Rep. Ginny Klevorn

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Office of the State Inspector General in Minnesota to oversee state government operations and investigates potential fraud or misuse reported by the public. It creates an advisory committee to support the office and requires the state legislative auditor to forward relevant public reports to this new inspector general for review. The legislation also expands the legal definition of "public official" to include the state inspector general and transfers certain duties from existing agencies to the new office. Additionally, the bill places limits on specific programs that may receive public funds and provides money to support these new functions.

Maddy summaryHF 3452 classifies kratom as a Schedule II controlled substance in Minnesota, subjecting it to strict state regulations similar to opioids. The bill adds mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (the active compounds in kratom) to Schedule II, making unauthorized possession or sale illegal without a prescription. It repeals a prior law that only set penalties for selling kratom to minors or for minors possessing it. This change directly affects individuals who use or sell kratom, including businesses that currently sell kratom products, by applying full Schedule II restrictions.

Maddy summaryHF 3621 allows Minnesota state agencies to temporarily withhold payments to program participants (such as individuals or organizations receiving public funds) for up to 60 days if they suspect fraud, based on a preponderance of evidence. The bill requires agencies to provide written notice to the participant at least 24 hours before withholding, detailing the reasons (without revealing investigation details), the effective date, and appeal rights under Chapter 14. During the withholding period, evidence related to the suspected fraud is classified as confidential or protected data, but becomes public once the period ends unless protected by law. This bill directly affects entities or individuals receiving state or federal program funds who are suspected of fraud, such as through false claims or deceptive practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HF 3556) is a naming resolution that commemorates Melissa Hortman by designating Minnesota's community solar garden program as the "Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program." It does not change any program rules, funding, or operations - it only adds a short title to Minnesota Statutes section 216B.1641. The bill directly honors Melissa Hortman, a former state legislator, through this naming. It is procedural and has no policy impact beyond the name change.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes state agencies to round small cash payments and transfers to the nearest five cents to simplify transactions, while explicitly excluding electronic payments like checks or credit cards. It also amends existing health insurance rules for nonrepresented employees and managers to change the language regarding high-deductible health plan options from mandatory to permissive. Agencies must post their rounding policies at locations where cash is handled, and the changes update the statutory text governing these specific compensation plans.

Maddy summaryHF 3461 ensures that state and local government employees elected to the Minnesota legislature retain all employment benefits during their mandatory leave of absence for legislative service. It requires that accrued seniority, vacation, insurance, sick leave, and other benefits remain intact as if the employee had not taken leave, and prohibits deducting the leave period from their length of service. The bill also aligns pension and retirement benefits with those provided to local government employees under existing law. This applies to all affected employees covered by collective bargaining agreements effective July 1, 2027. The legislation directly affects current and future state/local government workers serving in the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies eligibility requirements for Minnesota public television stations to receive state block grants. It updates the statute to specify that only federally licensed stations certified as eligible for community service grants through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in 2025 will qualify for these funds. The bill maintains existing provisions for equal distribution of block grants for operational costs and matching grants based on previous Minnesota-based contributions, while allowing unused grant funds to carry over into the second fiscal year of a biennium.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts how members, officers, and employees of the Minnesota Senate and House of Representatives can use legislative email addresses, telephone numbers, and office space. It prohibits giving out official legislative contact information to anyone who is not a legislator, staff member, or authorized employee, and limits member phone lines to exclusive use by the member and their assigned staff. The law also requires written notification to caucus leaders before allowing non-legislators to occupy assigned office space. Enforcement and penalties for violations are handled through rules adopted by the Senate and House, with courts barred from intervening in disputes over these provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Minnesota Department of Health to join the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network. The commissioner must identify the necessary application process by September 1, 2026, and submit the application by December 1, 2026. This action aims to integrate the state's health response capabilities with a global system for monitoring and addressing disease outbreaks. The legislation does not alter existing funding or staffing but establishes a specific timeline for this international partnership.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals who own firearms in Minnesota to purchase and maintain liability insurance that covers damages from accidental or negligent discharges. The insurance must provide a minimum coverage of $250,000 per occurrence, and owners currently holding firearms must secure this coverage by February 15, 2027. Failure to obtain or keep this insurance is classified as a misdemeanor, with repeat offenses punishable as a gross misdemeanor and mandatory fines. Additionally, the bill mandates that insurers collect a surcharge on these policies, which will be deposited into a state fund designated for gun harm reduction. Law enforcement and active-duty military personnel acting in their official capacities are exempt from these requirements.