Rep. Ben Davis

Maddy summaryHF 899 modifies Minnesota's prohibition on American Indian mascots in public schools, effective September 1, 2026. It bans schools from using names, symbols, or images depicting American Indian tribes or traditions as mascots, nicknames, or team names - except for schools on tribal reservations with at least 95% American Indian students. The bill requires non-compliant districts to report progress by specific dates and establishes a $2,026,000 fund to reimburse schools for replacing prohibited mascots on uniforms, signage, and facilities. Schools applying for funding can delay compliance until their request is approved, with funds available until July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies and expands Minnesota's self-defense laws by removing the requirement to retreat before using force to protect oneself or one's home. It specifically eliminates the "duty to retreat" outside the home, broadens the definition of "dwelling" to include vehicles and adjacent areas like porches or decks, and creates a legal presumption that force was justified when someone enters a dwelling or occupied vehicle by stealth or force. The law applies directly to Minnesotans defending their homes, vehicles, or occupants against unlawful entry or threats, and extends protections to individuals defending others in these spaces. These changes codify existing common law principles into statute while removing restrictions on defensive force in specified scenarios.

Maddy summaryHF 892 allows Minnesota parents to opt their children out of school face covering requirements without needing to provide a reason or health documentation. It applies to all public school districts and charter schools that require face coverings on school premises. Schools must permit the opt-out upon parent notification and cannot discipline students or treat them differently for this choice. The law takes effect the day after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryHF 894 amends Minnesota law to explicitly exclude undocumented noncitizens from eligibility for MinnesotaCare, the state's health insurance program. The bill defines "undocumented noncitizens" as individuals residing in the U.S. without approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This change directly affects noncitizens without legal immigration status who previously qualified for MinnesotaCare, while maintaining eligibility for U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawfully present noncitizens under existing rules. The amendment takes effect the day after final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 636 removes the requirement for a permit to carry a firearm in public places for eligible Minnesotans, while creating an optional permit system. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 624.714 to state that anyone not prohibited by state or federal law (and at least 21 years old) may carry a firearm without a permit in public places - defined as government-owned property or private property open to the public, excluding homes, businesses, gun shops, and hunting areas. An optional permit, which requires proof of pistol safety training and background checks for disqualifying offenses, remains available for those who choose it. This change directly affects eligible residents who currently need permits to carry firearms in public, eliminating that barrier while preserving the option for a permit.

Maddy summaryHF 786 clarifies and expands Minnesota's self-defense laws. It eliminates the common law requirement to retreat before using force in self-defense outside the home, broadens the definition of "dwelling" to include occupied vehicles and adjacent areas like porches or decks, and creates a legal presumption that a person using force against an intruder entering their dwelling or vehicle had a reasonable belief of imminent danger. The bill directly affects Minnesotans using force in self-defense, extending protections to those defending their occupied vehicles similarly to their homes. It amends Minnesota Statutes § 609.065 to codify these changes.

Maddy summaryHF 564 prohibits public school libraries from containing pornographic material and bans sexually explicit content in public elementary school libraries. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes by adding a new section requiring these restrictions. It directly affects all public school libraries across Minnesota, with stricter rules applying specifically to elementary schools. The law creates a clear policy change by defining and banning specific material types in these educational settings.

Maddy summaryHF 784 amends Minnesota law to require school districts to allow home-schooled students who meet state requirements (under sections 120A.22 and 120A.24) to participate in extracurricular activities on the same basis as public school students. The bill specifically directs school boards to permit these students to join activities like sports, clubs, and music programs without additional restrictions. It defines extracurricular activities as non-credit, non-graduation-required events typically held outside school hours, with content guided by students under adult supervision. The change applies to all Minnesota public school districts and ensures home-schooled students have equal access to these opportunities. This policy update modifies Minnesota Statutes section 123B.49, subdivision 4.

Maddy summaryHF 637 clarifies that election judges in Minnesota are not considered employees of the local government body (like a county) that appoints them. The bill specifically prohibits appointing authorities from requiring election judges to meet employment conditions unrelated to their election duties, such as background checks or training typically required for permanent staff. This directly affects election judges and local election officials who appoint them. The bill amends Minnesota law to prevent local governments from imposing unnecessary employment rules on temporary election judges.

Maddy summaryHF 705 clarifies Minnesota's self-defense laws by eliminating the legal requirement to retreat before using force outside one's home. It expands the definition of "dwelling" to include occupied vehicles and their surrounding areas, and creates a legal presumption that a person entering a dwelling or vehicle by stealth or force poses an imminent threat. The bill allows Minnesotans to use deadly force without retreating if they reasonably believe it's necessary to prevent imminent serious harm or death, including in their home or vehicle. It specifically codifies these protections under Minnesota Statutes § 609.065, removing ambiguity around self-defense claims. This directly affects residents using force in self-defense scenarios, particularly in home or vehicle settings.