Rep. Leigh Finke

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 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 2779 requires Minnesota health care entities - including hospitals, clinics, insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, and provider organizations - to report ownership and control details to the commissioner of health annually. These entities must disclose information about their ownership structure, and the commissioner will publish a public report each year summarizing this data. The bill also establishes enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance, with funding appropriated to support these requirements. This law aims to increase transparency about who owns and controls health care organizations operating in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 1012 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Natural Resources to evaluate decommissioning off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails or roads when presented with evidence of significant environmental harm, supported by a petition signed by at least 50 local residents or property owners. The bill prohibits new or expanded OHV trails within 200 feet of waters supporting aquatic life or 150 feet from other public waters, and mandates an environmental assessment worksheet before constructing or expanding such trails. It also protects land, water quality, aquatic life, and wildlife by restricting trail placement near sensitive areas and requiring updated rules for OHV trail management. These changes directly affect OHV trail users, land managers, and environmental resources across Minnesota's public lands.

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 3344 creates a new "LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights" in Minnesota. It directly affects residents of long-term care facilities, home care clients, and home and community-based services recipients who are LGBTQIA2S+ or living with HIV. Key provisions require facilities to provide staff training in LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV cultural competency, prohibit specific discriminatory acts (like forcing clothing against gender identity or refusing chosen names/pronouns), mandate clear notices of residents' rights, and allow civil lawsuits if rights are violated. The bill appropriates funds to support these changes, aiming to prevent discrimination in care settings.

Maddy summaryHF 3339 reinstates a citizen advisory board for Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which was eliminated by the legislature in 2015. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to require the governor to appoint eight citizen members who must reflect the state's racial, gender, and geographic diversity, including at least one Tribal Nation member, three members from environmental justice communities, one small farmer, and one labor union member. This board will review specific agency decisions - such as permits, environmental impact statements, and rule changes - and provide public input on environmental policies. The change directly affects how the MPCA makes decisions, adding a layer of public oversight previously removed.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (not a bill with policy changes), passed by the Minnesota House. It urges Congress to exercise its constitutional authority to oversee the Executive branch and defend the Constitution. The resolution specifically cites concerns about the Executive branch allegedly bypassing courts, impounding funds, and infringing on free speech, and asks Congress to "assert its constitutional oversight authority." It directs Minnesota's Secretary of State to send copies to Congress and Minnesota's federal representatives.

Maddy summaryHF 3325 modifies Minnesota's public data access rules by adding a fee waiver for certain requests. It requires state agencies to evaluate requests where data concerns government operations/activities for potential fee waivers, considering factors like whether the data relates to government functions. The bill specifies that agencies must document fees charged for commercial data and provide justification. This directly affects citizens and organizations seeking government records, particularly those requesting data about government operations. The key change streamlines access by allowing fee waivers under defined criteria, reducing costs for qualifying requests.