Rep. Steve Elkins

Maddy summaryHF 2729 appropriates $10 million from Minnesota's general fund for fiscal year 2026 to expand the state's corporate tax compliance program. The funding supports efforts to identify and collect unpaid taxes from corporations that underreport income or fail to pay all owed taxes, with priority given to businesses reporting $25 million or more in Minnesota sales or receipts annually. The initiative, managed by the commissioner of revenue, must supplement existing enforcement resources and remains active until July 1, 2029. This bill directly affects large Minnesota-based corporations with significant revenue, aiming to improve tax collection accuracy.

Maddy summaryHF 3258 repeals two Minnesota statutes (3.226 and 16C.053) that previously prohibited state agencies and the legislature from entering contracts with vendors who discriminate against Israel or businesses operating in Israel. The bill removes the requirement to avoid such vendors, allowing state government to contract with any vendor regardless of their position on Israel-related business practices. This change applies to new contracts published or entered on or after the effective date, which is the day after enactment. The repeal affects all state procurement decisions involving vendors, eliminating the prior restrictions and exemptions for small contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota's immunization laws by clarifying definitions for schools and child care facilities and establishing new procedures for modifying the state immunization schedule. It requires the health commissioner to consult with medical organizations, educational leaders, and specific advocacy groups when proposing changes to vaccine requirements, while also mandating consideration of disease data, vaccine safety, and cost-benefit analyses. The legislation adds a requirement that public hearings be held within 60 days if requested by legislative committee chairs before any schedule modifications can be adopted. Additionally, the bill repeals an existing administrative rule related to immunization standards. These changes affect schools, child care providers, health officials, and vaccine administration across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all property insurance policies in Minnesota to include a formal appraisal process for determining damage amounts when the insurer and policyholder cannot agree. It mandates that both parties select independent appraisers within 20 days of a written demand, who must then choose an impartial umpire to resolve any disagreements on the loss value. The legislation also establishes a two-year statute of limitations for filing lawsuits related to property claims, extending the current one-year deadline for hail insurance cases. These changes will take effect on January 1, 2027, and apply to losses occurring on or after that date.

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 summaryThis bill prohibits drug manufacturers from advertising prescription drugs directly to consumers on television. It applies to companies licensed to manufacture prescription medications in Minnesota and prevents them from using TV commercials to promote the sale of these drugs to the public. The law would be enforced by the state attorney general, who could take action against any manufacturer that violates this advertising ban. This measure aims to restrict how prescription medications are marketed through television media without changing other aspects of drug regulation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires data brokers in Minnesota to register with the attorney general before collecting or selling consumers' personal data. Companies that sell personal information about people they do not have a direct relationship with must pay a registration fee and submit details like their name, address, website, and a link explaining how consumers can exercise their privacy rights. The attorney general will maintain a public website listing all registered data brokers and use the collected fees to fund enforcement of the law. Violations of the registration requirements could result in civil penalties enforced by the attorney general. The law takes effect on July 31, 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 3800 sets a 10% maximum annual reduction limit on individual budgets for people receiving home and community-based services under Minnesota's waiver reimagine phase II program. It directly affects current waiver recipients assessed as needing nursing home-level care. The bill requires the human services commissioner to apply this limit unless a recipient's documented needs decrease in their assessment, and mandates an annual cost-of-living adjustment for all recipients' budgets. These changes ensure budget stability for participants while aligning with the program's goal of supporting community-based care choices.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires sellers of emotional support dogs to provide written notice to buyers stating that the dog is not a service animal and does not have the special training required for service dogs. The notice must be printed in bold 12-point type and included on the purchase receipt or a separate document, informing buyers that the dog is not entitled to the legal rights and privileges granted to service animals. Additionally, the bill increases criminal penalties for intentionally misrepresenting an emotional support dog as a service dog, raising the offense from a petty misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor for repeat violations. These changes apply to all sales of emotional support dogs and take effect on August 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 362 establishes a state licensing system for massage therapists and Asian bodywork therapists in Minnesota. It requires practitioners to meet specific educational standards (including minimum contact hours), pass a credentialing exam, and obtain a license from the Minnesota Department of Health. The bill defines both practices (e.g., Asian bodywork therapy uses techniques like pressing and stretching based on Chinese medical principles), sets application and renewal fees, and includes criminal penalties for practicing without a license. This directly affects therapists seeking to legally provide these services and ensures they meet standardized training and safety requirements, while also providing funding for implementation.