Rep. Larry Kraft

Maddy summaryHF 3344 creates a new "LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights" in Minnesota. It directly affects residents of long-term care facilities, home care clients, and home and community-based services recipients who are LGBTQIA2S+ or living with HIV. Key provisions require facilities to provide staff training in LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV cultural competency, prohibit specific discriminatory acts (like forcing clothing against gender identity or refusing chosen names/pronouns), mandate clear notices of residents' rights, and allow civil lawsuits if rights are violated. The bill appropriates funds to support these changes, aiming to prevent discrimination in care settings.

Maddy summaryHF 3339 reinstates a citizen advisory board for Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which was eliminated by the legislature in 2015. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to require the governor to appoint eight citizen members who must reflect the state's racial, gender, and geographic diversity, including at least one Tribal Nation member, three members from environmental justice communities, one small farmer, and one labor union member. This board will review specific agency decisions - such as permits, environmental impact statements, and rule changes - and provide public input on environmental policies. The change directly affects how the MPCA makes decisions, adding a layer of public oversight previously removed.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (not a bill with policy changes), passed by the Minnesota House. It urges Congress to exercise its constitutional authority to oversee the Executive branch and defend the Constitution. The resolution specifically cites concerns about the Executive branch allegedly bypassing courts, impounding funds, and infringing on free speech, and asks Congress to "assert its constitutional oversight authority." It directs Minnesota's Secretary of State to send copies to Congress and Minnesota's federal representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HF 475) is a memorial resolution from Minnesota requesting the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve replacing the statue of Henry Mower Rice in the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall with a statue of Hubert H. Humphrey. It follows a 2000 law allowing states to replace statues after 10 years of display, noting Rice's statue has been in place since 1916. The resolution cites Humphrey's roles as a U.S. Senator, key architect of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and former Vice President, and states Minnesota will cover costs for removal and installation. The bill itself is procedural - it requests approval but does not enact any policy change.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution, not a law. Minnesota's legislature formally urges the President to respect and comply with federal court rulings, specifically referencing the Trump administration's refusal to follow a court order regarding an immigration case. The resolution directs Minnesota's Secretary of State to send copies to the President, Congress, and Minnesota's congressional delegation. It has no legal effect but serves as a formal statement supporting judicial independence.

Maddy summaryHF 1163 clarifies how grant funds for Minnesota's hometown heroes assistance program must be used to support firefighters. The bill directs the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative to provide monetary support for firefighters diagnosed with critical illnesses (like cancer) after August 1, 2021, and to develop a mental health program offering up to five annual therapy sessions with peer support. It also requires annual training for all firefighters on occupational health risks (including cancer, heart disease, and emotional trauma), evidence-based suicide prevention, and wellness strategies. The program directly affects all Minnesota firefighters through these health support services and training.

Maddy summaryHF 3292 requires Minnesota to study how U.S. tariffs and retaliatory tariffs from other countries impact state households and businesses. The bill appropriates funds to the commissioner of management and budget to examine these economic effects, specifically breaking down impacts by household income level and business sector/size. The study must be completed and reported to legislative committees by February 1, 2026. This bill directly affects all Minnesotans and businesses through the mandated analysis of existing tariff policies.

Maddy summaryHF 1660 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to conduct a statewide assessment of out-of-school youth programs for children and teens under 21. The commissioner must gather data on current programs, funding, and populations served, while engaging youth, families, and community providers to identify barriers and gaps. By February 2026, the commissioner must submit a report with findings and recommendations to legislative committees, including proposals to improve access and quality. The bill appropriates a one-time $ amount in fiscal year 2026 specifically for this assessment and reporting process.

Maddy summaryHF 1289 requires social media platforms operating in Minnesota to display a mental health warning label each time a user accesses the platform. The label must warn of potential negative mental health impacts, include resources like the 988 Suicide Lifeline, and remain visible until the user exits or acknowledges the warning. The bill also mandates that platforms show a pop-up timer notification every 30 minutes (customizable up to 60 minutes) tracking daily active usage time, which users must acknowledge before dismissing. These requirements apply to all covered social media platforms and take effect July 1, 2025. The law does not create private lawsuits but allows the attorney general to enforce it.

Maddy summaryHF 1721 appropriates $500,000 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund for the Sweet Potato Comfort Pie organization. The funds, administered through the Minnesota Humanities Center, will support programming that uses culinary arts, storytelling, and food traditions to educate communities about cultural history. The bill directly affects the Sweet Potato Comfort Pie organization and the communities it serves through these cultural programs. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no policy changes beyond the specified grant.