Rep. Alex Falconer

Maddy summaryThis bill requires sellers of emotional support dogs to provide written notice to buyers stating that the dog is not a service animal and does not have the special training required for service dogs. The notice must be printed in bold 12-point type and included on the purchase receipt or a separate document, informing buyers that the dog is not entitled to the legal rights and privileges granted to service animals. Additionally, the bill increases criminal penalties for intentionally misrepresenting an emotional support dog as a service dog, raising the offense from a petty misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor for repeat violations. These changes apply to all sales of emotional support dogs and take effect on August 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 2590 establishes a new licensure requirement for clinical art therapists in Minnesota, requiring them to meet specific education and training standards to practice. The bill modifies the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy by adding five licensed clinical art therapists to its 18-member board and sets annual fees for licensure, with civil penalties for violations. It also appropriates funding to support the board's operations and includes definitions for clinical art therapy, which uses art-based techniques to address mental health needs like trauma, emotional disorders, and cognitive challenges. This bill directly affects clinical art therapists seeking licensure, the board overseeing the profession, and their clients who receive these services.

Maddy summaryHF 3483 modifies Minnesota's trespass law to require law enforcement to obtain a warrant signed by a judicial officer before entering property for civil immigration enforcement. It also prohibits local law enforcement from detaining individuals solely based on federal civil immigration detainers. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes § 609.605 to add a specific provision (subdivision 1, clause (6)) requiring a warrant with probable cause for immigration-related trespass entries. This directly affects local police and sheriff's departments by restricting their ability to act on federal immigration requests without judicial oversight. The law applies to all trespass offenses involving immigration enforcement activities on private property.

Maddy summaryHF 1944 amends Minnesota law to require all state agencies, counties, cities, and towns to use federal standard time (not daylight saving time) year-round starting in 2025. It changes how time is referenced in state law to align with federal standards, meaning state government operations and references to time must follow federal rules. The bill automatically expires if federal law ever permits states to adopt year-round "advanced standard time." It directly affects all Minnesota local and state government entities that reference time in their operations or laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases funding for Minnesota's Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program, raising the annual appropriation from $10.27 million to $45.27 million. The additional funds will be used to reduce homelessness risks and improve program effectiveness, with a portion designated for the housing development fund. The legislation also grants agencies flexibility in awarding grants to existing grantees and allows new grantees in certain areas to work with advisory committees or local care systems without meeting specific statutory requirements. These changes take effect immediately and establish a future funding base of $10.72 million starting in fiscal year 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program to provide social services and mental health support to victims of Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration enforcement operation. The program will fund organizations that help affected individuals with basic needs like housing, food, and employment assistance, as well as mental health care. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, government agencies, tribal nations, and legal service providers, with priority given to areas most impacted by the operation. The bill appropriates unspecified funding from the state's general fund for one-time use through June 2029, requiring grantees to report on program participation and outcomes.

Maddy summaryHF 3653 increases funding for school safety programs in Minnesota. It establishes new formulas: public school districts receive $100 per adjusted pupil unit for safe schools aid (starting 2027), plus a $36 per unit levy; charter schools get $100 per unit; and cooperative school units receive $35 per unit. The bill requires all funds to be used exclusively for specific safety purposes, including security upgrades, mental health services, drug prevention programs, violence prevention, and cybersecurity measures in schools. This affects all public school districts, charter schools, and cooperative school units statewide, with funding effective for fiscal year 2027 and later.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota bill restricts state and local government participation in federal civil immigration enforcement efforts, prohibiting agencies from using resources to investigate, detain, or arrest individuals for immigration violations. It defines civil immigration enforcement to exclude criminal law enforcement and clarifies that cooperation with federal authorities on criminal matters remains permitted. The legislation also establishes a cause of action for constitutional rights violations related to immigration, prohibits denying education based on immigration status, and requires hospitals to create policies for interactions with law enforcement. Additionally, the bill appropriates funding to support these provisions and amends existing state statutes regarding immigration-related activities.

Maddy summaryHF 3557 establishes a voluntary "climate literacy seal" for Minnesota high school students who complete specific requirements related to climate education. To earn the seal, students must meet standard graduation requirements, take at least two approved climate literacy courses, and complete a final project focused on local climate issues in their community - such as a community initiative, research project, or hands-on activity. Participating schools must note the seal on student transcripts without charging fees and collaborate with local organizations to support the projects. The bill also requires a report on the program's implementation, aiming to recognize students' understanding of climate change and practical application of solutions in their communities.

Maddy summaryHF 3401 modifies Minnesota law to clarify that firearms are generally prohibited on school property, even for individuals with permits, except for specific authorized groups like active law enforcement or military personnel on duty. The bill establishes new storage requirements for permitted carry, mandating that firearms must be unloaded, secured in a locked container or trunk, and out of plain sight when not actively on duty or participating in authorized activities. These rules apply to school buildings, grounds, buses, and event facilities with posted signs, but exclude active officers and military personnel. The law aims to balance permitted access with safety by ensuring firearms are secured during non-operational periods.