Rep. Larry Kraft

Maddy summaryHF 1766 appropriates $800,000 annually to the Minnesota Council on Economic Education to fund teacher training and classroom resources focused on economic and financial literacy. The bill directly supports K-12 teachers (especially those teaching grades 9-12 personal finance) by providing professional development, curricular materials, and direct student programs. It requires the Council to report annually on training participation, program content, and research results to the state education commissioner. This policy change aims to strengthen financial education standards across Minnesota public schools through targeted teacher support and measurable program evaluation.

Maddy summaryHF 2449 prohibits the sale or transfer of specific semiautomatic military-style assault weapons in Minnesota, including models like AK-47s, AR-15s, and Uzis, as well as firearms with certain features (e.g., folding stocks, pistol grips). The bill authorizes a state-funded buyback program for these weapons and appropriates money for implementation. It directly affects owners of the defined firearms, requiring them to stop selling or transferring these weapons and offering a process to return them for compensation. The law amends Minnesota Statutes to establish these prohibitions and buyback mechanisms, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 1335 authorizes Minnesota to issue electronic driver's licenses that comply with national standards (AAMVA and ISO/IEC 18013-5). It affects Minnesota drivers who choose to use electronic credentials and requires the Department of Public Safety (DVS) to develop the system with specific privacy safeguards. Key provisions include mandating secure verification by businesses or law enforcement, prohibiting tracking without consent, and requiring physical licenses to be carried while driving. The bill also allows DVS to charge a separate fee for electronic licenses and sets rules for data handling under existing privacy laws. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 255 establishes Minnesota's Patient-Centered Care program to improve health outcomes and lower costs for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare recipients. The bill shifts payments directly from the state to individual health care providers (not managed care networks) for services, drugs, and vaccines, while ending contracts with existing managed care plans. It also authorizes monthly care coordination fees for primary care providers and community health workers, with higher rates for clinics serving populations facing health disparities. Additionally, the bill funds community outreach through grants to hire staff who connect homeless, mentally ill, or underserved patients to care and help them enroll in health programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1080 appropriates $25 million from state bond proceeds to fund trail improvements across 52 miles of Hennepin County's regional trail system. The funds will be provided to the Three Rivers Park District to build 10.7 miles of new trails, repair 11.4 miles of existing trails, and extend the life of 30.2 miles of current trails. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $25 million in bonds to cover these costs, following Minnesota's bond issuance procedures. This funding directly benefits Hennepin County residents who use the regional trail network and the Three Rivers Park District as the project recipient.

Maddy summaryHF 1012 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Natural Resources to evaluate decommissioning off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails or roads when presented with evidence of significant environmental harm, supported by a petition signed by at least 50 local residents or property owners. The bill prohibits new or expanded OHV trails within 200 feet of waters supporting aquatic life or 150 feet from other public waters, and mandates an environmental assessment worksheet before constructing or expanding such trails. It also protects land, water quality, aquatic life, and wildlife by restricting trail placement near sensitive areas and requiring updated rules for OHV trail management. These changes directly affect OHV trail users, land managers, and environmental resources across Minnesota's public lands.

Maddy summaryHF 3317 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Minnesota legislature condemning federal executive orders that target immigrants. It does not create new laws but expresses the state's opposition to policies it views as inhumane, urging the president to stop such actions and calling on Minnesota's congressional delegation to oppose these policies. The resolution also recommends federal passage of the Neighbors Not Enemies Act to repeal an outdated law and affirms that all people in Minnesota, regardless of immigration status, deserve due process under U.S. and state constitutions. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies to federal officials as a formal statement of the legislature's position.

Maddy summaryHF 2130 modifies several driver's license and ignition interlock requirements for individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI). It extends the required use period for ignition interlock devices after license reinstatement and adds criminal penalties for drivers who operate vehicles without these devices. The bill also adjusts procedures for license revocations, judicial review of extensions, temporary license issuance, and the process for reissuing impounded license plates. These changes primarily affect drivers with DUI convictions who are required to use ignition interlocks or face license restrictions.

Maddy summaryHF 2059 requires Minnesota local governments with over 5,000 residents to create automated online platforms for approving residential solar permits. These platforms must instantly issue permits for small solar systems (up to 200-amp capacity on single- or two-family homes) without manual review, processing at least 75% of typical applications. Local governments must submit an initial compliance report within 60 days of adopting the platform and annual reports starting in 2027 detailing permit usage and progress toward the 75% processing goal. The bill directly affects municipal permitting offices and residential solar customers by streamlining the approval process for rooftop solar installations.

Maddy summaryHF 3347 modifies Minnesota liquor licensing rules to authorize specific venues to sell alcohol without usual zoning restrictions. It allows St. Paul to issue on-sale licenses to the Fitzgerald Theatre, Science Museum of Minnesota, and Union Depot, bypassing typical distance requirements from schools or churches. The bill also updates rules for the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, permitting licenses for Northrop Auditorium, football stadiums (like TCF Huntington Bank Stadium), and up to seven other campus locations for events. These changes directly affect those specific venues and the Board of Regents by removing barriers to alcohol sales during permitted events.