Rep. Liz Lee

Maddy summaryHF 3074 creates legal rights for transportation network company (TNC) drivers in Minnesota to form and join labor organizations for collective bargaining. It directly affects "active drivers" who completed at least the median number of rides in the most recent two quarters, as defined by the bill. The law establishes a certification process where drivers can designate an exclusive representative (like a union) through the Bureau of Mediation Services, while prohibiting TNCs from controlling or dominating driver representation groups ("company unions"). Drivers gain the right to negotiate terms and conditions of work, including grievance procedures, with TNCs, and the bill defines "lockout" to prevent TNCs from restricting driver access to the platform during disputes.

Maddy summaryHF 2982 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to create a grant for a nonprofit to establish a credit union. The credit union must specifically serve low-income individuals with limited access to traditional banking, offering deposit, loan, and investment services in a culturally appropriate way. It requires the credit union to operate at least one physical location and mandates a report on outcomes to legislative committees by February 15, 2028. This bill directly affects underserved Minnesotans by expanding access to banking services and the nonprofit implementing the credit union. The funding is a one-time appropriation with specific service requirements and reporting obligations.

Maddy summaryHF 2705 modifies Minnesota's sales tax exemption for clothing, limiting the exemption to items priced at $150 or less per item. The bill defines "clothing" broadly to include standard apparel like jackets, shoes, diapers, and swimwear, but explicitly excludes accessories (e.g., handbags, jewelry), sports equipment (e.g., cleats, helmets), and protective gear (e.g., hard hats, safety glasses). It does not exempt items sold separately, such as belt buckles or costume masks, or materials that become part of clothing (e.g., zippers, fabric). The change takes effect for sales after September 30, 2025, directly affecting consumers purchasing clothing above the $150 price point and retailers applying the tax exemption.

Maddy summaryHF 1318 requires all individuals purchasing a firearm in Minnesota to present proof of recent firearm safety training before completing the sale. This training must cover safe handling, storage, legal aspects of possession, and include a shooting qualification, demonstrated through certified courses or recent peace officer employment. Sellers must document the transaction with copies of identification, training proof, and firearm details, retaining these records for ten years and providing them to law enforcement upon request. The law applies to all firearm sales except those involving dealers, law enforcement, estate transfers, antique firearms, or collector-to-collector sales of curios/relics. Violating these requirements constitutes a misdemeanor.

Maddy summaryHF 264, the "Larry R. Hill Medical Reform Act," requires all licensed Minnesota correctional facilities (both public and private) to meet specific medical care standards. The bill amends state law to mandate facilities implement policies covering mental health screening, suicide prevention, medication verification, discharge planning with prescribed medications, telehealth use, and death reviews. These requirements directly affect incarcerated individuals by improving access to consistent medical and mental health care while holding facilities accountable through commissioner inspections. The law aims to standardize care practices without creating new programs, focusing on operational changes to enhance safety and treatment.

Maddy summaryHF 2361 requires local election officials in Minnesota to provide notice when a polling place location changes. It mandates that affected households (with at least one registered voter in the precinct) receive a mailed notice at least 25 days before an election, and that a physical notice be posted at the closed polling place in large print, multiple languages, and visible to drive-through voters. These notices must remain in place until the next presidential election or redistricting occurs. The bill directly affects voters in precincts where polling locations are altered and requires specific notice procedures for all primary and general elections during this period.

Maddy summaryHF 2325 requires Minnesota employers to pay non-exempt employees at least 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for work performed on designated holidays. The bill directly affects hourly workers in Minnesota who are scheduled to work on holidays defined under Minnesota Statutes section 645.44, subdivision 5. It amends existing law (Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 177.25) to add a new provision mandating this overtime pay rate specifically for holiday work. This changes the current standard by explicitly requiring higher pay for holiday shifts, rather than allowing employers to use alternative compensation methods. The bill does not change the definition of "holiday" but specifies the required pay rate when work occurs on those days.

Maddy summaryHF 1936 appropriates $1.25 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1.25 million for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to the Minnesota Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs. The funds will support a statewide youth job skills and career development program focused on early access to education, work-based learning, STEM pathways, career exploration, and first job placement through community partnerships. The program must include career guidance and life skills components, and requires a 25% match from nonstate resources. This is a one-time funding appropriation for a specific youth workforce initiative.

Maddy summaryHF 1299 amends Minnesota law to allow emergency shelter facilities as a permitted use in zoning districts designated for multifamily housing, commercial, or industrial development. It defines an "emergency shelter facility" as one providing safe, sanitary shelter for homeless individuals or families, regardless of operating hours. The bill directly affects homeless shelters seeking to operate in these zoning areas by removing a barrier to their establishment where local zoning already permits such uses. It does not require new construction but ensures shelters can operate in specified zones without needing special permits. The change applies to existing zoning regulations in Minnesota communities.

Maddy summaryHF 2349 creates the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority (RCEA), a new entity with powers to support local economic growth. It also expands the existing Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (RCHRA) to include all the RCEA's development powers, effectively merging their functions under a unified structure. The bill allows Ramsey County's board to appoint commissioners for both authorities, using existing county governance procedures. This directly affects Ramsey County residents and businesses by streamlining economic development efforts through a single coordinated authority. The key change is consolidating and expanding development powers previously held separately under county and housing authorities.