Rep. Kristi Pursell

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's data access laws to clarify how the public can inspect and copy government records, including electronic data. It establishes specific rules for charging fees, such as capping paper copy costs at 25 cents per page and allowing agencies to charge only actual costs for searching and retrieving data. The legislation also creates a new fee waiver process for requests that primarily serve public interest rather than commercial gain. Additionally, the bill requires the state to build a central electronic repository for storing and providing access to public documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state agencies, public universities, charter schools, and local municipalities from banning or removing rainbow flags and other rainbow displays from their property. While it protects these symbols, it includes an exception for public meeting rooms or spaces where general rules already restrict the display of any banners or posters. The law applies immediately upon enactment and ensures that government entities cannot enforce policies that specifically target rainbow imagery.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution that asks the U.S. Congress to approve Minnesota's request to replace its current statue of Henry Mower Rice in the National Statuary Hall with a new statue of former Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey. Under existing federal law, states may swap out statues that have been on display for at least ten years, and Minnesota has selected Humphrey to honor his significant legislative achievements and service as a U.S. Senator and Vice President. The resolution directs state officials to arrange for the removal of the Rice statue, the installation of a replica of the existing Humphrey statue from the Minnesota State Capitol, and the transfer of the old Rice statue back to the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new program in Minnesota to collect and recycle electronic waste from households and small businesses. It defines specific items that must be recycled, such as computers, monitors, and gaming consoles, while excluding devices like cameras, telephones, and household appliances. The legislation creates a system where an approved organization, known as a clearinghouse, will manage the collection, transport, and recycling of these covered devices. Additionally, the bill sets up new state accounts to fund the program and requires the state agency to submit a report on its progress.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires digital video service providers, such as streaming and satellite companies, to pay a fee to local governments in Minnesota. The fee is set at five percent of the revenue these providers earn from subscribers living within each specific city or county. Providers must submit quarterly reports to local authorities and pay the collected fees directly to them within 45 days of each quarter ending. The money gathered through this fee is intended to support public, educational, and governmental programming channels available to residents. The law specifically excludes traditional cable systems that already pay franchise fees from this new requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals from using force against another person based on the victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. It specifically removes the ability to claim self-defense or use of force authorization if the victim made an unwanted nonforcible romantic or sexual advance or if the two people had previously dated. The law applies to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2024, and does not alter existing rules regarding the use of force in other situations like arrests or property disputes.