provide reasonable accommodations, and receive training for staff involved in the hiring process. By October 2027, the counties must survey participants and by December 2027 submit detailed statistics on the program's outcomes to the state commissioner of management and budget, who will then report findings to the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Minnesota acquires land for state parks, establishes specific payment formulas for stream easements, and adds or removes certain parcels from state park boundaries. It requires the commissioner of natural resources to prepare fact sheets and appraisals before acquiring land, limits purchase prices to within ten percent of appraised values, and sets a fixed payment structure for stream easements based on stream length, corridor size, and market values. The legislation also authorizes the commissioner to acquire access easements to native prairie for up to 50 percent of the standard payment rate and adds specific land parcels to Frontenac and Great River Bluffs State Parks while removing one area from Mille Lacs Kathio State Park.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits employers in Minnesota from using artificial intelligence systems that discriminate against job applicants or employees based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation. It defines artificial intelligence as machine-based systems that generate outputs like predictions or decisions to influence employment processes including hiring, promotion, and termination. The law requires employers to provide notice to applicants and employees when AI is used for employment decisions that could affect their rights. Violations of these provisions would be classified as unfair employment practices under Minnesota state law.

Maddy summaryHF 3436 requires drivers approaching a stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights to stop at least 20 feet away. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 169.444 to mandate this stop until the bus retracts its stop arm and turns off the red lights. It also adds a new provision requiring drivers to prepare to stop within 20 feet when a bus shows prewarning amber lights, signaling red lights are about to activate. This law directly affects all drivers operating vehicles near school buses in Minnesota, aiming to improve safety for children boarding or exiting buses. The bill takes effect the day after final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 3239 prohibits using "conscientiously held beliefs" as an exemption for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations in Minnesota schools and child care facilities. It directly affects parents or guardians of children aged 15 months or older who previously relied on this exemption to avoid MMR shots for enrollment. The bill requires these parents to provide either proof of vaccination (meeting medical standards) or a medical exemption statement by August 1, 2026, to keep their child enrolled in schools, preschools, or licensed child care programs. This replaces the existing personal belief exemption for MMR vaccines, which will no longer be valid after the effective date. The law amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 121A.15, specifically adding subdivision 3c.

Maddy summaryHF 2372 creates a voluntary "Minnesota Civic Seal" designation for high school students who complete specific civics requirements. To earn the seal, students must complete approved civics coursework, complete a project-based civic assessment, participate in at least one civic activity outside class (like voting in student elections or community service), and demonstrate civic dispositions. School districts may choose to participate but cannot charge students fees, must provide information about the program to all students, and must affix the seal to diplomas and transcripts for qualifying graduates. The program begins for students graduating in 2027 or later, with the Department of Education developing the insignia and guidelines to ensure equitable access for all students.

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 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.