Rep. Tom Murphy

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's "Read Act" to require literacy instruction based on "science of reading" research, emphasizing evidence-based methods like phonics and decoding while explicitly excluding the three-cueing system. It establishes a new Office of Achievement and Innovation within the Department of Education to support literacy implementation and creates a statewide school performance reporting system. The bill also allows school boards to opt out of complying with certain recently enacted state education laws or rules and authorizes fund transfers for education programs through fiscal year 2029. These changes directly affect all Minnesota public school districts, educators, and students by reshaping literacy instruction requirements and school accountability systems.

Maddy summaryHF 3758 prohibits state and local registrars from issuing replacement birth records that change the sex designation for minors under 18 years old, unless the original record contained an error. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 144.218 and 144.2181 to require that sex changes on birth records for minors can only occur to correct an error in the original recording. This directly affects minors under 18 and their families seeking to update birth records, as registrars must deny requests to change the sex marker except in documented error cases. The law focuses on maintaining the sex designation from the original birth record for minors, with no exceptions for gender identity changes.

Maddy summaryHF 3759 prohibits most changes to the sex designation on birth records in Minnesota, requiring that replacement records match the sex originally recorded. It specifically prevents registrars from issuing new birth records showing a different sex unless the original record contained an error that needs correction. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to clarify that sex changes are only permitted when the original entry was incorrect, not to align with a person's gender identity. This affects individuals seeking to update their birth records and state/local registrars responsible for processing such requests.

Maddy summaryHF 1618 shortens the timeframe for county auditors and the secretary of state to provide voter list copies to registered Minnesota voters from 10 to two business days after a written or electronic request. Registered voters must pay reproduction costs for copies, but public access to voter lists remains free without cost. This amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.091, aims to improve timely access to voter information while maintaining existing restrictions on using voter list data for non-election purposes.

Maddy summaryHF 1617 requires Minnesota election officials to test voting systems at least 10 days before absentee ballots are used. The bill mandates specific testing procedures to verify systems correctly mark ballots (including with assistive technology) and count votes for all candidates and questions, including testing for invalid votes. Public notice of test times must be given 5 days in advance, tests must be observed by two election judges from different major parties, and results must be available for public inspection within 24 hours. This bill directly affects county election officials and ensures transparency in pre-election voting system verification for Minnesota elections.

Maddy summaryHF 1619 amends Minnesota law to improve how voter registration status is maintained. It requires county auditors to post voting history within six weeks ten days after each election, and the secretary of state to change registration status to "inactive" for voters who haven’t voted in four years. This directly affects voters whose status changes, requiring them to re-register before voting in future elections. The bill clarifies that late or rejected mail ballots count for maintaining registration but not for public voting history lists. It ensures voter lists remain accurate by removing inactive voters while maintaining eligibility for those who re-register.

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 summaryHF 3607 requires all retail establishments (businesses selling goods or services to the public) to accept physical U.S. cash (paper money or coins) as payment for transactions. The bill defines "cash" and "retail establishment" to clarify the scope of the requirement. This law takes effect on August 1, 2026, applying to all sales occurring on or after that date. It directly affects businesses that currently decline cash payments, mandating acceptance without exception. The policy change is a straightforward consumer protection measure with no additional mechanisms or exemptions specified.

Maddy summaryHF 1 establishes a centralized Office of Inspector General (OIG) for Minnesota state government, replacing existing agency-specific inspector general offices. The OIG will oversee state spending, require agencies to halt payments when fraud is suspected, and mandate a fraud reporting hotline for employees and contractors. It directly affects all state agencies and recipients of state funds (such as contractors and organizations administering state programs) by requiring them to report suspected fraud and prohibiting retaliation against whistleblowers. The bill also specifies the OIG must coordinate with the legislative auditor and amends statutes related to fraud detection, waste prevention, and oversight.

Maddy summaryHF 3545 repeals a requirement for Minnesota to adopt new residential energy codes with specific efficiency targets. It removes Section 326B.106, subdivision 1(g), which would have mandated the commissioner to adopt updated residential energy codes starting in 2026, aiming for a 70% reduction in energy use by 2038. This repeal eliminates the obligation to implement these incremental code changes and the associated reporting requirements for residential construction. The bill directly affects residential builders, developers, and local building officials who would have been required to comply with future energy code standards. The repeal does not impact existing energy codes or commercial energy code requirements.