Rep. Steve Elkins

Maddy summaryHF 2700 modifies Minnesota's Consumer Data Privacy Act by explicitly classifying consumer health data as a type of sensitive data requiring heightened protections. The bill adds new consent requirements for businesses processing health information and strengthens safeguards for all sensitive data, including health, genetic, and biometric information. It directly affects Minnesota residents whose health data is collected by businesses and requires those businesses to obtain clear, specific consent before using such data. The law amends key sections of Minnesota Statutes (325M.11-325M.20) to implement these changes, repealing the previous section that defined health data protections.

Maddy summaryHF 1268 modifies rules for common interest communities (like condominiums and homeowners associations) in Minnesota, directly affecting property management companies, community governing bodies, and unit owners. Key provisions include prohibiting property managers from having financial ties to contractors they hire without written disclosure, banning compensation based on fines collected, and requiring written notice for contract renewals. The bill also establishes a "meet and confer" process for disputes and changes notice requirements for community meetings. It prohibits governing bodies from requiring or incentivizing the creation of homeowners associations. These changes aim to increase transparency and fairness in community governance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota health insurance plans to cover augmentative and alternative communication systems and related habilitation services for people with severe communication limitations. The law mandates that these devices and services be covered when deemed medically necessary by a prescribing physician, without separate financial requirements or quantitative limits that apply only to these benefits. Health plans may still require prior authorization but must use current evidence-based guidelines and cannot deny coverage based on disability. The state will provide funding to health plans for coverage costs not already included in their plans, with the law taking effect on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new fifth tax bracket for Minnesota residents, raising the income threshold for the highest tax rate from $1 million to $1.085 million for married couples filing jointly. The legislation also increases the income limits for all existing tax brackets and introduces a new 10.85 percent tax rate for income exceeding the new highest threshold. Additionally, the bill provides increased funding to local governments and counties to offset the revenue changes. These adjustments are designed to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the zoning authority of local governments in Minnesota by requiring them to allow certain housing types in specific areas. It applies primarily to municipalities with populations over 1,000 in the metropolitan area, while smaller communities are largely exempt. The law mandates that cities and towns permit mixed housing such as duplexes, triplexes, and townhouses in commercial districts and other zones that allow such development. Additionally, it requires municipalities to establish a standardized administrative review process for approving multifamily residential developments, ensuring consistent handling of housing requests across jurisdictions. These changes aim to increase housing options by reducing local restrictions on building types and streamlining approval procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals previous tax exemptions that allowed certain preferred seats and amenities at athletic events to be sold without sales tax. It also provides funding for safe harbor shelter and housing grants to support individuals experiencing homelessness. By removing the exemptions, the legislation ensures that these specific stadium seats and related amenities are now subject to standard sales tax like other retail items. The funding provision aims to allocate state money directly to organizations assisting with shelter and housing needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's Strengthen Minnesota Homes program to expand how grant funds can be used and to prioritize assistance for lower-income homeowners. It allows grant money to be combined with repairs from wind or hail damage, requires projects to be completed within six months, and mandates that recipients receive insurance premium discounts or rate reductions. The legislation also directs the state to give preference to applicants earning at or below 115 percent of the area median income and appropriates $35 million for the program in fiscal year 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 3766 establishes new licensing and registration requirements for businesses selling travel insurance in Minnesota. It directly affects travel insurance producers (such as agents and managing general agents) and travel retailers (like travel agencies that offer insurance as part of their service). The bill requires producers to hold a specific license, mandates retailers to register with the state and operate under a licensed producer, and requires both to provide customers with clear information about coverage terms, claims processes, and cancellation procedures. It also defines travel insurance to cover trip interruptions, baggage loss, medical emergencies during travel, and excludes major medical plans for long-term travelers.

Maddy summaryHF 3786 clarifies which children's museums can receive competitive grants from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund. It requires that only museums meeting the IRS's A52 tax-exempt classification (or a future equivalent) qualify for these grants. This directly affects children's museums seeking funding under the current grant program. The bill amends Minnesota law to specify this eligibility standard, ensuring grants are awarded only to qualifying institutions.

Maddy summaryHF 3452 classifies kratom as a Schedule II controlled substance in Minnesota, subjecting it to strict state regulations similar to opioids. The bill adds mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (the active compounds in kratom) to Schedule II, making unauthorized possession or sale illegal without a prescription. It repeals a prior law that only set penalties for selling kratom to minors or for minors possessing it. This change directly affects individuals who use or sell kratom, including businesses that currently sell kratom products, by applying full Schedule II restrictions.