Rep. Krista Knudsen

Maddy summaryHF 1253 modifies Minnesota's absentee ballot procedures for certain voters. It shortens the timeline for mailing absentee ballots from 46 days to 28 days before elections (Minnesota Statutes 2024, § 203B.06, subd. 3) and moves the deadline for returning ballots from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on election day (§ 203B.08, subd. 1). The bill also prohibits correctional facilities from receiving absentee ballots, requiring county auditors to reject applications with correctional facility addresses (§ 203B.06, subd. 2). These changes directly affect absentee voters, election officials managing ballot distribution, and correctional facilities.

Maddy summaryHF 1285 declares Minnesota a "mining-friendly state" by amending Minnesota Statutes section 93.001. The bill establishes a formal state policy supporting mineral exploration, development, production, and commercialization through long-term state support. This policy change directly affects the mining industry, state agencies responsible for mineral regulation, and communities near potential mining sites. It does not create new regulations or funding but sets a guiding principle for future state actions related to mineral development.

Maddy summaryHF 11 delays the implementation of Minnesota's Paid Leave Law from 2026 to 2027, affecting employers, employees, and state agencies responsible for administering the program. The bill amends multiple statute sections to adjust key dates, including the start of employer premium payments (now January 1, 2027) and administrative requirements like public outreach and annual reporting. This one-year delay provides additional time for businesses to prepare for the new paid leave program without changing the law's core requirements. The law's substance - such as premium rates and fund management - remains unchanged, only the rollout timeline is extended.

Maddy summaryHF 1057 modifies Minnesota's definition of "employee" for earned sick and safe time benefits. It explicitly excludes certain workers, including independent contractors, specific emergency service personnel (like volunteer firefighters and ambulance attendants), elected officials, and farm workers under limited conditions. Farm workers are excluded if employed by a small farm (5 or fewer employees) or if their work totals 28 days or less per year. This change directly affects these excluded groups by determining who qualifies for the state's sick and safe time protections.

Maddy summaryHF 877 amends Minnesota's Read Act to define "evidence-based" reading instruction as science-based, explicitly excluding the three-cueing system. It requires school districts to use approved literacy screeners and intervention models, and mandates the Department of Education to develop a literacy plan template and approve evidence-based intervention models by June 2025. The bill also cancels specific appropriations related to Read Act implementation. These changes take effect July 1, 2025, directly affecting Minnesota public schools, educators, and literacy programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1241 repeals Minnesota's Paid Leave Law, which previously provided state-funded family and medical leave benefits. The bill transfers any unspent funds from the family medical leave account to the general state fund, effective July 1, 2025. It specifically repeals all provisions of Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 268B.001 through 268B.30, which governed the paid leave program. This action eliminates the state's paid leave law and redirects unused program funds to the general state budget.

Maddy summaryHF 276 reduces the annual fishing license fee for Minnesota residents aged 65 and older from $25 to $15, directly affecting seniors who purchase fishing licenses. The bill requires the commissioner of natural resources to report annual license sales data for this age group to the commissioner of management and budget. Based on this data, the general fund must transfer money to the game and fish fund each year to cover the lost revenue from the reduced fee. This ensures the state fully offsets the cost of the fee reduction without impacting existing conservation funding. The change takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1260 authorizes special license plates for Minnesota firefighters who are also certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs), advanced EMTs, or paramedics. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of state certification from the Office of Emergency Medical Services, a letter from their fire chief confirming active membership, and own a passenger car, one-ton pickup, or motorcycle. The special plates require an additional fee, must display a distinct emblem, and become invalid if the holder loses either fire department membership or EMT certification. The bill also allows limited plate transfers between qualifying vehicles for a $5 fee and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 764 eliminates the statute of limitations for prosecuting first-degree arson in Minnesota. This means prosecutors can file charges for any first-degree arson offense at any time, regardless of when it occurred. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 628.26 to remove the previous time limit (previously six years for some cases) specifically for violations of section 609.282 related to arson. It directly affects individuals who commit first-degree arson and the state's ability to pursue such cases, with the change applying to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1286 amends Minnesota's vehicle registration tax to provide reduced rates for disabled veterans. It requires the tax on a disabled veteran's vehicle to be lowered to a percentage matching their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating, with only one vehicle per veteran eligible for the reduction. The bill also mandates that the state treasury transfer funds from the general fund to the highway user tax fund each July to cover the tax reductions provided under this provision. This change directly affects disabled veterans who own vehicles in Minnesota and alters how vehicle registration tax proceeds are handled for this specific group.