Rep. Julie Greene

Maddy summaryMinnesota's HF 3241 modifies rules about electronic displays in vehicles by prohibiting drivers from viewing "dynamic content" (like moving videos, games, or interactive apps) on screens visible while operating a vehicle. It directly affects drivers using electronic devices or vehicle systems that show such content while the vehicle is in motion. Key exceptions include navigation systems, emergency vehicle operations, rearview cameras for visibility, and passive displays (like a phone showing a static map). The law, effective August 1, 2025, aims to reduce distractions by limiting non-essential screen use during driving.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable sales tax exemption for construction materials and equipment used to build Minnesota's Blue Line Extension light rail transit line and its associated facilities. Under the new provision, taxes collected on these purchases will be refunded to the governmental entity responsible for the project, rather than being waived at the point of sale. The exemption applies to materials for stations, park-and-ride lots, maintenance facilities, and other transit infrastructure, with refunds available starting July 1, 2029. The measure takes effect for purchases made after June 30, 2026, and aligns the Blue Line Extension with existing refundable tax exemptions for other public infrastructure projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires drivers aged 20 and under to complete a driver education program that includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training before receiving a driver's license in Minnesota. The law amends existing statutes to add this new requirement, which applies to all applicants under 21 regardless of whether they are applying for their first license or renewing one. The driver education program must cover both theoretical knowledge and practical driving skills, ensuring young drivers receive comprehensive training before operating a vehicle on public roads. This change affects all new and returning drivers under 21 who wish to obtain or maintain a valid driver's license in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes pilot projects to modernize Minnesota's human services information technology systems, directing funding to counties and Tribes to improve system efficiency and reduce errors. It creates an advisory group composed of county representatives, social services administrators, and state officials to oversee and approve these projects, which may include using artificial intelligence tools, expanding data access, and simplifying case processing. The legislation requires a report by January 2028 detailing the funded projects, their outcomes, and recommendations for future system improvements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new grant program in Minnesota to help schools create outdoor park-like spaces called community schoolyards that can be used by both students and the public. The program provides funding for two stages: up to $150,000 for planning and design work, and up to $850,000 for construction and improvements. To qualify, schools or local governments must partner with community organizations and agree to keep these spaces open for public use outside of school hours. The bill also requires the state education commissioner to review applications and submit a report on the program's progress.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota election officials to hold periodic design competitions for updating the "I VOTED" sticker used after voting. The sticker can be given to people who have cast a ballot in person, received an absentee ballot, or received a mail-in ballot. Any new design must only include the words "I VOTED" and cannot show political messages, candidate names, or policy positions. The law permits multiple winning designs from a single competition and does not change who receives the sticker or when it can be issued.

Maddy summaryHF 3455 renames Minnesota's State Office Building at 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in St. Paul as the "Melissa Hortman State Office Building." The bill requires the revisor of statutes to update all official references to the building in Minnesota Statutes and Rules. This is a ceremonial renaming with no policy changes or direct impact on residents or government operations.

Maddy summaryHF 3436 requires drivers approaching a stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights to stop at least 20 feet away. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 169.444 to mandate this stop until the bus retracts its stop arm and turns off the red lights. It also adds a new provision requiring drivers to prepare to stop within 20 feet when a bus shows prewarning amber lights, signaling red lights are about to activate. This law directly affects all drivers operating vehicles near school buses in Minnesota, aiming to improve safety for children boarding or exiting buses. The bill takes effect the day after final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 3239 prohibits using "conscientiously held beliefs" as an exemption for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations in Minnesota schools and child care facilities. It directly affects parents or guardians of children aged 15 months or older who previously relied on this exemption to avoid MMR shots for enrollment. The bill requires these parents to provide either proof of vaccination (meeting medical standards) or a medical exemption statement by August 1, 2026, to keep their child enrolled in schools, preschools, or licensed child care programs. This replaces the existing personal belief exemption for MMR vaccines, which will no longer be valid after the effective date. The law amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 121A.15, specifically adding subdivision 3c.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's HF 1269 requires health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved medical services and prescription medications for treating dementia, including diagnostic tests to assess treatment effectiveness. It also prohibits health plans from using "step therapy" (requiring patients to try cheaper drugs first) for dementia treatments. The bill modifies prior authorization rules for certain medications, ensuring automatic 60-day coverage for brand-name mental health drugs when generics become available, and streamlines approval for oral liquid drugs used with feeding tubes. These changes apply to health plans offered in Minnesota starting January 1, 2026.