Rep. Krista Knudsen

Maddy summaryHF 1513 requires Minnesota voters to present a photo ID when registering to vote and when casting a ballot. It creates a new state-issued voter ID card, which can be obtained without fees for vital records needed to verify identity (per Section 3.1-3.3). The bill establishes provisional ballots for voters who lack ID but provide required documentation, and mandates annual reports on ID card usage. These changes take effect June 1, 2026, and apply to all voters participating in Minnesota elections.

Maddy summaryHF 367 authorizes individuals or entities injured by intentional highway obstructions to sue for damages and reasonable attorney fees. It applies to anyone who deliberately interferes with, obstructs, or makes a public highway dangerous for passage (e.g., reckless driving or improper construction). The bill specifies that state agencies or political subdivisions must choose between civil action under this law or criminal prosecution for the same conduct, but cannot pursue both. Exemptions cover emergency responders, utility workers, and others acting within their official duties. The law takes effect August 1, 2025, for causes of action accruing after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 1231 prohibits Minnesota's environmental commissioner from creating rules that apply exclusively to construction and demolition landfills. The bill amends state law to block rules targeting facilities handling only construction debris (like wood, concrete, or shingles) or specific industrial waste from building materials. It directly affects the commissioner's rulemaking authority, requiring any new rules to apply broadly rather than focusing solely on these landfill types. This change ensures regulations for solid waste disposal facilities cannot be limited to a single waste stream.

Maddy summaryHF 802 updates Minnesota's high school math requirements by mandating that students complete three credits of mathematics meeting statewide standards, including algebra, geometry, and statistics by grade 8 to prepare for advanced courses like algebra II or integrated math III. It requires all public high school students to earn three math credits for graduation, with local districts determining how to implement the standards. The bill also adds a new requirement for students starting grade 9 in 2024-2025 or later to complete a personal finance course in grades 10-12, taught by instructors licensed in specific fields. These changes directly affect Minnesota public school students, districts, and educators in math and personal finance instruction.

Maddy summaryHF 1525 allows residents to operate home-based businesses in their homes without needing local permits, as long as the business is "no-impact" (meaning it doesn't increase traffic, parking, or street visibility and stays within residential occupancy limits). Municipalities cannot require permits for these businesses but may set reasonable rules for health, safety, and neighborhood compatibility. The bill does not override existing property restrictions like deed covenants or homeowner association rules, and it prohibits requiring rezoning or fire sprinklers in single-family homes. This law directly affects homeowners and tenants running small home businesses and local governments managing zoning regulations.

Maddy summaryHF 1475 abolishes Minnesota's Metropolitan Council and transfers its core responsibilities to other state entities. Specifically, it moves the Council's duties to the commissioners of Administration and Natural Resources, shifts transportation and transit functions to the Department of Transportation, and creates a new metropolitan area sanitary sewer district. The bill also repeals land use planning provisions previously managed by the Council and ends its oversight of the Metropolitan Airports Commission. These changes reorganize regional governance for key services like transportation, environmental management, and sewer infrastructure across the metropolitan area.

Maddy summaryHF 1259 appropriates $350,000 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund to the Minnesota FFA. The funding directly supports FFA members participating in art- and history-related activities, including creating a history book and video series to commemorate 100 years of FFA work, and covering costs for events like FFA band/choir, talent competitions, and fair displays. Up to $125,000 annually must be used for historical documentation, with remaining funds allocated to other qualifying art and history activities. The commissioner of agriculture will develop grant criteria in consultation with the Minnesota FFA.

Maddy summaryHF 435 requires the Minnesota Commissioner of Corrections to house only biological female inmates at the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Shakopee. It amends statute 243.90 to establish the facility exclusively for biological females committed by courts. Existing inmates who are not biological females must be transferred to another facility within seven days of the bill's enactment. This requirement expires on January 1, 2026. The bill directly affects inmates housed at Shakopee and the commissioner's facility assignment decisions.

Maddy summaryHF 284 expands background checks for noncitizen applicants seeking a permit to carry firearms in Minnesota. The bill requires sheriffs to conduct an Immigration Alien Query (IAQ) check for noncitizens and mandates applicants to provide their country of birth and alien number. This amendment to Minnesota Statutes § 624.714 specifically modifies the application form requirements and investigation process for noncitizen applicants, adding these new data points and verification steps to the existing criminal record checks. The change directly affects noncitizen applicants by expanding the scope of information collected and verified during the background check process.

Maddy summaryHF 1403 appropriates $7.8 million from state bond proceeds to fund the planning, design, and construction of a new gymnasium at Browerville High School. The funds will go directly to Independent School District No. 787 in Browerville, Minnesota, for the project. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds up to $7.8 million to cover this cost, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. This is a direct funding measure for a specific school facility upgrade, not a broader policy change.