Rep. Leigh Finke

Maddy summaryHF 3433 bans the possession of specific semiautomatic firearms designated as "military-style assault weapons," including models like AK-47s, AR-15s, and weapons with features such as folding stocks or pistol grips. The bill defines banned weapons to cover both listed models (e.g., Colt AR-15) and similar firearms with minor modifications like enhanced magazines or barrel attachments. It amends Minnesota statutes to impose criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment, for violating the possession ban. This law directly affects individuals who own these specific firearms, requiring them to comply with the new restrictions.

Maddy summaryHF 3402 bans the possession, manufacture, import, and transfer of large-capacity ammunition magazines in Minnesota. It defines these as feeding devices holding more than ten rounds (with exceptions for permanently modified devices, .22 caliber tubes, and lever-action tubular magazines). The law takes effect July 1, 2026, requiring current owners to surrender, modify, permanently alter, or remove their magazines by July 1, 2027. Violations carry felony penalties of up to five years in prison or $25,000 in fines. Law enforcement, military personnel, and licensed dealers are exempt under specific conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 2998 establishes a legal process for terminally ill Minnesota adults with a prognosis of six months or less to obtain medication for medical aid in dying. It requires two physician confirmations (an attending provider and a consulting provider), a mental health evaluation by a licensed consultant to confirm capacity, and mandates that patients self-administer the medication. The law prohibits providers from directly administering the medication and classifies related patient data as confidential. Violations of the process could result in criminal penalties, while providers following the law are granted immunity.

Maddy summaryHF 2149, the Consumer Grocery Pricing Fairness Act, prohibits large grocery suppliers from offering different terms of sale (like price, discounts, or payment terms) to retailers purchasing the same volume of covered goods. It applies specifically to suppliers with over $6 billion in annual sales to retailers and dominant retailers with over $18 billion in annual sales across 20+ states. The law targets grocery items (excluding gasoline, prescription drugs, tobacco, and alcohol) and requires suppliers to offer identical per-unit terms to all comparable retailers. Violations could result in civil penalties, aiming to ensure fair pricing practices in Minnesota's grocery market.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state of Minnesota to issue up to $95 million in bonds to fund road and utility infrastructure improvements at the Sears site in St. Paul. The funds will support construction of sanitary sewer and clean water systems, public utilities, streets, sidewalks, lighting, and streetscape improvements needed to prepare the area for future development. The legislation also defines the Sears site boundaries and establishes the legal framework for managing bond proceeds, including provisions for environmental remediation and demolition of existing structures. This measure is designed to provide necessary infrastructure support for the redevelopment of the former Sears property.

Maddy summaryHF 3258 repeals two Minnesota statutes (3.226 and 16C.053) that previously prohibited state agencies and the legislature from entering contracts with vendors who discriminate against Israel or businesses operating in Israel. The bill removes the requirement to avoid such vendors, allowing state government to contract with any vendor regardless of their position on Israel-related business practices. This change applies to new contracts published or entered on or after the effective date, which is the day after enactment. The repeal affects all state procurement decisions involving vendors, eliminating the prior restrictions and exemptions for small contracts.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota bill establishes rules for artificial intelligence chatbots, requiring companies to clearly inform users they are interacting with an AI system and prohibiting chatbots from providing advice on medical, mental health, or legal matters without proper licensing. The legislation creates a legal cause of action allowing users to sue chatbot owners for damages if the AI provides unlicensed professional advice or causes harm, particularly in cases where companion chatbots encourage or enable self-harm. Companies deploying chatbots in Minnesota must display clear warnings in the same language and font size as the chatbot interface, and those operating companion chatbots must take reasonable steps to prevent self-harm while providing crisis support resources when risks are detected. The law defines specific terms like "companion chatbot" and "human-like" interaction to clarify which AI systems fall under these new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $11 million for fiscal year 2026 and $11 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to support senior nutrition programs under Minnesota Statutes §256.9752. It directly provides funding for existing programs that serve older Minnesotans, such as meal delivery and congregate dining services. The bill does not change program rules but ensures dedicated state funding for these services over two fiscal years. The funding will help maintain access to nutrition support for seniors, particularly those with limited income or mobility.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides funding for Minnesota's Board of Public Defense, which supports public defenders representing low-income individuals who cannot afford legal representation. The legislation appropriates $6.9 million for fiscal year 2026 and $13.7 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state's general fund, with an additional base funding of $183.529 million starting in fiscal year 2028. These funds are intended to supplement existing appropriations and ensure continued financial support for the public defense system. The bill takes effect immediately upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal claim in Minnesota allowing property owners to sue for trespass caused by airborne biological or chemical substances like pesticides and pollutants. It defines these substances as "intangible particulate matter" and states that liability arises when such matter interferes with a landowner's right to exclusive possession of their property. If a court finds a violation, it can award damages up to $100 per day of trespass, plus additional penalties or court orders to stop the contamination. The law applies to any person who causes these airborne substances to enter another person's land.