Rep. Jim Joy

Maddy summaryHF 899 modifies Minnesota's prohibition on American Indian mascots in public schools, effective September 1, 2026. It bans schools from using names, symbols, or images depicting American Indian tribes or traditions as mascots, nicknames, or team names - except for schools on tribal reservations with at least 95% American Indian students. The bill requires non-compliant districts to report progress by specific dates and establishes a $2,026,000 fund to reimburse schools for replacing prohibited mascots on uniforms, signage, and facilities. Schools applying for funding can delay compliance until their request is approved, with funds available until July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryHF 800 appropriates $6.4 million from state bonds to fund public infrastructure improvements in Barnesville's Northwest Improvement Area. The funds will support the city's work to rebuild water mains, sanitary sewers, and storm sewer systems in that specific neighborhood. The Public Facilities Authority will manage the grant, using money raised through state bond sales authorized under Minnesota law. This bill directly affects Barnesville residents and local infrastructure by providing dedicated funding for essential utility upgrades.

Maddy summaryHF 790 allocates $7.2 million for fiscal year 2025, and $2.9 million each for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to cover staff and equipment costs for additional Minnesota State Patrol troopers. The funds specifically support new trooper staffing and necessary equipment, but cannot be used for permanent capitol security troopers or nonsworn officers. This bill directly affects the State Patrol by providing dedicated funding to expand operational capacity. The appropriation is effective upon final enactment, with no additional policy changes beyond the specified funding.

Maddy summaryHF 798 appropriates $2 million from state bond proceeds to fund local road improvements in Lake Park. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $2 million in bonds under Minnesota law to cover these costs, with funds directed to the city of Lake Park for designing, constructing, reconstructing, and rehabilitating local roads within its boundaries. This legislation directly affects Lake Park residents and local infrastructure by providing dedicated funding for road maintenance and upgrades. The key mechanism is the bond issuance to finance the road project, which will be administered by the state commissioner of transportation.

Maddy summaryHF 797 lowers tax rates for Minnesota gambling organizations and expands the tax brackets for lawful gambling revenue. It reduces the tax rate on the first $87,500 of taxable gambling revenue from 8.3% to 3% and adjusts other brackets, such as lowering the rate above $157,500 from 33.5% to 26%. The bill directly affects casinos, sports betting operations, and other licensed gambling entities, excluding sports-themed tipboards (which remain exempt). These changes take effect July 1, 2025, and aim to reduce the tax burden on gambling revenue under Minnesota's current structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies and expands Minnesota's self-defense laws by removing the requirement to retreat before using force to protect oneself or one's home. It specifically eliminates the "duty to retreat" outside the home, broadens the definition of "dwelling" to include vehicles and adjacent areas like porches or decks, and creates a legal presumption that force was justified when someone enters a dwelling or occupied vehicle by stealth or force. The law applies directly to Minnesotans defending their homes, vehicles, or occupants against unlawful entry or threats, and extends protections to individuals defending others in these spaces. These changes codify existing common law principles into statute while removing restrictions on defensive force in specified scenarios.

Maddy summaryHF 892 allows Minnesota parents to opt their children out of school face covering requirements without needing to provide a reason or health documentation. It applies to all public school districts and charter schools that require face coverings on school premises. Schools must permit the opt-out upon parent notification and cannot discipline students or treat them differently for this choice. The law takes effect the day after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryHF 894 amends Minnesota law to explicitly exclude undocumented noncitizens from eligibility for MinnesotaCare, the state's health insurance program. The bill defines "undocumented noncitizens" as individuals residing in the U.S. without approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This change directly affects noncitizens without legal immigration status who previously qualified for MinnesotaCare, while maintaining eligibility for U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawfully present noncitizens under existing rules. The amendment takes effect the day after final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 804 modifies the affidavit of candidacy requirements for local candidates. It adds a new rule stating that to run for county, municipal, or school board office, a candidate must not have been convicted of terroristic threats under Minnesota Statute 609.713. This change directly affects individuals seeking these local elected positions by disqualifying those with such convictions from filing their candidacy. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.06, specifically adding this eligibility requirement to the affidavit process.

Maddy summaryHF 636 removes the requirement for a permit to carry a firearm in public places for eligible Minnesotans, while creating an optional permit system. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 624.714 to state that anyone not prohibited by state or federal law (and at least 21 years old) may carry a firearm without a permit in public places - defined as government-owned property or private property open to the public, excluding homes, businesses, gun shops, and hunting areas. An optional permit, which requires proof of pistol safety training and background checks for disqualifying offenses, remains available for those who choose it. This change directly affects eligible residents who currently need permits to carry firearms in public, eliminating that barrier while preserving the option for a permit.