Rep. Patty Acomb

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals previous sales tax exemptions for preferred seating and amenities at athletic facilities, meaning these items will now be subject to sales tax when purchased with event tickets. It also provides funding for safe harbor shelter and housing grants to support homeless assistance programs. The legislation defines various retail sales for tax purposes, including bundled transactions and promotional items, while appropriating money for the housing grants.

Maddy summaryHF 3435 limits access to Minnesota school sites by federal immigration officials. It requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other DHS agents to show valid identification, provide a written statement of purpose, and obtain a judicial warrant before entering schools. School officials must also approve entry and restrict such agents to areas without students present, even if all requirements are met. The bill applies directly to federal immigration enforcement personnel and school districts operating under Minnesota law.

Maddy summaryHF 3433 bans the possession of specific semiautomatic firearms designated as "military-style assault weapons," including models like AK-47s, AR-15s, and weapons with features such as folding stocks or pistol grips. The bill defines banned weapons to cover both listed models (e.g., Colt AR-15) and similar firearms with minor modifications like enhanced magazines or barrel attachments. It amends Minnesota statutes to impose criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment, for violating the possession ban. This law directly affects individuals who own these specific firearms, requiring them to comply with the new restrictions.

Maddy summaryHF 3402 bans the possession, manufacture, import, and transfer of large-capacity ammunition magazines in Minnesota. It defines these as feeding devices holding more than ten rounds (with exceptions for permanently modified devices, .22 caliber tubes, and lever-action tubular magazines). The law takes effect July 1, 2026, requiring current owners to surrender, modify, permanently alter, or remove their magazines by July 1, 2027. Violations carry felony penalties of up to five years in prison or $25,000 in fines. Law enforcement, military personnel, and licensed dealers are exempt under specific conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 2998 establishes a legal process for terminally ill Minnesota adults with a prognosis of six months or less to obtain medication for medical aid in dying. It requires two physician confirmations (an attending provider and a consulting provider), a mental health evaluation by a licensed consultant to confirm capacity, and mandates that patients self-administer the medication. The law prohibits providers from directly administering the medication and classifies related patient data as confidential. Violations of the process could result in criminal penalties, while providers following the law are granted immunity.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new stewardship program for covered batteries in Minnesota and prohibits the use of mercury in batteries, affecting manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of battery products. It creates clear definitions for terms like "covered battery," "brand," and "distribute" to clarify which products and businesses fall under the program's requirements. The legislation authorizes the state to create rules for battery collection and recycling, while also modifying existing provisions related to lead acid batteries and rechargeable consumer products. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds to support the implementation of these environmental protections and sets specific effective dates for various provisions.

Maddy summaryHF 2317 appropriates $1 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the Pollution Control Agency to fund a pilot program capturing waste heat from wastewater treatment facilities. The program requires identifying feasible sites across Minnesota, quantifying available heat energy, and funding engineering studies for one project in the seven-county metro area and one outside it. By December 2027, the agency must report to legislators on identified sites, challenges and benefits of heat capture systems, and potential future funding sources. This bill directly affects wastewater treatment facilities statewide by exploring a new method to repurpose waste heat for community heating systems.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota bill establishes rules for artificial intelligence chatbots, requiring companies to clearly inform users they are interacting with an AI system and prohibiting chatbots from providing advice on medical, mental health, or legal matters without proper licensing. The legislation creates a legal cause of action allowing users to sue chatbot owners for damages if the AI provides unlicensed professional advice or causes harm, particularly in cases where companion chatbots encourage or enable self-harm. Companies deploying chatbots in Minnesota must display clear warnings in the same language and font size as the chatbot interface, and those operating companion chatbots must take reasonable steps to prevent self-harm while providing crisis support resources when risks are detected. The law defines specific terms like "companion chatbot" and "human-like" interaction to clarify which AI systems fall under these new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce's authority to form energy research partnerships and compacts with other states, federal agencies, private companies, and non-governmental organizations, allowing the commissioner to enter into contracts without competitive bidding in certain cases. It also establishes new requirements for energy security planning that include statewide risk assessments, threat analysis, and coordination with local governments and energy providers to address potential disruptions. Additionally, the bill extends and modifies various energy-related grant programs and creates a separate account for an electric school bus program to support electrification efforts. The legislation aims to improve energy efficiency, increase renewable energy use, and enhance energy security while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes technical and clarifying changes to Minnesota statutes governing the Public Utilities Commission, primarily affecting how the commission conducts proceedings and manages its operations. Key provisions include updating language for filing complaints and petitions against utilities, requiring electronic filing systems for most documents, and clarifying who must receive notice during contested cases. The bill also specifies that commission hearings must be recorded with audio or video devices and outlines requirements for commission member qualifications, including geographic diversity and professional expertise. These changes aim to streamline administrative processes and improve clarity in how the commission handles cases involving public utilities and related entities.