Rep. Mike Freiberg

Maddy summarySF 3868 prohibits the placement or operation of virtual currency kiosks (physical machines for buying/selling cryptocurrency) within Minnesota. It directly affects businesses that operate such kiosks by banning their activity statewide. The bill creates a new legal provision (Minnesota Statutes § 53B.691) explicitly stating this prohibition and repeals all existing statutes (53B.69-53B.75) that previously defined virtual currency kiosk operations and related terms. This represents a complete ban on physical cryptocurrency kiosks in Minnesota, replacing the prior regulatory framework.

Maddy summaryHF 1073 requires pipeline owners in Minnesota to follow specific steps when abandoning pipelines. Pipeline owners must notify landowners 60 days before ceasing operations and remove all abandoned pipelines, equipment, and infrastructure within 90 days after certifying the pipeline is purged of materials. They are also responsible for restoring land by replacing topsoil, establishing vegetation, and controlling invasive species for five years. Landowners can request removal or ask to leave pipelines in place by submitting written requests to pipeline owners and state agencies.

Maddy summaryHF 2490 establishes the Companion Animal Board in Minnesota to promote the welfare of cats, dogs, and other nonagricultural pets (including rabbits, guinea pigs, and small reptiles). The board, composed of 13 appointed members representing veterinarians, communities, animal shelters/rescues, breeders, and human welfare professionals, will administer policies related to companion animals while excluding agricultural animals, wildlife, and veterinary practice. The bill appropriates funding for the board's operations and requires it to issue reports, though it does not alter existing laws governing veterinary medicine or animal health. This is a procedural bill creating a new state board with defined scope and funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires a ten percent reduction in state aid to any Minnesota county or city that displays a state flag different from the design certified by the State Emblems Redesign Commission. To enforce this penalty, local governments must notify the commissioner of revenue by December 31 each year if they have used the incorrect flag, and the aid reduction applies to payments made in the following year. The law takes effect for aid distributed in 2027, directly impacting local municipalities that choose to fly a flag other than the officially certified version.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale and use of paraquat dichloride, a pesticide, in Minnesota. Starting January 1, 2027, no one can sell or distribute this product, and by January 1, 2028, its use is also banned. The commissioner of agriculture must collect and dispose of any remaining stock of this pesticide and submit a report on its historical use and current supply chain status by January 1, 2028. The law directly affects pesticide sellers, distributors, and agricultural users who currently handle or apply this chemical.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's nonprofit sales tax exemption to allow certain qualifying organizations to purchase prepared food without paying sales tax, provided they distribute it as part of their charitable, religious, or educational mission. Currently, prepared food purchases by nonprofits are taxable under the exemption rules, but this change specifically exempts food bought by groups already covered under the nonprofit sales tax exemption (such as food banks, shelters, or educational programs). The exemption applies only when the food is distributed during the organization's core mission activities, not for general use. It will take effect for purchases after June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Hennepin County's local sales tax authority to allow the county to use its financial position for investment calculations and authorizes grants for ballpark improvements. It also establishes a funding mechanism to provide up to $24 million annually to a designated private, nonprofit Level I trauma hospital for uncompensated care, with specific rules on how that care is defined and calculated. Additionally, the bill permits the county to use remaining funds from this tax for upgrades to county-owned health facilities and related public infrastructure. The legislation directly affects Hennepin County government, the local ballpark authority, and a specific private hospital that meets certain trauma and service criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota health insurance plans to cover augmentative and alternative communication systems and related habilitation services for people with severe communication limitations. The law mandates that these devices and services be covered when deemed medically necessary by a prescribing physician, without separate financial requirements or quantitative limits that apply only to these benefits. Health plans may still require prior authorization but must use current evidence-based guidelines and cannot deny coverage based on disability. The state will provide funding to health plans for coverage costs not already included in their plans, with the law taking effect on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes three main changes to local government procedures in Minnesota. First, it requires candidates for the Three Rivers Park District board to file an economic interest disclosure statement with Hennepin County. Second, it modifies how the Hennepin County medical examiner is selected by creating a Medical Examiner Board that reviews and ranks qualified applicants before the county board makes an appointment. Third, it updates election procedures for the Rochester school board to allow the district to use either district-based or at-large elections and to rotate candidate names on ballots to reduce incumbent bias. These changes directly affect the Three Rivers Park District, Hennepin County officials, and the Rochester Independent School District.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota municipalities from charging fees for residential improvements needed to accommodate a veteran's disability. It directly affects veterans with recognized physical or mental impairments who are making home modifications to meet their disability needs. Under the new law, local governments cannot charge permit, inspection, or licensing fees for these specific improvements, and they cannot deny permits or inspections due to unpaid fees related to such work. Veterans must still submit standard applications and provide proof of their veteran status and disability connection to qualify for the fee waiver. The law takes effect immediately upon final enactment.