Rep. Krista Knudsen

Maddy summaryHF 1331 requires the commissioner of natural resources to conduct an annual statewide survey to estimate Minnesota's wolf population. The survey must cover the entire state - not just historic wolf habitats - and be completed each year. This amendment to Minnesota Statutes section 97B.646 (wolf management) adds this requirement to the existing framework, which already includes a wolf management plan and quarterly mortality reporting. The bill directly affects state wildlife management practices under the Department of Natural Resources.

Maddy summaryHF 65 repeals the state's authority to adopt statewide health education standards for Minnesota public schools and cancels related funding. This bill directly affects public schools, as it removes the requirement for them to implement new statewide health standards (previously planned for implementation), allowing them to continue using locally developed health curricula instead. Key provisions include amending education statutes to clarify that "locally developed academic standards in health apply" without needing state adoption. The bill does not change standards for other subjects like math, science, or language arts, which remain subject to statewide requirements. The effective date for these changes is July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 655 amends Minnesota's child care licensing rules to allow family child care providers to exclude up to two of their own children when calculating licensed capacity. This directly affects home-based child care providers who operate from their residences. The bill requires the Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to update Minnesota Rules (part 9502.0365) to exclude the provider's own children from the capacity count. The change simplifies capacity calculations for these providers without requiring new licensing standards.

Maddy summaryHF 900 establishes the "Constitutional Integrity and Values in Law (CIVIL) Act" for Minnesota counties. It allows counties to pass a resolution designating themselves as "constitutional counties," enabling them to refuse using county resources (funds, staff, property) to enforce any federal law or regulation they believe conflicts with the U.S. Constitution. This bill directly affects county governments by giving them a formal mechanism to opt out of enforcing certain federal requirements. The provisions take effect the day after the bill is enacted. The bill does not change federal law or directly impact residents' daily lives.

Maddy summaryHF 896 amends Minnesota law to permit certain retired law enforcement officers who are authorized to carry firearms to possess them on school property, changing the penalty from a felony to a misdemeanor. It directly affects retired officers with valid firearm authorization, allowing them to carry weapons in schools under specific conditions. The key provision modifies Minnesota Statutes § 609.66, subdivision 1d, to exempt these officers from the general prohibition on firearms in schools (which typically carries felony penalties), while clarifying that such firearms cannot be forfeited. The bill applies to authorized officers on school property but does not override existing rules for active officers or other exceptions. It becomes effective August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 179 provides a refundable sales tax exemption for construction materials purchased by Browerville Public Schools (ISD 787) for specific projects. It covers materials used in renovating the existing K-12 school building and constructing a new gymnasium, classrooms, locker rooms, wrestling/weight room, offices, and stage. Purchases made between December 1, 2023, and January 1, 2026, qualify for this exemption, meaning schools pay the tax upfront but receive a refund from the state. The refund process begins after June 30, 2025, and applies retroactively to purchases made after December 31, 2023. This directly benefits Browerville Public Schools and their contractors by reducing construction costs for these specific projects.

Maddy summaryHF 260 extends an exemption for small employers from Minnesota's Paid Leave Law until January 1, 2028. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to exempt employers with 20 or fewer employees (as calculated under section 268B.14, subdivision 5b) from the law's requirements. This means small businesses in Minnesota will not need to provide paid leave to employees until 2028, while larger employers must comply earlier. The exemption expires on January 1, 2028, after which all employers must adhere to the full Paid Leave Law.

Maddy summaryHF 899 modifies Minnesota's prohibition on American Indian mascots in public schools, effective September 1, 2026. It bans schools from using names, symbols, or images depicting American Indian tribes or traditions as mascots, nicknames, or team names - except for schools on tribal reservations with at least 95% American Indian students. The bill requires non-compliant districts to report progress by specific dates and establishes a $2,026,000 fund to reimburse schools for replacing prohibited mascots on uniforms, signage, and facilities. Schools applying for funding can delay compliance until their request is approved, with funds available until July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryHF 136 increases sentencing for specific crimes committed after unlawful deportation or for transnational crime organizations. It adds five years to the maximum sentence for felonies committed by someone deported for a prior felony, or who left the U.S. while a deportation order was pending (with ten years if the victim is a child under 18). The bill also defines "transnational crime organization" to include groups involved in international drug, human, or weapons trafficking, and imposes additional penalties for crimes committed "for the benefit of" such groups. These changes apply to offenses committed on or after August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 801 limits where crosswalks can be placed near roundabouts in Minnesota. It prohibits local governments from establishing new crosswalks within 100 feet of a roundabout, unless the crosswalk is controlled by traffic signals or existed before the law took effect. Pre-existing crosswalks are exempt until the roundabout or road is reconstructed. The bill directly affects municipalities and transportation authorities managing road infrastructure, aiming to standardize crosswalk placement at roundabouts.