Rep. Leigh Finke

Maddy summaryHF 1377 appropriates $1.75 million annually (2026-2027) for matching grants, $350,000 annually for equipment grants, and $1 million annually for block grants to Minnesota public television stations. The bill directs the commissioner of administration to allocate these funds based on recommendations from the Minnesota Public Television Association. It directly affects public television stations eligible under Minnesota Statutes, section 129D.13, by providing dedicated state funding for operational support and equipment. The funding is sourced from the general fund and applies specifically to fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 2452 prohibits businesses from using artificial intelligence to automatically adjust product prices in real time based on factors like market demand, competitor pricing, inventory levels, or customer behavior. This directly affects retailers and online sellers that currently use AI-driven dynamic pricing systems. The bill defines "artificial intelligence" broadly and makes it illegal for any person to use such systems to set or change prices dynamically. Enforcement would be handled by the Minnesota Attorney General under existing consumer protection laws.

Maddy summaryHF 2546 appropriates state funds to Interfaith Action for renovating and expanding shelter space to better serve homeless families in Minnesota. The grant money, drawn from the general fund, must be used for child-friendly areas, trauma-informed facility designs, and on-site support services. This funding is available until the project is completed or discontinued. The bill directly affects homeless families seeking shelter and Interfaith Action, which will manage the physical improvements. The legislation is a concrete funding allocation for housing services, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHF 2564 requires lenders to pause monthly payments for victims when property (like a phone or vehicle) is seized as evidence in a crime. Lenders must stop billing until the property is returned to the victim, and cannot report missed payments to credit agencies during the seizure. Victims must provide law enforcement documentation verifying the property was seized. This protects crime victims from credit damage and ongoing billing while their property is held as evidence.

Maddy summaryHF 2591 establishes a new fifth tax bracket for Minnesota individual income tax, targeting high earners to replace revenue lost from federal Medicaid funding changes. The bill amends tax law to create a top income bracket (applying to income over $1.667 million for married couples filing jointly) with a rate set by the commissioner of revenue. This rate must be calculated to generate revenue equal to the amount of federal Medicaid funds Minnesota lost, as certified by the commissioner of management and budget. The new tax rate applies to taxable years 2026 and 2027, affecting only taxpayers in the highest income bracket.

Maddy summaryHF 695 requires venues hosting public events (like concerts or festivals) to provide attendees with free access to drinkable water during events. Specifically, venues must offer one of three options: provide free bottled water, allow guests to bring their own bottled water, or let guests fill empty bottles with water on-site. The bill directly affects "places of entertainment" as defined in Minnesota law, including theaters, sports arenas, and event spaces. It creates a clear, practical requirement for water access without mandating specific infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHF 2460 amends Minnesota insurance law to require insurers to provide 60 days' notice before canceling or declining a new policy (under 60 days old) for nonpayment or declining, and before midterm cancellations for reasons listed in statute or per policy terms. This extends the current notice periods from 20 days (for new policies) and 30 days (for midterm cancellations) to 60 days. The bill directly affects individual insurance policyholders in Minnesota who receive cancellation notices. The change ensures policyholders have more time to address issues like payment or coverage before their insurance ends.

Maddy summaryHF 2478 appropriates $750,000 from the workforce development fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $750,000 for fiscal year 2027 to provide a one-time grant to Project for Pride in Living (PPL). The funds are specifically designated for PPL to deliver job training and workforce development services targeting unemployed or underemployed individuals. This bill directly supports PPL's programming and the people it serves through these targeted services. The appropriation is a one-time funding measure, not a recurring budget item.

Maddy summaryHF 2368 appropriates $4.5 million from the general fund for a one-time grant to the YMCA of the North in St. Paul. The funds will finance the design, construction, furnishing, and equipment for a Child and Family Wellbeing Center of Excellence in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood. This bill directly affects the YMCA of the North as the grant recipient and benefits local families through the new facility. The appropriation is for fiscal year 2026 and is available until project completion, per Minnesota Statutes.

Maddy summaryHF 2195 proposes adding a new constitutional section to Minnesota's state constitution, specifically stating "Marriage is a fundamental right and shall not be restricted based on gender or race" (Sec. 18). If approved by voters, this amendment would prohibit legal restrictions on marriage based on gender or race. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, with potential implementation starting January 1, 2027, if ratified. This bill directly affects marriage rights and legal protections for all Minnesotans, requiring voter approval rather than legislative passage alone.