Rep. Mike Freiberg

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals previous tax exemptions that allowed certain preferred seats and amenities at athletic events to be sold without sales tax. It also provides funding for safe harbor shelter and housing grants to support individuals experiencing homelessness. By removing the exemptions, the legislation ensures that these specific stadium seats and related amenities are now subject to standard sales tax like other retail items. The funding provision aims to allocate state money directly to organizations assisting with shelter and housing needs.

Maddy summaryHF 309 amends Minnesota Statutes §84.523 to tighten mining restrictions in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) and Rainy River headwaters. The bill requires the commissioner of natural resources to determine that proposed mining (for taconite, sand, gravel, or granite) in the Rainy River headwaters would not harm the BWCA before any permits are issued. This modifies existing law by adding this specific assessment step, directly affecting mining operations seeking approval in these areas. The change maintains the general prohibition on mining without legislative approval but adds a new administrative requirement for the commissioner to evaluate environmental impacts. The bill focuses on protecting the BWCA's wilderness character through stricter permitting conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits large food retail stores in Minnesota from using surveillance technology to set personalized prices for individual customers. It bans the use of electronic shelving labels and prevents stores from collecting data on shoppers under 17 years old or using protected class information like race or gender to determine pricing. The law applies to grocery stores over 10,000 square feet or larger stores with significant food sales, while excluding financial institutions and insurance companies from its requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 3642 prohibits the placement or operation of virtual currency kiosks in Minnesota, directly affecting businesses that provide physical kiosks for exchanging virtual currency (like Bitcoin) for cash or vice versa. The bill's key provision bans these kiosks outright, replacing prior regulations that had defined terms like "new customer" and set transaction limits. It repeals all existing statutes (53B.69 to 53B.75) that previously governed virtual currency kiosk operations, removing the legal framework that allowed such kiosks to function under specific conditions. As a result, no virtual currency kiosks may legally operate within the state under this law.

Maddy summaryHF 3779 requires all health insurance plans in Minnesota to cover doula services - providing emotional and physical support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum - without any deductibles, co-pays, or cost-sharing for enrollees. It prohibits health plans from imposing referral requirements, utilization reviews, or quantity limits on this coverage. Starting January 1, 2027, the commissioner of commerce will reimburse health plans for the costs of covering doula services, funded by annual state appropriations beginning in 2028. This bill directly affects health plan enrollees, particularly pregnant people seeking doula support, and health insurance companies that must now include this coverage.

Maddy summaryHF 3555 establishes rules for small, portable solar panels (under 1,200 watts) that homeowners can install to offset personal electricity use. The bill exempts these plug-in solar devices from requiring utility connection agreements, net metering rules, and additional fees or approvals. It also clarifies that utilities cannot be held liable for damage caused by these devices. This directly affects residential users seeking simple, low-barrier solar energy solutions without utility bureaucracy. The bill creates specific definitions and exemptions within Minnesota's energy code for these devices.

Maddy summarySF 2691 establishes clear standards for rent, utility charges, and fees in Minnesota manufactured home parks. It requires uniform rent rates (except for lot size/location or special services), prohibits fees based on household size, guests, home size, or occupancy, and mandates itemized billing for utilities. The bill also requires park owners to address safety hazards like dangerous trees within 14 days of resident notice and gives residents 60 days' written notice before rent increases. These changes directly affect manufactured home park residents and owners by increasing transparency and limiting arbitrary charges.

Maddy summaryHF 3479 clarifies a homeowner's right to postpone a mortgage foreclosure sale for properties classified as homestead (one to four dwelling units). Homeowners facing foreclosure can file a sworn affidavit at least 15 days before the sale date to delay the sale to the next non-weekend, non-holiday date - five months later if the redemption period is six months, or 11 months later if it's 12 months. This postponement automatically shortens the homeowner's redemption period to five weeks and requires recording the affidavit with county offices and providing copies to the sheriff and foreclosing attorney. The bill applies to foreclosures under Minnesota Statutes chapters 580 and 581, effective upon enactment for notices recorded after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Minnesota's commissioner of health to conduct a comprehensive study on the state's capacity to support cell and gene therapies for rare diseases, which are conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 people nationwide. The study must examine research infrastructure, clinical trial capabilities, workforce needs, payment policies, and access barriers while gathering input from patients, healthcare providers, industry partners, and other stakeholders. By January 1, 2028, the commissioner must submit a report to the legislature with findings and recommendations for strategic investments, policy changes, and regulatory actions to strengthen Minnesota's position in this field. The bill also appropriates money to fund the study and report requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota's rules for cable communications systems by clarifying the definition of such systems and removing the requirement for municipalities to publish public notices when seeking new cable franchises. It directly affects local governments and cable providers by eliminating the previous obligation to publish newspaper notices and mail notifications to potential applicants before accepting franchise applications. The legislation also refines the information that must be included in a franchise application, such as details on channel capacity, service plans, and financing, while repealing older sections that governed the notice process. These changes aim to streamline the process for municipalities to award cable franchises without altering the substantive requirements for the applications themselves.