Rep. Mike Freiberg

Maddy summaryHF 3405 requires Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) to use its existing Use of Force Investigations Unit to investigate incidents involving federal agents. Specifically, it amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299C.80, to include "federal agents" (defined as those employed by DHS, ICE, CBP, or USCIS) under the unit's duty to investigate cases involving peace officers or federal agents. The bill expands the unit's current mandate - which already covers incidents with state/local officers - to now cover all incidents involving the specified federal agencies. This change directly affects federal law enforcement personnel from those agencies operating in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 3414 creates a new legal pathway for Minnesotans to sue government officials who violate their civil rights under the U.S. or Minnesota Constitution. It allows individuals harmed by such violations to seek damages, injunctions, and attorney fees within six years of the incident. The bill also requires state and local law enforcement agencies to obtain written agreements from federal partners before collaborating, ensuring federal officers follow both U.S. and Minnesota constitutional standards and can be held liable under this new law. This directly affects people experiencing civil rights violations and law enforcement agencies entering federal partnerships.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota law enforcement officers from detaining or transporting suspects in vehicles not specifically designed for human transport, such as standard patrol cars. It requires all such vehicles to be owned/leased by a law enforcement agency, clearly marked with the agency's identification, and equipped with seats and seat belts for each person transported. Exceptions apply during emergencies threatening life/safety or for undercover operations. The law directly affects police departments and officers who transport detainees, aiming to standardize safe transport conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 954 requires Minnesota officials to confirm that similar nonferrous sulfide ore mining operations (like copper, nickel, or gold mines) have operated safely for at least 10 years without pollution before conducting environmental reviews or issuing permits. Applicants must prove a comparable mine in the same climate and water conditions operated without hazardous releases for a decade using similar reclamation methods. The bill mandates public comment periods and potential hearings if new evidence challenges proposed approvals. Existing permits for such projects must be renewed every 10 years with updated safety reviews. It explicitly excludes iron ore mining from these requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 1197 requires mining companies seeking permits for nonferrous sulfide ore projects in Minnesota to disclose all environmental violations, fines, or legal actions against them or their key personnel within the past 15 years. The bill prohibits state agencies from conducting environmental reviews or issuing permits to applicants who have been charged, convicted, or fined for environmental violations, bribery, or corruption in that timeframe. This directly affects companies applying for mining permits by blocking approval if they or their leadership have recent environmental compliance issues. The law aims to prevent entities with poor environmental records from obtaining permits for new mining projects.

Maddy summaryHF 3736 allows three specific Minnesota state boards - the Executive Council, State Board, and Minnesota Land Exchange Board - to hold meetings using interactive technology (like video conferencing) when needed to expedite work or address security threats. The bill requires these boards to ensure all participants can hear discussions clearly and to broadcast meetings live for public viewing. It amends three statutes (9.021, 11A.03, and 94.341) to add this flexibility while maintaining transparency. The change directly affects these constitutional boards, whose members include the governor, state auditor, secretary of state, and attorney general. The bill makes no new policy changes but updates meeting procedures for existing state bodies.

Maddy summaryHF 3735 repeals two specific health care funding provisions in Minnesota law. It removes a requirement that would transfer $50 million from the general fund to the health care access fund when state health program savings exceed $50 million, and it eliminates a mechanism limiting rate increases for managed care plans while transferring funds from a premium security account if savings were below $145 million. These changes affect how the state manages health care program finances and fund transfers. The bill does not create new policy but removes existing financial mechanisms related to health care funding.

Maddy summaryHF 3362 requires property managers of apartment buildings, dorms, nursing homes, and similar multiple-unit housing to grant access to current elected officials and candidates for office who meet specific campaign filing requirements (e.g., organized committees, filed financial reports, or candidacy affidavits). Access is limited to the official’s district or the candidate’s target election area, must occur between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., and is restricted to campaign or official work (not general visits). Exceptions include denying entry to individual units, requiring ID, health-related restrictions in nursing homes, and limiting visits to reasonable hours or numbers. Property owners are encouraged to notify residents when officials or candidates plan to visit.

Maddy summaryHF 1816 establishes the Office of Animal Protection within Minnesota's Department of Public Safety to address animal cruelty more systematically. The office will coordinate investigations, prosecutions, forensic veterinary services, and public education on animal cruelty, while collecting statewide data on such cases. It also expands Minnesota's definition of "crime of violence" to include animal cruelty offenses. The bill appropriates funding for the office and requires an annual report on its operations to the legislature. This affects state agencies, law enforcement, and communities by creating a centralized approach to animal cruelty prevention and enforcement.

Maddy summaryHF 3025 establishes the "Nature as We Age" grant program through Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources, providing funding for outdoor education and recreation opportunities for older adults. The program awards grants to public entities or nonprofits that prioritize direct nature experiences, serving seniors with limited access to such activities, using existing parks, and committing matching funds. It appropriates $1 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to support these grants. The bill directly affects older Minnesotans and organizations offering outdoor programming for this group.