Rep. Krista Knudsen

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $35 million from state bond proceeds specifically for Minnesota town roads and bridges. $25 million is allocated for town roads and $10 million for town bridges, to be distributed by the commissioner of transportation per existing rules (Minnesota Statutes §162.081). The state will issue up to $35 million in bonds to fund this appropriation, following established bond procedures under Minnesota law. The funding directly affects local town governments responsible for maintaining roads and bridges within their jurisdictions. The bill becomes effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 3101, the Intellectual Freedom Protection Act, prohibits Minnesota's public colleges and universities from requiring students or faculty to pledge support for or opposition to political ideologies (including diversity, equity, and inclusion statements) as a condition for admission, employment, or promotion. It creates a private right for individuals to sue institutions for violations, allowing courts to order injunctions, damages, and attorney fees, while also granting the attorney general authority to seek court orders and impose $100,000 civil penalties per violation. The bill explicitly does not restrict academic freedom, faculty teaching on sensitive topics, compliance with antidiscrimination laws, or consideration of professional qualifications. It also mandates that institutions publicly post all diversity-related policies and training materials online. The law applies to all public postsecondary institutions in Minnesota, including the University of Minnesota system.

Maddy summaryHF 3034 allocates $6.25 million from state bonds to build Phase 2 of a paved multiuse trail connecting Itasca State Park to the Heartland Trail. The funds will cover land acquisition, construction, environmental review, and a trailhead in Emmaville, starting about two miles east of the Heartland Trail's Phase 1 tunnel under Highway 71. This project directly creates a new recreational connection for the public between the two trail systems. The money will be raised through state bond sales as authorized by the bill.

Maddy summaryHF 3036 requires Tribally licensed residential substance use disorder treatment programs in Minnesota to enroll in the state's substance use disorder demonstration project by January 1, 2028. This applies specifically to residential programs licensed by tribal authorities, not nonresidential tribal programs (which may opt in). Programs failing to enroll by the deadline will lose eligibility for state payments under section 256B.0625 for services provided. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256B.0759, subdivision 2, to add this requirement for tribal residential providers.

Maddy summaryHF 19 establishes education savings accounts (ESAs) for Minnesota students from low-income households, defined as families earning no more than four times the income threshold for free school meals. The bill allows parents to use state funds to pay for qualifying education expenses - including tuition at eligible nonpublic schools, tutoring, approved curriculum, and school supplies - at participating schools or providers. Participation is capped at 5% of public school enrollment in the first year, increasing by 3% annually, with priority given to kindergarten students and those who attended public school full-time the prior year. The program directly affects eligible students (ages 18 and under) and their families, with funds restricted to approved educational services and materials.

Maddy summaryHF 2939 postpones the effective dates for multiple provisions of the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act from January 1, 2027, to January 1, 2029. This bill amends 17 sections of the 2024 law, including requirements for the Human Services Commissioner to disaggregate child welfare data by race and develop a compliance review system for counties. The delay gives state agencies and local counties additional time to implement these specific child welfare monitoring and reporting measures. The bill does not change the substance of the law, only the timeline for when its requirements take effect.

Maddy summaryHF 3041 requires Minnesota's Legislative Budget Office to create business impact notes for proposed bills upon request by committee leaders. These notes must detail the financial effects and regulatory changes (like fees, licenses, or reporting requirements) on small businesses - defined as entities with fewer than 100 employees. The bill appropriates $ for the Legislative Budget Office to cover the costs of preparing these analyses. The notes must clearly explain assumptions, estimate whether regulatory burdens increase or decrease, and identify less costly alternatives if possible. This process aims to provide transparency about how new laws might affect small businesses before they become law.

Maddy summaryHF 2957 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Human Services to revalidate health care providers enrolled in state health programs (like Medicaid) every three years. Providers must submit required documentation by a specified deadline; if they miss it, they get 30 days to fix deficiencies. Failure to comply after this extension results in immediate suspension of billing privileges without appeal rights. This applies to all health care providers and personal care assistance agencies participating in Minnesota's health care programs.

Maddy summaryHF 2371 requires healthcare providers to obtain written, informed consent before performing pelvic, breast, urogenital, or rectal examinations on patients who are anesthetized or unconscious. This applies to most situations, with limited exceptions for emergencies, exams within a previously consented-to procedure, or court-ordered evidence collection. Violating this requirement is a gross misdemeanor and may lead to disciplinary action by the provider's licensing board. The law takes effect August 1, 2025, directly affecting patients under anesthesia/unconsciousness and healthcare professionals performing such exams.

Maddy summaryHF 2949 prohibits Minnesota legislators and executive branch appointees (including commissioners and deputy commissioners) from receiving compensation from any nonprofit organization that receives state grant funding. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to add this restriction to existing rules governing private employment for public officials, explicitly covering both current officeholders and former commissioners within one year of leaving their position. Key provisions include banning compensation from nonprofits receiving state grants, regardless of where the work is performed, and requiring legislative committees to enforce these rules. This directly affects state lawmakers and executive appointees who might otherwise work for or receive payment from nonprofits receiving state grants. The policy change aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest between public office and nonprofit grant recipients.