Rep. Cal Warwas

Maddy summaryHF 7 modifies multiple public safety laws in Minnesota. It requires law enforcement agencies to make bail/bond information public and mandates county attorneys to publicly report reasons for dismissing charges. The bill establishes mandatory minimum sentences for certain sex trafficking offenses and requires individuals subject to stays in sexual conduct cases to register as predatory offenders. It also increases penalties for assaulting police officers, obstructing highway/airport traffic, and expands law enforcement's use of tracking devices on fleeing vehicles. These changes apply directly to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and individuals involved in criminal cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the expiration date for certain mining-related funds allocated to the city of Eveleth from their original deadline to March 30, 2030. It directly affects the city of Eveleth by allowing it to continue using specific funds designated for iron range resources and rehabilitation that were previously set to expire earlier. The legislation modifies the timeline established in the 2024 state budget to provide additional time for the city to utilize these financial resources. The change takes effect immediately upon final passage of the bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that increased funding for water infrastructure grants in Minnesota applies to all projects with grant agreements established on or after September 1, 2024. It ensures that the maximum grant amount specified in the 2025 First Special Session legislation is available to eligible water infrastructure projects meeting this timeline requirement. The law takes effect the day after it is enacted, providing immediate clarity for municipalities and organizations seeking funding for water system improvements.

Maddy summaryThis bill would provide free hunting and fishing licenses to Minnesota residents aged 65 and older. Under the new provision, eligible residents would receive a free permanent angling license and annual licenses for deer and small game without paying any fees. The law states that a driver's license or state ID card is sufficient proof of age and residency to obtain these licenses at any licensing agent location. This change directly affects senior citizens who wish to participate in hunting and fishing activities in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of special Distinguished Flying Cross license plates in Minnesota for recipients of that military award. It allows qualified veterans to apply for these plates when renewing their vehicle registration, with the design featuring the medal and the phrase "DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS." The plates are provided free of charge, including replacement for damaged plates, and can be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same person without additional fees. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027, for plates issued on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of up to $4 million in state bonds to fund infrastructure improvements in the city of Virginia, Minnesota. The funds will be used for the design and reconstruction of 6th Avenue, including upgrades to water, sewer, and stormwater systems to support redevelopment of a decommissioned steam plant site. The money will be distributed through a grant to the city of Virginia from the bond proceeds fund. The legislation takes effect the day after it is enacted.

Maddy summaryHF 21 would require a three-fifths supermajority vote in both the Minnesota House and Senate to extend a peacetime emergency declaration beyond 14 days. Currently, such extensions beyond 14 days could be approved by the Executive Council, but this bill would shift that authority to the legislature. The bill directly affects governors seeking to prolong emergency powers and the legislative process for reviewing those requests. It does not change the initial 14-day emergency declaration period or the governor's authority to declare emergencies under existing criteria. Note: This bill was introduced but not passed during the 2025 legislative session.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $6 million for fiscal year 2024 and $8 million for fiscal year 2027 from the trunk highway fund to expand U.S. Highway 169 in Itasca County. The funding covers planning, design, environmental work, and engineering for converting a two-lane segment between Taconite and Pengilly into a four-lane divided highway. The $6 million appropriation, originally set to expire in 2027, is extended to June 30, 2029. This directly affects residents and travelers along this specific corridor by advancing infrastructure improvements for safety and capacity.

Maddy summaryHF 3677 requires that any trail receiving state grants-in-aid (under specific sections of Minnesota law) must be formally designated for nonmotorized use (like hiking or biking) to allow that use. Local governments managing these state-funded trails must follow the same process used for designating motorized use to permit nonmotorized access. If no such designation exists, the trail is closed to nonmotorized users, though exceptions include motorized wheelchairs and electric-assisted bicycles. This bill directly affects local trail managers and the public who use state-funded trails for nonmotorized recreation.

Maddy summaryHF 1301 authorizes hunters with a Federal Aviation Administration remote pilot certificate to use small drones to locate and recover deceased big game (like deer or elk) after hunting, effective January 1, 2027. It amends Minnesota Statutes § 97B.115 to permit this drone use while maintaining the existing ban on remote-controlled hunting. The bill requires the Commissioner of Natural Resources to submit a report by January 1, 2026, with recommendations on licensing, insurance, equipment rules, property rights protections, and potential fees for implementing the drone program. This directly affects hunters, wildlife managers, and landowners in Minnesota. The bill focuses on practical logistics for drone-assisted game recovery, not on changing hunting regulations.