Rep. Jeff Witte

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies which specific actions are reserved exclusively for licensed peace officers in Minnesota, such as issuing citations, conducting lineups, and operating emergency vehicles with lights and sirens. It also establishes legal penalties for individuals who falsely claim to be peace officers or attempt to perform duties that only authorized officers can carry out. The law creates a process where the state attorney general prosecutes violations, while a separate law enforcement agency investigates complaints about unauthorized practice. These changes take effect on August 1, 2026, and aim to define the boundaries of law enforcement authority more clearly.

Maddy summaryHF 2295 appropriates $3.4 million from the general fund for Dakota County's mental health crisis services in fiscal year 2026. The funds will directly support mobile crisis response teams, crisis follow-up and stabilization services, and social workers embedded with local public safety agencies. This is a one-time appropriation, meaning the funding is provided only for the 2026 fiscal year. The bill does not change existing laws but allocates specific state funds to expand these crisis services in Dakota County.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's automobile insurance surcharge requirements to include additional vehicle types that were previously exempt. It directly affects insurance companies and vehicle owners by expanding the definition of vehicles subject to a $3 per year surcharge. The key change adds motorcycles, fleets, and recreational vehicles to the list of vehicles requiring the surcharge, while removing the previous 10,000-pound weight limit exception. Insurance companies must separately state this surcharge on billing documents and remit the collected funds to the commissioner of revenue for the automobile theft prevention program.

Maddy summaryHF 3628 appropriates $30 million from state bond proceeds to fund capital improvements at the Minnesota Zoo. The Minnesota Zoological Board will use these funds for asset preservation, including replacing outdated buildings, renovating trails and roads, and upgrading animal exhibits to meet modern welfare standards and safety requirements. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $30 million in bonds under Minnesota statutes to cover these costs, with funds to be spent per specific guidelines in Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.307. This legislation directly affects the zoo's infrastructure and operations, focusing on physical facility upgrades rather than operational funding.

Maddy summaryHF 2809 establishes a new crime for protesting directly in front of or about a person's home (excluding homes used as businesses). It makes this a misdemeanor, escalating to a gross misdemeanor if the person has a prior conviction under this law or ignores court orders like protection orders. The bill specifically allows peaceful protests about community meetings or assemblies held at locations commonly used for public discussion. This law applies to residential properties only and takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 2879 establishes the Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crimes Advisory Board in Minnesota to address organized retail theft. The board, composed of law enforcement officials, retail association leaders, tribal representatives, and community members, advises the Public Safety Commissioner on strategies to identify, prevent, and prosecute retail theft networks. Key provisions require the board to analyze trends, connect theft to other crimes like human trafficking, address online retail impacts, and develop statewide protocols. A statewide coordinator will oversee enforcement coordination, training, and business education efforts to combat these theft enterprises. The bill appropriates funding for this initiative but does not create new criminal penalties.

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 3313 appropriates $1 million from the general fund for the Dakota County Community Development Agency to support Minnesota's bid to host Expo 2031. The funds must be used for activities like licensing fees, development planning, and reimbursing agency costs, contingent on approval by two international bodies (International Association of Horticultural Producers and Bureau International des Expositions). If Expo 2031 is not approved, the money transfers to the Minnesota Investment Fund. This is a one-time appropriation with funds available for two years, allowing reimbursement of expenses up to 90 days before formal spending.

Maddy summaryHF 2318 updates Minnesota's Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) system. It increases pension adjustment revenue for school districts (e.g., setting St. Paul's rate at 3.25% for 2026+ and other districts at 2.0% for 2026+), raises employer contribution rates (e.g., requiring 9.5% for coordinated members and 13.5% for basic members by 2025), and provides unreduced retirement annuities for teachers who reach age 62 with 30 years of service. These changes directly affect public school districts (as employers) and TRA members (teachers). The bill appropriates funds to support these adjustments and amends specific sections of Minnesota Statutes.

Maddy summaryHF 1163 clarifies how grant funds for Minnesota's hometown heroes assistance program must be used to support firefighters. The bill directs the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative to provide monetary support for firefighters diagnosed with critical illnesses (like cancer) after August 1, 2021, and to develop a mental health program offering up to five annual therapy sessions with peer support. It also requires annual training for all firefighters on occupational health risks (including cancer, heart disease, and emotional trauma), evidence-based suicide prevention, and wellness strategies. The program directly affects all Minnesota firefighters through these health support services and training.