Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn

Maddy summaryHF 3665 modifies Minnesota's foster care placement plans to require agencies and guardians ad litem to include information about early childhood education and child care programs for children in foster care. This applies to children subject to compulsory school attendance who are enrolled in school, receiving home instruction, or in independent study programs. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 260C.212 to add this requirement, ensuring placement plans address educational stability and access to early learning resources. It directly affects children in foster care, foster care agencies, and legal representatives by mandating this new information be included in their case planning.

Maddy summaryHF 1296 requires Minnesota's Board of Animal Health to post specific information online about kennels, dealers, and commercial breeders, including current license statuses, annual inspection records, and reasons for license revocations. It also mandates that all advertising for animal sales must include the seller's current license number or a link to it. The bill clarifies that most breeder data (like addresses and premises locations) remains private, but the Board may disclose it for public health, safety, or law enforcement purposes. These changes directly affect licensed breeders, dealers, and the public seeking transparency about animal facilities.

Maddy summaryHF 3434 bans the possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons (like AR-15s and AK-47s) and large-capacity ammunition magazines (holding more than 10 rounds) in Minnesota. It defines these weapons by specific models (e.g., Colt AR-15, Beretta AR-70) or features (folding stocks, pistol grips, threaded barrels). The bill creates criminal penalties for possessing these banned items and amends state law to clarify prohibited firearms and magazines. It directly affects individuals who own or possess these specific weapons or magazines. The law does not cover all semiautomatic firearms but targets models and features associated with military-style weapons.

Maddy summaryHF 2617 modifies Minnesota's child care licensing system to improve clarity and support for providers. It requires the commissioner to create standardized inspection timelines and conduct rules for child care centers and family child care providers by January 2026, replacing mandatory technical assistance with a structured process for non-imminent violations. The bill also updates the definition of "education" to include relevant postsecondary coursework for staff qualifications and establishes a dedicated background study liaison to speed up processing for license holders. Additionally, it appropriates $50,000 for developing the standardized inspection system, directly affecting licensed child care providers and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

Maddy summaryHF 1080 appropriates $25 million from state bond proceeds to fund trail improvements across 52 miles of Hennepin County's regional trail system. The funds will be provided to the Three Rivers Park District to build 10.7 miles of new trails, repair 11.4 miles of existing trails, and extend the life of 30.2 miles of current trails. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $25 million in bonds to cover these costs, following Minnesota's bond issuance procedures. This funding directly benefits Hennepin County residents who use the regional trail network and the Three Rivers Park District as the project recipient.

Maddy summaryHF 1014 allows the Minnesota Insurance Guarantee Association (MIGA) board to request financial information from insureds to verify if their net worth exceeds $25 million on December 31 of the prior year. This specifically affects insureds whose combined net worth (including subsidiaries) meets or surpasses this threshold, as claims from such insureds would otherwise be excluded from MIGA coverage. The bill requires MIGA to inform insureds of consequences for failing to provide requested financial details within 60 days, after which their net worth is automatically deemed above $25 million. The key mechanism streamlines MIGA’s ability to assess claim eligibility by verifying high-net-worth status through direct financial requests. This change amends Minnesota Statutes section 60C.09, subdivision 2.

Maddy summaryHF 2130 modifies several driver's license and ignition interlock requirements for individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI). It extends the required use period for ignition interlock devices after license reinstatement and adds criminal penalties for drivers who operate vehicles without these devices. The bill also adjusts procedures for license revocations, judicial review of extensions, temporary license issuance, and the process for reissuing impounded license plates. These changes primarily affect drivers with DUI convictions who are required to use ignition interlocks or face license restrictions.

Maddy summaryHF 286 allows local governments (such as cities or counties) to conduct criminal background checks on individuals in specific situations, like for certain employment or licensing roles. The bill authorizes these checks under defined circumstances without requiring state-level approval. It becomes effective on August 1, 2025, after receiving gubernatorial approval on May 15, 2025. This change directly affects local government entities and the individuals subject to these background checks.

Maddy summaryHF 2551 makes technical corrections to the 2024 recodification of laws related to children, youth, and families. It directly affects state agencies that administer child welfare, youth services, and related programs by clarifying or fixing inconsistencies in the newly organized statutes. The bill does not create new policies but ensures the existing legal framework is accurately reflected in the revised code. It became law on May 15, 2025, and takes effect on August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules requiring creators to pay minors who appear in their compensated online videos, with the money placed in a trust account until the minor turns 18. It defines "content creation" as video shared for pay and sets specific criteria, such as a 30 percent appearance threshold, to determine when a minor is officially working in this field. Under the law, creators must keep detailed records of a minor's earnings and viewing statistics, while minors under 14 must receive all their share of the compensation. The legislation also clarifies that incidental appearances in public events like sports games do not trigger these payment requirements.