Rep. Ben Davis

Maddy summaryHF 1285 declares Minnesota a "mining-friendly state" by amending Minnesota Statutes section 93.001. The bill establishes a formal state policy supporting mineral exploration, development, production, and commercialization through long-term state support. This policy change directly affects the mining industry, state agencies responsible for mineral regulation, and communities near potential mining sites. It does not create new regulations or funding but sets a guiding principle for future state actions related to mineral development.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's requirements for noncompliant driver's licenses and identification cards (issued to applicants using foreign documents). It requires the state Department of Public Safety to collect specific data about foreign documents used (country of origin, document type, and prior submissions), while prohibiting the sharing of immigration status data - such as documents proving citizenship or legal presence - with federal immigration enforcement agencies. The bill classifies immigration status data as private and restricts its sharing only to specific purposes, like improving voter registration accuracy, jury selection, or processing certain federal immigration forms. It directly affects applicants seeking noncompliant licenses and state agencies handling license applications.

Maddy summaryHF 1241 repeals Minnesota's Paid Leave Law, which previously provided state-funded family and medical leave benefits. The bill transfers any unspent funds from the family medical leave account to the general state fund, effective July 1, 2025. It specifically repeals all provisions of Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 268B.001 through 268B.30, which governed the paid leave program. This action eliminates the state's paid leave law and redirects unused program funds to the general state budget.

Maddy summaryHF 1283 amends Minnesota law to treat a veteran's original or certified DD214 discharge papers as legally equivalent to a permit to carry a firearm. This bill directly affects veterans (defined under Minnesota Statute 197.447) who wish to carry a pistol in locations requiring a permit. Under the bill, veterans no longer need to apply for a permit, pay fees, or complete firearm safety training to carry a pistol; they simply must carry their DD214. All other existing laws governing firearm permits and carry remain applicable. The bill takes effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 1260 authorizes special license plates for Minnesota firefighters who are also certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs), advanced EMTs, or paramedics. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of state certification from the Office of Emergency Medical Services, a letter from their fire chief confirming active membership, and own a passenger car, one-ton pickup, or motorcycle. The special plates require an additional fee, must display a distinct emblem, and become invalid if the holder loses either fire department membership or EMT certification. The bill also allows limited plate transfers between qualifying vehicles for a $5 fee and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 764 eliminates the statute of limitations for prosecuting first-degree arson in Minnesota. This means prosecutors can file charges for any first-degree arson offense at any time, regardless of when it occurred. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 628.26 to remove the previous time limit (previously six years for some cases) specifically for violations of section 609.282 related to arson. It directly affects individuals who commit first-degree arson and the state's ability to pursue such cases, with the change applying to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 3 requires Minnesota's legislative auditor to annually report to the legislature by February 1 on whether state agencies have implemented audit recommendations from the prior five years. The bill mandates that agencies' commissioners must also submit detailed reports by September 1 each year, specifically itemizing unaddressed recommendations and explaining why they weren't implemented. This directly affects all state agencies subject to legislative auditor reviews and their commissioners, who must now document progress on audit findings. The law creates a structured process for tracking accountability without altering agency funding or creating new programs.

Maddy summaryHF 893 clarifies and strengthens Minnesota's self-defense laws by eliminating the requirement to retreat before using force when defending one's home or person. It expands the definition of "dwelling" to include occupied vehicles, porches, decks, and adjacent structures, and creates a legal presumption that someone entering a dwelling by stealth or force poses an imminent threat. The bill allows individuals to use deadly force without retreating in certain situations, such as when preventing a forcible felony or imminent harm to themselves or others. This directly affects Minnesotans using self-defense, particularly in home or vehicle defense scenarios.

Maddy summaryHF 898 withdraws Minnesota from the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, a multi-state agreement that would have awarded the state's presidential electors based on the national popular vote. The bill amends Minnesota election law to revert to the state's existing method for selecting presidential electors: candidates are nominated by party conventions and elected based on congressional district and statewide vote totals, rather than the national popular vote. This change directly affects how Minnesota's 10 presidential electors are chosen in future elections. The bill repeals Minnesota Statutes sections 208.051 and 208.052, which had implemented the compact.

Maddy summaryHF 10 prohibits Minnesota state-funded financial assistance, including health coverage and college scholarships, for undocumented noncitizens. The bill explicitly excludes undocumented noncitizens (defined as those residing without U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approval) from MinnesotaCare (state health insurance) and the North Star Promise scholarship program. It amends state statutes to require that these programs deny eligibility to individuals without lawful immigration status. The policy change takes effect upon final enactment, with scholarship eligibility applying to awards beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.