Rep. Katie Jones

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota law enforcement officers from detaining or transporting suspects in vehicles not specifically designed for human transport, such as standard patrol cars. It requires all such vehicles to be owned/leased by a law enforcement agency, clearly marked with the agency's identification, and equipped with seats and seat belts for each person transported. Exceptions apply during emergencies threatening life/safety or for undercover operations. The law directly affects police departments and officers who transport detainees, aiming to standardize safe transport conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 3796 requires Minnesota employers to provide suitable seating (such as chairs, stools, or benches with back support) in reasonable proximity to work areas when the nature of the work reasonably permits sitting. This law directly affects employers in Minnesota who have employees performing tasks where seating would be practical, such as in retail or assembly line roles. Violations are enforced by the commissioner under existing occupational safety laws, with administrative penalties applied as specified in Minnesota Statutes section 182.666. The bill aims to improve workplace safety by ensuring employees have access to appropriate seating during tasks that allow for it.

Maddy summaryHF 1197 requires mining companies seeking permits for nonferrous sulfide ore projects in Minnesota to disclose all environmental violations, fines, or legal actions against them or their key personnel within the past 15 years. The bill prohibits state agencies from conducting environmental reviews or issuing permits to applicants who have been charged, convicted, or fined for environmental violations, bribery, or corruption in that timeframe. This directly affects companies applying for mining permits by blocking approval if they or their leadership have recent environmental compliance issues. The law aims to prevent entities with poor environmental records from obtaining permits for new mining projects.

Maddy summaryHF 3663 provides $1 million in state funding for competitive grants to help large municipalities (with populations over 50,000) streamline compliance with Minnesota's State Energy Code. The grants will support code enforcement officials through training, education, and technology tools, specifically focusing on performance-based energy standards for building efficiency. Municipalities must apply for these one-time grants, which are available until June 2029, and the commissioner must report on grant outcomes to lawmakers by December 2028. This bill directly affects city code enforcement teams in larger urban areas by reducing administrative barriers for energy-efficient building practices.

Maddy summaryHF 3430 imposes new annual registration surcharges on all-electric vehicles ($100 starting in 2027) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles ($50 starting in 2027), replacing previous calculation methods. It also creates a weight-based surcharge for passenger vehicles: 7% for vehicles weighing 5,000-5,999 pounds and 10% for heavier vehicles (6,000+ pounds), applied to existing registration taxes. These surcharges apply to registrations beginning January 1, 2027, and revenue must fund highway maintenance. The bill directly affects owners of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and heavier passenger vehicles through updated registration costs.

Maddy summaryHF 1816 establishes the Office of Animal Protection within Minnesota's Department of Public Safety to address animal cruelty more systematically. The office will coordinate investigations, prosecutions, forensic veterinary services, and public education on animal cruelty, while collecting statewide data on such cases. It also expands Minnesota's definition of "crime of violence" to include animal cruelty offenses. The bill appropriates funding for the office and requires an annual report on its operations to the legislature. This affects state agencies, law enforcement, and communities by creating a centralized approach to animal cruelty prevention and enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Minnesota rebate program to help businesses, nonprofits, government entities, and tribes cover costs for installing geothermal heating systems in commercial or multifamily buildings. Rebates cover up to 15% of system costs (capped at $100,000 per project) for applicants who have applied for or received federal rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act. Priority is given to low-income housing projects owned by nonprofits or government entities. The program is funded through state appropriations from the renewable development account (for utility service areas) and general fund (outside those areas), with funds expiring in 2033.

Maddy summaryHF 3668 establishes an Office of Gun Violence Prevention within Minnesota's Department of Health. The office will coordinate prevention efforts, collect and report statewide data on gun incidents/deaths, conduct research, create public health campaigns, and support victims - working with agencies like Public Safety. It requires an annual report to legislative committees by February 15 each year. The bill appropriates unspecified funding from the general fund for the office's operations in fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 3357 would prohibit the possession of dangerous weapons (including guns, ammunition, or explosives) in Minnesota's Capitol complex buildings, making it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The bill specifically applies to state buildings within the Capitol Area described in chapter 15B, excluding the National Guard Armory. Key exemptions include licensed peace officers on duty, permit holders who notify law enforcement, individuals displaying weapons as evidence with sheriff approval, and retired officers working in security roles under specific federal rules. The law would take effect on August 1, 2026, and directly affects anyone entering Capitol complex buildings, with limited exceptions for authorized personnel and specific lawful activities.

Maddy summaryHF 3625 repeals Minnesota Statutes section 462.357, subdivision 5, which previously established an alternative process for zoning changes in first-class cities (like Minneapolis). This repealed provision required cities to obtain written consent from two-thirds of nearby property owners and a majority city council vote to reclassify residential land to commercial or industrial use. The bill removes this specific requirement, returning zoning amendment procedures for first-class cities to standard processes under local ordinances or home rule charters. The repeal takes effect immediately after enactment.