Rep. Krista Knudsen

Maddy summaryHF 29 suspends the scheduled 2030-2031 review of Minnesota's social studies academic standards and repeals requirements for schools to include ethnic studies content in their curriculum. It also cancels funding allocated for ethnic studies programs. The bill modifies existing education statutes by removing mandates for schools to integrate ethnic studies or Indigenous education into social studies standards, effectively eliminating these curriculum components. This directly affects Minnesota public schools and students by removing specific educational content requirements and associated funding. The changes take effect upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 3251 eliminates the requirement for a license to sell copper scrap metal in Minnesota. The bill repeals Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 325E.21, subdivision 2c, which previously mandated the license. This change means sellers of copper scrap metal no longer need to obtain or maintain a separate license. The bill directly affects copper scrap metal sellers and scrap metal dealers, who no longer need to verify a copper-specific license for transactions. The repeal removes the existing licensing requirement without introducing new rules for copper sales.

Maddy summaryHF 1894 delays the implementation of new payment rates for family residential services and life sharing services until January 1, 2029 (or federal approval, whichever is later). It establishes an Advisory Task Force on Family Residential Services to evaluate proposed rate changes and their impact on providers, including adult family foster care agencies and recipients. The Task Force, composed of providers, agency representatives, and service recipients, must analyze multiple rate models and provide case studies and median rate estimates before issuing a report. The bill also appropriates funds for the Task Force’s work and requires the Department of Human Services to provide necessary data and support.

Maddy summaryHF 15, the "Safe Haven In Every Local District (SHIELD) Act," requires all Minnesota public school districts and charter schools to include specific student and staff safety measures in their long-term facility plans by August 2025. The bill creates new grants to fund comprehensive security systems, including features like bullet-resistant doors, emergency alert systems, and staff training, with priority given to schools serving the most students. School districts must apply for these grants through the Minnesota School Safety Center, which will rank applicants and provide lists of approved vendors. The law appropriates funds from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to support these security upgrades and plan updates.

Maddy summaryHF 1052 modifies Minnesota's student discipline laws to protect younger students. It prohibits school dismissals (including suspensions) for preschool/pre-K programs and kindergarten through grade 3 students, limiting K-3 dismissals to no more than three school days. The bill requires schools to first use alternative disciplinary approaches and provide educational services before considering dismissal, and mandates districts to track student progress during any dismissal period. These changes apply to all Minnesota public schools and take effect July 1, 2025. The bill repeals outdated sections related to student discipline (121A.425 subd. 2 and 121A.611).

Maddy summaryHF 129 requires the Director of the state's child sex trafficking prevention program to submit an annual evaluation report to the legislature every odd-numbered year. This directly affects the state's child trafficking prevention program and the legislature, which will receive these evaluations for review. The key provision mandates these regular reports to assess the program's effectiveness, with the first report due in 2027. The bill became law on April 30, 2025, and takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1346 modifies the training requirements for mandatory reporters, such as teachers, healthcare workers, and social workers, who are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. The bill updates current training standards to better equip these professionals with necessary knowledge and procedures. This change directly affects individuals in these roles who must complete the mandated training. The law became effective on August 1, 2025, following its approval by the governor on April 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 2897 would provide free angling (fishing), deer hunting, and small game hunting licenses to Minnesota residents aged 70 or older. The bill amends state law to require license issuers to provide these licenses without fees to eligible seniors. Specifically, it creates a permanent angling license and annual licenses for deer (by firearm or archery) and small game. Proof of age can be shown using a driver's license or Minnesota ID card at any license agent location.

Maddy summaryHF 417 modifies Minnesota's individual income tax code to exclude tips (gratuities paid to employees) from taxable income. This change directly affects service industry workers, such as restaurant staff, who receive tips as part of their earnings. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 290.0132 by adding a new provision stating that tip amounts are a subtraction from taxable income, meaning these earnings will not be subject to state income tax. The provision takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 766 amends Minnesota Statutes section 609.2231 to increase penalties for assaulting police officers during lawful duties. It elevates simple physical assaults on peace officers to a gross misdemeanor felony (with up to 2 years in jail or $4,000 fine), and makes assaults causing bodily harm or involving bodily fluids/feces a felony (up to 3 years or $6,000 fine). The bill directly affects individuals who physically assault officers while they are performing official duties, as defined under Minnesota law. It becomes effective August 1, 2025, applying to offenses committed on or after that date. The change specifically modifies existing penalty levels without altering the definition of assault.