Rep. Larry Kraft

Maddy summaryHF 3716 adds a new provision (Minnesota Statutes § 103I.2091) allowing variances from standard water well isolation distance rules for submerged closed loop heat exchanger systems used in heating/cooling. It directly affects applicants seeking to install these geothermal systems near water supply wells, by requiring the commissioner to consider variance requests if strict compliance would create an undue burden. The bill specifies that variances must be evaluated based on factors critical to system efficiency, such as optimal well spacing for thermal performance and minimizing piping lengths to reduce energy loss. This change streamlines the approval process for these energy-efficient systems while maintaining water supply well protection standards.

Maddy summaryHF 793 establishes a voluntary certification program for commercial salt applicators (businesses that apply deicers for hire on private property) in Minnesota. To become certified, applicators must complete approved training on water-friendly snow/ice removal practices, pass an exam, and renew every decade. Certified applicators gain limited liability protection if they follow approved best practices and avoid gross negligence, but must maintain detailed records of deicer use and submit annual reports to the Pollution Control Agency. The program aims to reduce environmental harm from excessive salt runoff while providing a clear standard for commercial snow removal services.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates the use of artificial intelligence in psychotherapy services in Minnesota, primarily affecting licensed mental health professionals and organizations that provide therapy. It defines specific categories of AI use, prohibiting AI systems from making independent therapeutic decisions or directly interacting with clients during therapeutic communication, while allowing AI for administrative tasks like scheduling, billing, and analyzing anonymized data. The legislation also establishes civil penalties for violations and clarifies that religious counseling and peer support services fall outside these restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts how members, officers, and employees of the Minnesota Senate and House of Representatives can use legislative email addresses, telephone numbers, and office space. It prohibits giving out official legislative contact information to anyone who is not a legislator, staff member, or authorized employee, and limits member phone lines to exclusive use by the member and their assigned staff. The law also requires written notification to caucus leaders before allowing non-legislators to occupy assigned office space. Enforcement and penalties for violations are handled through rules adopted by the Senate and House, with courts barred from intervening in disputes over these provisions.

Maddy summaryHF 1758 requires all health plans covering maternity benefits in Minnesota to provide comprehensive coverage for infertility diagnosis/treatment and standard fertility preservation services. It applies to private health plans, MinnesotaCare, and medical assistance programs, effective January 1, 2026. The law mandates no cost-sharing beyond what's required for maternity coverage (e.g., no extra deductibles), prohibits benefit limits specific to fertility care, and allows up to four completed oocyte retrievals per year. The state will reimburse health plans for coverage costs that wouldn’t have been provided without this law, using funds appropriated annually. This directly affects Minnesotans seeking infertility care through qualifying health insurance.

Maddy summaryHF 1426 establishes a statewide program requiring manufacturers of electronic products (like circuit boards and batteries) to fund collection and recycling of covered items through a reimbursement board. It directly affects electronics manufacturers by mandating their financial responsibility for end-of-life products and consumers by creating designated collection sites. The bill prohibits mercury in batteries and defines specific categories of "covered products," including circuit boards and batteries (excluding lead-acid types), while exempting medical devices and vehicles. It also appropriates funds to implement the program and replaces outdated battery management rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal tool in Minnesota that allows the state Attorney General to sue firearm industry members for public nuisance if their conduct harms public safety. It directly affects companies involved in selling, manufacturing, distributing, or marketing firearms and related products like ammunition. To comply, these businesses must implement reasonable controls to prevent sales to prohibited individuals, stop thefts, and ensure adherence to existing laws. If a company violates these rules, the Attorney General can seek court orders to stop the behavior, force cleanup costs, demand financial restitution, and collect damages.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires anyone who loses or has their firearm stolen to report it to local law enforcement within 48 hours of discovering the loss or theft. It establishes escalating criminal penalties for failing to report, ranging from a petty misdemeanor for a first offense to a gross misdemeanor for third or subsequent violations. The law also protects individuals from prosecution for firearm storage violations if they report the loss or theft as required. Police chiefs and sheriffs must forward these reports to the state commissioner of public safety within seven days, and the state will receive $36,000 to fund a reporting system for this purpose. The bill takes effect on August 1, 2026, and applies to incidents occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all aircraft operating in navigable airspace over Minnesota to use an active transponder that automatically responds to air traffic control radar signals. The law applies to any person flying aircraft in state airspace and takes effect immediately upon final passage. The commissioner of public safety may grant limited exemptions for specific flights involving compelling security concerns or extraordinary circumstances, but these exemptions must be time-limited and geographically restricted to only what is necessary for the flight. The legislation amends existing state aeronautics statutes to establish this new operational requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program to provide financial support and case management services to former foster youth in Minnesota who are at least 21 but under 27 years old. The program targets youth who were in foster care at age 14 or older and are currently pursuing education, employment, or dealing with barriers like mental health issues or homelessness. Eligible youth must maintain regular contact with a case manager and can receive monthly stipends for living expenses, along with services such as budgeting training, housing assistance, and help establishing savings accounts. Community-based providers must meet specific performance standards and serve youth across the state, including outside the seven-county metropolitan area. The bill requires regular reporting on program outcomes and costs, with specific attention to tracking disparities across different groups and geographic areas.