Rep. Krista Knudsen

Maddy summaryHF 381 modifies how Minnesota calculates rates for home and community-based waiver services and increases room and board rates for individuals receiving these services. It requires service providers to submit detailed data (like staffing hours, ratios, and transportation miles) to a central rates management system, with lead agencies required to approve rates within 30 business days or pay a 10% late penalty. The bill also creates an exception process for individuals with "exceptional needs" that cannot be met under standard rate formulas, allowing for alternative payment rates. These changes directly affect service providers, lead agencies (like county human services departments), and individuals receiving home and community-based care, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 2648 prohibits certain sex offenders convicted of crimes against minors under 18 from accessing social media platforms where users under 18 can interact. It requires these individuals on parole or probation to disclose all social media account details (including usernames and passwords) to their supervising agent and bans access to platforms allowing minor users. The law defines "social media platform" narrowly to exclude email, search engines, and business communication tools. The commissioner must annually publish a list of compliant platforms for probation agents to enforce these restrictions. This directly affects sex offenders sentenced under Minnesota statutes 609.342-609.3458 for offenses involving minors under 18.

Maddy summaryHF 128 increases criminal penalties for individuals engaging in prostitution with minors in Minnesota. The bill raises maximum sentences and fines based on the minor's age: up to 30 years or $40,000 for victims under 14, 20 years or $40,000 for those aged 14-15, 15 years or $30,000 for those aged 14-15 (for the act itself), and 10 years or $20,000 for victims aged 16-17. It also increases penalties for hiring minors for sexual acts across all age groups. The bill applies to crimes committed on or after its effective date of August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota institutions eligible for state student aid to publicly disclose job placement rates and median graduate earnings for each specific field of study on their websites and in catalogs. It mandates annual reporting of this employment data to the state office, which will randomly audit institutions for compliance. The policy directly affects private colleges and universities receiving state student aid, particularly those not participating in the federal Pell Grant program. Institutions must display this information to help prospective students make informed decisions about educational programs. Noncompliance could lead to termination of state aid eligibility.

Maddy summaryHF 1580 amends Minnesota law to require medical personnel to provide immediate care to infants born alive during abortion procedures. The bill mandates that such infants be recognized as human persons under the law and that all reasonable medical measures, consistent with standard practice, be taken to preserve their life and health, including proper medical documentation. This directly affects healthcare providers performing abortions in Minnesota who encounter infants born alive. The law takes effect the day after final enactment. It focuses solely on medical care protocols for surviving infants, not on changing abortion access or legality.

Maddy summaryHF 1341 designates January 9 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in Minnesota, requiring the governor to issue an annual proclamation. It encourages school districts to partner with law enforcement agencies to create middle and high school "explorer" programs about law enforcement careers, which may count as course credit. The bill appropriates $6 million for 2026-2027 to reimburse agencies for peace officer training and $1 million for 2026 to fund pathway-to-policing programs that help recruit diverse candidates through local government grants. These provisions directly affect schools, law enforcement agencies, and local governments by supporting career education and training funding.

Maddy summaryHF 1344 allows volunteer firefighters, emergency medical responders, and ambulance crews in Minnesota to use approved red or red-and-white flashing warning lights on their personal vehicles while responding to emergency calls. The bill amends Minnesota law to explicitly permit these lights under existing permit rules (Minnesota Statutes 169.58), requiring lights to be no larger than 3 inches and only activated during emergency responses. It clarifies that these volunteers' vehicles qualify as "authorized emergency vehicles" under traffic law (Minnesota Statutes 169.64), ensuring consistent enforcement. The change directly affects volunteer first responders who use personal vehicles for emergency duties, making their use of warning lights legally clear and consistent with state regulations.

Maddy summaryHF 1342 amends Minnesota child care licensing law to exempt unrelated individuals providing nonresidential care to two separate families (where each family is internally related) from needing a state license. This change adds a specific exemption to existing rules that already cover related caregivers. The bill directly affects informal caregivers - such as neighbors or friends - providing structured care for two distinct families without formal licensing. It does not alter requirements for care provided to unrelated individuals or for residential settings. The policy change simplifies licensing for this specific scenario under current statutory language.

Maddy summaryThis bill recognizes Minnesota's historic state flag (described as a blue flag with a central emblem featuring 19 stars, the word "MINNESOTA," and scenes from the Great Seal) and grants all Minnesotans the right to display it. It requires the lieutenant governor to set standards for its display on state property, mandating it be shown during specified holidays and on Capitol grounds during legislative sessions. The bill also allows the historic flag to be displayed on other public property for ceremonial purposes, while requiring it to be placed beneath the official state flag when both are displayed together. It directly affects all Minnesotans who display the flag and government entities managing public property.

Maddy summaryHF 1903 modifies Minnesota's "Safe Place for Newborns" law to clarify and expand where newborns can be safely left anonymously. The bill specifically adds detailed requirements for approved "newborn safety devices" (like secure boxes in hospitals or fire stations), including FDA approval, monthly alarm testing, and 24-hour staffing visibility. It also strengthens protections by stating safe places (hospitals, fire stations, or devices) cannot ask for the parent's identity, call police, or report the parent to authorities if the infant is unharmed. The law grants immunity from criminal or civil liability to staff who follow these procedures in good faith, including those who are mandated reporters under child welfare laws.