Rep. Katie Jones

Maddy summaryHF 3458 exempts tribal lands in Minnesota from rules that grant electric utilities exclusive rights within their service areas. The bill specifically removes these restrictions within the boundaries of Minnesota's 11 sovereign Indian nations, as defined by state law. This means utilities can provide electric service on tribal lands without needing written consent from other utilities that hold exclusive rights in surrounding areas. The change directly affects the 11 tribal nations and electric utilities operating in the state.

Maddy summaryHF 3434 bans the possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons (like AR-15s and AK-47s) and large-capacity ammunition magazines (holding more than 10 rounds) in Minnesota. It defines these weapons by specific models (e.g., Colt AR-15, Beretta AR-70) or features (folding stocks, pistol grips, threaded barrels). The bill creates criminal penalties for possessing these banned items and amends state law to clarify prohibited firearms and magazines. It directly affects individuals who own or possess these specific weapons or magazines. The law does not cover all semiautomatic firearms but targets models and features associated with military-style weapons.

Maddy summaryHF 1114 appropriates $50 million from the general fund for the GroundBreak Capital Access and Innovation Fund, managed by the Minneapolis Foundation. It establishes three programs: forgivable startup business loans (up to $50,000) for new Minnesota businesses lacking traditional financing, commercial real estate equity enhancements (up to $250,000) for developments under $10 million, and forgivable down payment assistance loans (up to $25,000) for first-time homebuyers in the seven-county metro area meeting income limits. Loans become fully forgiven after 3 years for businesses (with preference for those hiring employees) and 5 years for homeowners, subject to specific conditions like using funds for approved purposes. The bill directly affects Minnesota-based startups, small commercial developers, and low-income homebuyers, particularly targeting underserved communities through eligibility criteria. Funds are allocated over fiscal years 2026-2029 with annual amounts specified.

Maddy summaryHF 2449 prohibits the sale or transfer of specific semiautomatic military-style assault weapons in Minnesota, including models like AK-47s, AR-15s, and Uzis, as well as firearms with certain features (e.g., folding stocks, pistol grips). The bill authorizes a state-funded buyback program for these weapons and appropriates money for implementation. It directly affects owners of the defined firearms, requiring them to stop selling or transferring these weapons and offering a process to return them for compensation. The law amends Minnesota Statutes to establish these prohibitions and buyback mechanisms, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 1335 authorizes Minnesota to issue electronic driver's licenses that comply with national standards (AAMVA and ISO/IEC 18013-5). It affects Minnesota drivers who choose to use electronic credentials and requires the Department of Public Safety (DVS) to develop the system with specific privacy safeguards. Key provisions include mandating secure verification by businesses or law enforcement, prohibiting tracking without consent, and requiring physical licenses to be carried while driving. The bill also allows DVS to charge a separate fee for electronic licenses and sets rules for data handling under existing privacy laws. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 1080 appropriates $25 million from state bond proceeds to fund trail improvements across 52 miles of Hennepin County's regional trail system. The funds will be provided to the Three Rivers Park District to build 10.7 miles of new trails, repair 11.4 miles of existing trails, and extend the life of 30.2 miles of current trails. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $25 million in bonds to cover these costs, following Minnesota's bond issuance procedures. This funding directly benefits Hennepin County residents who use the regional trail network and the Three Rivers Park District as the project recipient.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota House resolution (HF 142) urges Congress to pass federal legislation granting statehood to Washington, D.C. It directly supports D.C. residents, who pay federal taxes but lack voting representation in Congress. The resolution cites D.C.'s population size (689,545 per 2020 census), its 86% referendum approval for statehood in 2016, and its status as the only U.S. capital without voting rights. Minnesota directs its Secretary of State to send copies of this resolution to federal officials and its congressional delegation. The resolution does not create new policy but advocates for Congress to advance existing statehood bills like H.R. 51/S. 51.

Maddy summaryHF 3317 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Minnesota legislature condemning federal executive orders that target immigrants. It does not create new laws but expresses the state's opposition to policies it views as inhumane, urging the president to stop such actions and calling on Minnesota's congressional delegation to oppose these policies. The resolution also recommends federal passage of the Neighbors Not Enemies Act to repeal an outdated law and affirms that all people in Minnesota, regardless of immigration status, deserve due process under U.S. and state constitutions. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies to federal officials as a formal statement of the legislature's position.

Maddy summaryHF 1372 allows Minnesota cities to create designated "social districts" where alcohol purchased at licensed bars or restaurants can be consumed in public areas adjacent to those venues. The bill requires cities to clearly mark district boundaries with signs showing permitted hours, include safety statements on containers (e.g., "Drink Responsibly - Be 21"), and restrict containers to non-glass, 16-ounce sizes with specific labeling. It mandates cities to report on community impact, safety concerns, and operational challenges within 24 months of implementation. This directly affects local governments, licensed businesses, and public safety management in areas where such districts are established.

Maddy summaryHF 2059 requires Minnesota local governments with over 5,000 residents to create automated online platforms for approving residential solar permits. These platforms must instantly issue permits for small solar systems (up to 200-amp capacity on single- or two-family homes) without manual review, processing at least 75% of typical applications. Local governments must submit an initial compliance report within 60 days of adopting the platform and annual reports starting in 2027 detailing permit usage and progress toward the 75% processing goal. The bill directly affects municipal permitting offices and residential solar customers by streamlining the approval process for rooftop solar installations.