Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits banks and credit unions in Minnesota from charging fees when customers electronically deposit checks. It directly affects financial institutions and their customers by removing the ability of these institutions to impose charges for this specific service. The law defines "electronic check" using the existing federal regulatory definition and applies the prohibition to both state banks and state credit unions. This change would make electronic check deposits free for customers at covered institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows restaurants and breweries in Minnesota to create designated dog parks on their property. It amends state law to permit these establishments to set up areas where dogs can be off-leash while keeping the rest of the dining area restricted. The legislation requires clear signage and mandates that employees cannot touch the dogs, food service areas remain dog-free, and patrons must clean up waste immediately. This change directly affects business owners who want to offer dog-friendly spaces and customers who wish to bring their pets to these venues.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a task force to study pain associated with specific medical procedures for women, including cesarean sections, biopsies, and intrauterine device insertions. The task force will consist of medical professionals, pain management experts, and women who have experienced these procedures, with members serving without pay but receiving expense reimbursement. Its main duties include collecting data on these procedures, gathering input from patients and providers, and exploring ways to reduce the need for these procedures or find alternatives. The group must meet at least quarterly and submit a final report to state legislators by January 1, 2028, after which the task force will disband.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of menstrual products sold in Minnesota to list any intentionally added synthetic ingredients on the outer packaging that consumers see first. The law directly affects companies producing or distributing menstrual products within the state, mandating clear disclosure of synthetic components on product labels. Enforcement of this requirement would follow existing state commerce laws, with penalties for non-compliance determined by current regulatory procedures. The legislation aims to increase transparency for consumers while maintaining oversight through established commercial regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Minnesota Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, which requires businesses that make online products likely to be accessed by children to prioritize children's privacy and safety over commercial interests. The law defines "children" as anyone under 18 and mandates that companies consider different developmental stages when designing products, ensuring they do not cause harm or discriminate against minors. Businesses must conduct data protection impact assessments to evaluate how their products affect children's well-being, and the attorney general is authorized to enforce these requirements. The legislation applies to profit-making entities and their affiliates that develop online services where children are reasonably likely to access them.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals previous sales tax exemptions for preferred seating and amenities at athletic facilities, meaning these items will now be subject to sales tax when purchased with event tickets. It also provides funding for safe harbor shelter and housing grants to support homeless assistance programs. The legislation defines various retail sales for tax purposes, including bundled transactions and promotional items, while appropriating money for the housing grants.

Maddy summaryHF 3433 bans the possession of specific semiautomatic firearms designated as "military-style assault weapons," including models like AK-47s, AR-15s, and weapons with features such as folding stocks or pistol grips. The bill defines banned weapons to cover both listed models (e.g., Colt AR-15) and similar firearms with minor modifications like enhanced magazines or barrel attachments. It amends Minnesota statutes to impose criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment, for violating the possession ban. This law directly affects individuals who own these specific firearms, requiring them to comply with the new restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's Great Start Compensation Support Payments Grant Program by updating requirements for child care programs receiving funding. Programs must submit applications for each payment period that allow staff break time, up to 24 hours of annual professional development, and vacation time to count toward eligible staff hours. Providers must also submit enrollment and attendance data, agree in writing to operate during funding periods with limited exceptions for safety closures or planned vacations, and spend received funds within six months. The commissioner will establish specific rules for vacation durations and methods to verify compliance with application requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota's data practices law by clarifying who holds authority over specific welfare system components. It designates responsible authorities for various agencies, including the commissioner of human services for the Department of Human Services and the director of county welfare agencies. The legislation also establishes that these authorities must allow other welfare system entities access to non-public data when needed for program administration or as required by law. This change affects how data sharing is managed across Minnesota's welfare system and which officials are accountable for data decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's child care center staff training requirements to ensure all employees receive updated pediatric CPR instruction. It directly affects directors, staff members, substitutes, and unsupervised volunteers working in child care centers. The law requires these individuals to complete pediatric CPR training within their first 90 days of employment if they haven't done so in the previous two years, with training repeated every second calendar year. The training must include hands-on practice and skills assessment for infants and children, covering airway obstruction techniques, and must be provided by organizations using nationally recognized guidelines.