Rep. Mike Freiberg

Maddy summaryHF 1762 proposes adding a new constitutional amendment to Minnesota's state constitution. If approved by voters, it would guarantee all persons equal rights under state law and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex - including protections for pregnancy decisions, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. The amendment would apply to all state actions and agencies, requiring any discriminatory state action to be the "least restrictive means" of achieving a "compelling governmental interest." The proposed amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, with implementation starting January 1, 2027, if ratified.

Maddy summaryHF 1750 establishes the Minnesota Civic Fund program, replacing the existing political contribution refund program. It allows donors to receive credits toward future political contributions instead of cash refunds, with political committees required to report redeemed credits. The bill amends campaign finance laws (Minnesota Statutes, chapters 10A and 10B) to define "contribution" to include Civic Fund credits and mandates reporting on credit redemptions. This directly affects political committees, candidates, and donors participating in Minnesota's campaign finance system.

Maddy summaryHF 1755 modifies Minnesota's rules for local sales taxes imposed by cities, counties, and townships. It requires local governments to first get legislative approval before seeking voter approval for new sales taxes, and mandates that tax revenues fund only specific capital projects (like infrastructure) approved by voters, with detailed project cost disclosures. The bill also requires local governments to notify the state when tax revenues are sufficient to cover approved projects, after which the tax must terminate. Additionally, it restricts the use of local sales tax funds for non-capital projects and prohibits imposing new taxes for one year after an existing tax expires. These changes aim to ensure transparency, limit tax overreach, and align local tax use with voter-approved projects.

Maddy summaryHF 1720 prohibits dentists from requiring patients to pay any portion of a dental bill upfront for treatments scheduled to take over 90 days. It directly affects patients receiving long-term dental care and dental practices. The bill requires dentists to allow patients to pay for such services in at least two installments, with payments due at least 30 days apart, starting when treatment begins. This applies specifically to dental treatment plans exceeding 90 days in duration. The law amends Minnesota Statutes Section 150A.11 to establish this payment structure.

Maddy summaryHF 1359 increases funding for solid waste management by changing how fees collected from waste management are allocated. Starting in 2026, 7% of these fees will go to a resource management account (rising to 20% in 2027 and 30% after 2028), instead of the general fund. The funds must be distributed to counties for waste management programs under state law. This directly affects counties receiving these allocations and changes the percentage of fees dedicated to environmental resource management over time. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 187 requires all school buses purchased after December 31, 2025, to be equipped with lap and shoulder belts for every passenger seat. This applies directly to Minnesota school districts purchasing new buses, affecting students and bus operators. The bill mandates that passengers must use the belts unless a parent or guardian provides written notice opting out. It also includes liability protections for school districts if a passenger isn't wearing a belt, as long as the bus meets safety standards. The requirement takes effect for buses bought after 2025, not retroactively applying to existing fleets.

Maddy summaryHF 1347 appropriates $20 million from state bonds to fund grants for metropolitan cities in Minnesota to reduce wastewater inflow and infiltration in municipal sewer systems. Eligible cities must be identified by the Metropolitan Council as contributors of excessive inflow/infiltration or within 20% of allowable limits, with grants covering up to 50% of eligible capital improvement costs. The funding supports infrastructure projects to mitigate strain on the regional sewer system, administered through the Metropolitan Council's guidelines. The bonds will be issued under Minnesota's bond authority statutes to provide the necessary capital.

Maddy summaryHF 1550 allows Minnesota school districts to renew expiring capital projects referendums through a school board resolution instead of holding a new voter election, under specific conditions. It directly affects school districts with referendums nearing expiration that meet all renewal requirements. Key provisions require the renewal amount to match the expiring referendum, the renewal term to be no longer than the original term, and the board to hold a public hearing with a recorded vote before adopting a written resolution. The resolution must be submitted to the commissioner and county auditor by September 1, and cannot be used if the referendum was previously renewed via board action. This streamlines renewal for districts with unchanged project funding needs.

Maddy summaryHF 132 prohibits the open or concealed carry of firearms within 100 feet of polling places, ballot drop boxes, or counting centers during election hours (two hours before polls open to two hours after they close). It directly affects individuals carrying firearms near these locations during voting periods, with exceptions for law enforcement officers on duty, lawful possession on private property or in vehicles, and travel to/from private property. Violations are punishable as misdemeanors, with repeat offenses classified as gross misdemeanors. The bill creates a specific safety buffer zone around election sites to prevent firearm presence during voting, without altering broader gun laws.

Maddy summaryHF 1305 requires permit applicants for public events with over 1,000 attendees on Minnesota public property to include a written sensory-friendly accommodations plan. The plan must include at least one of four options: a designated sensory-friendly area, sensory-friendly design elements in the venue layout, mobile toolkits for sensory needs, or scheduled quiet times. Organizers must also describe how accommodations information will be communicated to attendees and how staff will handle requests. Noncompliance results in fines and ineligibility for future permits, effective July 1, 2025.