Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn

Maddy summaryHF 262 prohibits employers from paying people with disabilities less than the state minimum wage, effective August 1, 2025 for new hires and August 1, 2027 for all current employees, ending the use of federal or state special certificates that allow subminimum wages. It requires providers of home and community-based services to report data on individuals currently paid subminimum wages by August 1, 2027, including personal details and employment metrics. The bill appropriates $38,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $75,000 in fiscal year 2027 to enhance the MnCHOICES system with employment-related resources. These changes directly affect employers, service providers, and people with disabilities working in supported employment programs across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 37 proposes adding a new constitutional guarantee to Minnesota's state constitution, stating that "Elections shall be free, fair, and equal. No civil or military power shall, at any time, interfere with the free exercise of the right to vote." If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, this amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, directly affecting all Minnesotans participating in elections by establishing this fundamental principle. The bill specifies the exact wording for the constitutional amendment and the ballot question voters would see. It does not create new election procedures but enshrines this standard into the state constitution.

Maddy summaryHF 210 appropriates $2.1 million from state bond proceeds to fund a regional public safety garage and storage facility in Eden Prairie. The bill directly affects the city of Eden Prairie and surrounding communities by providing funds to design, build, and equip a facility for housing fire, police, and other public safety vehicles and equipment. The key mechanism involves the state issuing bonds up to $2.1 million to cover the costs, with the funds administered through the commissioner of public safety. This is a funding measure focused on infrastructure for public safety services, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for ticket sales in Minnesota to increase transparency and prevent deceptive practices. It requires ticket sellers and online marketplaces to clearly display the total price, including all fees, and to provide buyers with proof of purchase and refund policies within 24 hours. The legislation also prohibits specific behaviors such as selling duplicate tickets, using unauthorized domain names, or bypassing online security measures to buy multiple tickets. The commissioner of commerce is given the authority to request data on how violations occur and to enforce these rules, with the law taking effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 5247 is a broad omnibus bill that modifies numerous state laws and appropriates funds to update policies across many areas of government operation. It directly affects state agencies, licensed professionals, employees, and residents by changing rules related to healthcare licensing, labor relations, transportation, agriculture, and tax collection. Key provisions include establishing new licenses for behavior analysts and veterinary technicians, adjusting paid leave and sick time rules, updating construction codes, and creating a new office for emergency medical services. The bill also adjusts various tax provisions and authorizes the transfer of broadband funding to support infrastructure projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1 million from the state's general fund to support mental health services for current and former law enforcement officers and first responders in Minnesota. The funds are designated for a nonprofit organization called Heroes Helping Heroes to provide treatment specifically for employment-related mental health challenges. The program will utilize interactive group activities and other methods to address these issues, and the money becomes available immediately after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Minnesota Constitution to guarantee equal rights and prohibit discrimination for all people. It specifically protects individuals from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, and sex, with the definition of sex explicitly including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation. If voters approve the amendment at the 2026 general election, the change will become effective on January 1, 2027. The text also establishes that any state action denying these rights must be the least restrictive way to achieve a very important government goal.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Minnesota Constitution to guarantee equality under the law. The amendment would prohibit the state, its cities, counties, and other political subdivisions from denying or abridging rights based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin. If approved by voters at the 2024 general election, the change would take effect on January 1, 2025. The measure is titled the "Equal Rights Amendment" and requires a simple yes or no vote from the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for Minnesota's senior citizens' property tax deferral program, which allows eligible homeowners to postpone paying their property taxes. To qualify, the property must be a primary residence owned by someone aged 65 or older, with a spouse aged 62 or older if married. The legislation raises the maximum household income limit from $60,000 to $96,000 and reduces the required ownership period from 15 years to five years. Additionally, the bill maintains restrictions on existing liens, requiring that total debt secured by mortgages and other liens cannot exceed 75% of the home's estimated market value. These changes apply to tax applications filed for 2024 and later.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state agencies, public universities, charter schools, and local municipalities from banning or removing rainbow flags and other rainbow displays from their property. While it protects these symbols, it includes an exception for public meeting rooms or spaces where general rules already restrict the display of any banners or posters. The law applies immediately upon enactment and ensures that government entities cannot enforce policies that specifically target rainbow imagery.