Rep. Ben Davis

Maddy summaryHF 802 updates Minnesota's high school math requirements by mandating that students complete three credits of mathematics meeting statewide standards, including algebra, geometry, and statistics by grade 8 to prepare for advanced courses like algebra II or integrated math III. It requires all public high school students to earn three math credits for graduation, with local districts determining how to implement the standards. The bill also adds a new requirement for students starting grade 9 in 2024-2025 or later to complete a personal finance course in grades 10-12, taught by instructors licensed in specific fields. These changes directly affect Minnesota public school students, districts, and educators in math and personal finance instruction.

Maddy summaryHF 1475 abolishes Minnesota's Metropolitan Council and transfers its core responsibilities to other state entities. Specifically, it moves the Council's duties to the commissioners of Administration and Natural Resources, shifts transportation and transit functions to the Department of Transportation, and creates a new metropolitan area sanitary sewer district. The bill also repeals land use planning provisions previously managed by the Council and ends its oversight of the Metropolitan Airports Commission. These changes reorganize regional governance for key services like transportation, environmental management, and sewer infrastructure across the metropolitan area.

Maddy summaryHF 1557 exempts certain hot tubs from Minnesota's public pool regulations. It specifically applies to hot tubs on houseboats rented to the public and hot tubs in single-unit rental properties (like vacation homes) where the tub is for exclusive use by renters. The bill requires these hot tubs to display a clear notice stating: "NOTICE: This spa is exempt from state and local sanitary requirements... USE AT YOUR OWN RISK." This exempts these specific hot tubs from standard public pool sanitation and safety rules under Minnesota Statutes 144.1222, subdivision 2d.

Maddy summaryHF 1495 allows candidates, their representatives, and political parties to observe absentee ballot processing and recounts in Minnesota. The bill specifies that candidates may have one representative present during absentee ballot envelope acceptance/rejection and one additional representative when ballots are opened and counted. During recounts, candidates may have one representative observe ballot sorting and one additional for counting, with all observation occurring in designated public viewing areas. The bill requires election officials to ensure observers do not interfere with ballot handling while maintaining transparency in these specific election procedures.

Maddy summaryHF 1494 requires voters who register on election day to cast provisional ballots instead of regular ballots. This applies to anyone registering in person at their polling place on election day, who must provide proof of residence and complete a registration application with an oath. The bill amends several election statutes to implement this change, including updating provisions about election day registration procedures. It directly affects voters registering for the first time or updating their registration on election day, ensuring their ballots are processed as provisional until verified. The bill makes technical changes to election law to align with this new requirement.

Maddy summaryHF 284 expands background checks for noncitizen applicants seeking a permit to carry firearms in Minnesota. The bill requires sheriffs to conduct an Immigration Alien Query (IAQ) check for noncitizens and mandates applicants to provide their country of birth and alien number. This amendment to Minnesota Statutes § 624.714 specifically modifies the application form requirements and investigation process for noncitizen applicants, adding these new data points and verification steps to the existing criminal record checks. The change directly affects noncitizen applicants by expanding the scope of information collected and verified during the background check process.

Maddy summaryHF 1588 appropriates $6.5 million from the general fund for Minnesota's Community Energy Transition Grant Program in fiscal year 2026. The funds are designated for the commissioner of employment and economic development to administer grants under Minnesota Statutes section 116J.55. This bill directly provides financial resources to local communities and organizations applying for energy transition projects, such as renewable energy installations or efficiency upgrades, without changing program eligibility or requirements. It is a procedural funding measure with no new policy provisions.

Maddy summaryHF 1184 removes burial fees at Minnesota state veterans cemeteries for spouses and dependents of eligible veterans. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 190.19 (subd. 2a) and 197.236 (subd. 9) to eliminate the fee schedule for these individuals and direct funds from the "Support Our Troops" account to cover uncompensated burial costs. It appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to cover these costs, replacing the previous waiver process for indigent applicants. This policy change directly affects veterans' families seeking burial at state cemeteries.

Maddy summaryHF 706 modifies Minnesota's K-12 education tax benefits by increasing the maximum allowable subtraction (reducing taxable income) and credit for families with children in grades K-12. It raises the annual limits to $2,750 per child for grades K-6 and $4,125 for grades 7-12, extends the credit to cover tuition payments, and adds automatic annual inflation adjustments starting in 2025. The bill directly affects Minnesota taxpayers with qualifying K-12 children who claim these education-related tax benefits. These changes take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 1300 prohibits Minnesota's Commissioner of Human Services and Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families from taking away public assistance benefits (like food or cash aid) based on a person's or their dependents' vaccination status. It directly affects individuals receiving benefits, as well as parents, caregivers, or guardians responsible for others' care. The bill amends state law to explicitly state that agencies cannot rescind benefits due to vaccination status for anyone under their care. This is a concrete policy change ensuring vaccination status cannot be used as a reason to deny or cut public assistance.