Rep. Kristi Pursell

Maddy summaryHF 2556 establishes an endometriosis research program at the University of Minnesota, directly affecting Minnesotans diagnosed with endometriosis. The program collects anonymized biological samples (like blood, tissue, and urine) and clinical data from patients with endometriosis and control groups, focusing on early detection and better treatments. It requires the university to create standardized protocols for sample handling, ensure diverse community representation, and report annually to legislators starting in 2026. The bill appropriates state funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support this research initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits businesses in Minnesota from using automated systems to set different prices or wages for individuals based on surveillance data about their personal characteristics, behaviors, or biometrics. The law defines surveillance data to include information gathered from web browsing history, purchase records, locations, and biological identifiers like fingerprints or facial scans. Companies may still charge different prices if they can prove the differences are due to actual costs of providing goods or services, offer public discounts to specific groups like veterans or students, or if insurers use only risk-relevant data for insurance pricing. The legislation directly affects businesses, insurers, and employers who use data-driven pricing or compensation systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new stewardship program for covered batteries in Minnesota and prohibits the use of mercury in batteries, affecting manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of battery products. It creates clear definitions for terms like "covered battery," "brand," and "distribute" to clarify which products and businesses fall under the program's requirements. The legislation authorizes the state to create rules for battery collection and recycling, while also modifying existing provisions related to lead acid batteries and rechargeable consumer products. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds to support the implementation of these environmental protections and sets specific effective dates for various provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public colleges and universities in Minnesota to create policies restricting firearms carried by visitors on campus property. Under the new rules, institutions can require visitors to leave if they violate firearm policies, and those who refuse to comply face a petty misdemeanor charge with a fine of up to $25. The law also clarifies that firearms violating these campus policies will not be subject to forfeiture, and it maintains that employers and schools cannot ban firearms in parking facilities. This change directly affects public postsecondary institutions and their ability to manage visitor access to campus grounds.

Maddy summaryHF 2317 appropriates $1 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the Pollution Control Agency to fund a pilot program capturing waste heat from wastewater treatment facilities. The program requires identifying feasible sites across Minnesota, quantifying available heat energy, and funding engineering studies for one project in the seven-county metro area and one outside it. By December 2027, the agency must report to legislators on identified sites, challenges and benefits of heat capture systems, and potential future funding sources. This bill directly affects wastewater treatment facilities statewide by exploring a new method to repurpose waste heat for community heating systems.

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 designates the period from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027, as Minnesota's Year of Water. It aims to promote awareness and celebration of the state's water resources through voluntary civic participation and local community engagement. The resolution does not create any new laws, policies, or financial obligations but serves as a symbolic recognition of water's importance to Minnesota's identity and shared heritage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires independent presidential elector petitions in Minnesota to include sworn certifications confirming that the presidential and vice presidential candidates meet all constitutional eligibility requirements. It also mandates that major political party candidates submit an affidavit under oath stating they are not running for any other state office and meet constitutional qualifications. The Secretary of State would be prohibited from placing presidential or vice presidential candidates on the ballot without these certifications, which would also disqualify any associated elector nominees. These changes apply to non-major party candidates while major party candidates already undergo similar certification processes under existing law.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $200,000 from the state's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to provide a grant to Helping Paws, Inc. for breeding, training, and placing service dogs for individuals with physical disabilities, veterans and first responders with service-related PTSD, and professionals working in courthouse, educational, and mental health settings. The funding is designated as a one-time honorarium in memory of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. The commissioner of health may also accept private donations to supplement the state appropriation, with all such funds deposited in a dedicated account that expires on July 1, 2028.

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.