Rep. Krista Knudsen

Maddy summaryHF 1463 appropriates $25 million annually (fiscal years 2026-2027) from the general fund for Minnesota town roads and $10 million annually for town bridges. The funds will be distributed under existing rules in Minnesota Statutes section 162.081 to support local road and bridge maintenance programs. This bill directly affects Minnesota's town road and bridge systems by providing dedicated state funding for upkeep. It does not create new policies or alter current distribution methods, only allocating existing budget resources.

Maddy summaryHF 1864 requires state agencies or entities using state funds to buy land (acquiring property "in fee") to obtain two specific approvals before proceeding: (1) formal approval from the Minnesota legislature during a regular session, and (2) approval from the county board of commissioners where the land is located. If the land spans multiple counties, approval from every affected county board is required. This bill directly affects state agencies, universities, or other public entities that use state money to purchase land. It creates a mandatory review process to ensure both state legislative and local county oversight for such acquisitions.

Maddy summaryHF 17 amends Minnesota's handgun permit law to create lifetime permits for carrying concealed handguns, replacing the previous temporary permits. It also reduces the application fee for these permits, capping it at $100 or the actual processing cost (whichever is lower), with $10 of each fee deposited into the general fund. The bill maintains existing requirements, including proof of firearm safety training (via certified courses or peace officer employment) and in-person application submissions with specific documents like training certificates and photo ID. This directly affects Minnesotans seeking or renewing concealed carry permits, streamlining the process by eliminating renewal fees and duration limits.

Maddy summaryHF 415 would allow Minnesota taxpayers to subtract their overtime pay from taxable income when filing state income taxes. It specifically covers wages, salaries, tips, and other compensation earned for hours worked beyond the standard workweek under Minnesota or federal law. This change reduces taxable income for eligible workers, potentially lowering their state tax burden. The provision takes effect for tax returns filed in 2025 and later.

Maddy summaryHF 376 repeals Minnesota Rules parts 7023.0150 through 7023.0300, which implemented vehicle emission standards based on California's regulations. This bill directly affects vehicle manufacturers and dealers in Minnesota by removing requirements for low-emission and zero-emission vehicles that were adopted under these rules. The repealed rules incorporated California's standards for emissions, including definitions for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and transition requirements. The bill effectively eliminates Minnesota's specific implementation of these vehicle emissions standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's renewable energy standards by expanding which hydroelectric projects count toward clean energy goals (including facilities over 100 megawatts if operating since 2023). It allows electric utilities to request delays in meeting renewable, solar, or carbon-free energy requirements if the commission determines it serves the public interest, considering factors like cost impacts and system reliability. The bill also expands sales tax exemptions for residential heating fuels and electricity, and prohibits demolition of fossil-fuel power plants under specific conditions. Additional provisions include supporting carbon capture technology and removing barriers to new nuclear power plants.

Maddy summaryHF 72 prohibits entities or organizations receiving state funding from making campaign expenditures or spending money on political activities. It directly affects nonprofits and other groups that receive state funds through direct appropriations, competitive grants, or other legislatively named funding programs. The law bans using any state-funded money for political purposes, including supporting candidates or ballot measures, effective July 1, 2025. This policy change aims to separate public funds from political campaign activities.

Maddy summaryHF 1523 exempts certain agricultural workers from Minnesota's Paid Leave Law. Specifically, it excludes workers employed by a farmer, family farm, or family farm corporation who either work for a farm with five or fewer total employees, or work on the farm for 28 days or fewer each year. This amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 268B.01, directly affects small-scale farm workers who meet these criteria. The bill clarifies that these workers are not covered by the state's paid leave requirements, while other agricultural workers remain subject to the law.

Maddy summaryHF 1542 changes Minnesota's earned sick and safe time law by making employer participation optional. Currently, certain employers must provide these benefits; this bill amends Minnesota Statutes § 181.9445 to allow employers to choose whether to offer sick time benefits. The key change removes the mandatory requirement, shifting it to a permissive standard under which employers decide whether to participate. This directly affects Minnesota employers who currently must provide sick time under the law, giving them flexibility to opt out. The bill does not alter eligibility for employees who remain covered if their employer chooses to participate.

Maddy summaryHF 1590 establishes mandatory minimum prison sentences for individuals who maliciously punish children, specifically targeting cases involving severe physical injury. It affects parents, legal guardians, or caretakers who cause substantial or great bodily harm to children, with penalties increasing based on the child's age (under 4) and the injury's severity. For example, causing head/neck injuries to a child under 4 mandates at least one year in prison, while causing great bodily harm requires a minimum two-year sentence. The bill amends Minnesota Statute 609.377 and takes effect August 1, 2025.