Rep. Cal Warwas

Maddy summaryHF 24 amends Minnesota Statutes section 145.423 to require that infants born alive during an abortion be immediately recognized as human persons under the law and receive medical care. The bill mandates that medical personnel take "all reasonable measures consistent with good medical practice" to preserve the life and health of such infants, including compiling appropriate medical records. It directly affects healthcare providers performing abortions in Minnesota by establishing specific medical care obligations for infants born alive. The proposed changes would have taken effect the day after enactment, though the bill was not passed.

Maddy summaryHF 2363 grants residents of long-term care facilities in Minnesota the right to have one designated support person (such as a family member, partner, or close friend) physically present with them while receiving care. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 144.651 and 144G.91, requiring facilities to allow this support person unless restricted for medical reasons (like during surgery) or if the person poses a safety threat. Facilities must follow internal grievance procedures if a support person is denied. This directly affects long-term care residents and facilities, ensuring they can choose a comfort person without facility interference, except in specific safety or clinical circumstances.

Maddy summaryHF 169 replaces Minnesota's previous tiered tax on gambling with a flat 8.5% tax on all lawful gambling receipts (minus prizes paid). This bill directly affects gambling organizations operating in Minnesota, including casinos, racetracks, and bingo halls. The key change eliminates the old "combined net receipts tax" system - which taxed profits at progressive rates based on revenue levels - and substitutes a simpler flat-rate calculation. The new tax takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all gambling except paper pull-tabs, tipboards, electronic bingo, and specific exempt games.

Maddy summaryHF 2364 establishes "Donate Life" special license plates in Minnesota. Vehicle owners who pay a $25 annual contribution to the organ and tissue donation account (in addition to standard plate fees) can obtain these plates, which must display a standard donation logo and "Donate Life" inscription. Funds collected through this contribution are deposited into a dedicated account and used to cover administrative costs, with remaining funds distributed to LifeSource, a nonprofit focused on organ donation activities like registry maintenance and public education. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, for new plates issued on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 1225 eliminates all-terrain vehicle (ATV) registration fees for Minnesota veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. It amends Minnesota Statutes to exempt these veterans from paying the standard $60 (public use) or $6 (private use) three-year registration fee, instead providing free registration. Veterans must provide proof of their 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or military retirement board. This change directly affects qualifying veterans who own ATVs, removing a financial burden tied to vehicle registration. The policy modifies existing fee structures under Minnesota Statutes § 84.922, subdivision 5.

Maddy summaryHF 2294 appropriates $2 million from the arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 to fund renovations and exhibit upgrades at the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth. The bill directly provides funding to the Hall of Fame for physical facility improvements and updated exhibits. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no policy changes beyond the specified financial support. The legislation authorizes the commissioner of administration to distribute the grant to the Hall of Fame for these specific purposes. The bill does not affect other entities or create new regulations.

Maddy summaryHF 279 appropriates $752,000 from the natural resources fund for specific all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trail projects in St. Louis County and $200,000 for a route study in Duluth. The St. Louis County funds will support four local club projects - including engineering, construction, and right-of-way acquisition for trails managed by the Alborn Dirt Devils, Ranger Snowmobile/ATV, Twig Area Trail Riders, and Quad Cities ATV clubs. The Duluth study aims to establish connectivity for ATV routes in the western part of the city. All funds are one-time appropriations available until June 30, 2028.

Maddy summaryHF 1997 appropriates $25,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $25,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide a grant to Fishing with Vets, a nonprofit organization. The grant funds guided fishing trips for veterans across Minnesota, directly benefiting veterans seeking recreational therapy. The bill requires the commissioner of veterans affairs to submit annual reports by January 15 detailing how the grant money was spent, including any administrative costs, to legislative committees and the Legislative Reference Library. Fishing with Vets must provide necessary information to support these reports.

Maddy summaryHF 2269 delays the enforcement of penalties for Minnesota employers who fail to provide required notices about the state's Paid Leave Law. The bill postpones the start date when employers face fines ($50 per employee for first violations, $300 for repeat violations) for not complying with notice requirements under Minnesota Statutes §268B.26. These requirements include posting workplace notices in multiple languages and providing written information to employees in their primary language about paid leave benefits, premium deductions, and claim procedures. The delay gives employers additional time to meet these notice obligations before penalties become active.

Maddy summaryHF 281 appropriates $380,000 for the Voyageur Country ATV Trail system and $175,000 for the Prospectors Loop Trail system in St. Louis County. The funds, from the natural resources fund, are for one-time use on trail design, right-of-way acquisition, permitting, and construction through June 2028. This bill directly affects St. Louis County by providing targeted funding for specific ATV trail projects.