Sen. Jeff Howe

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue up to $11.5 million in bonds to fund renovations for three schools in the Benton Stearns Education District. The funds will be used to update fire safety systems, improve accessibility, upgrade heating and cooling equipment, and modernize classrooms and offices. The commissioner of management and budget is directed to sell these bonds and provide the money to the commissioner of education for distribution to the district. The legislation becomes effective immediately upon final passage by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.75 million from the state general fund to support the development and implementation of a new 911 communication platform. The funds are allocated to the Commissioner of Public Safety, who will grant the money to the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board for the project. The platform is designed to enable 911 centers to share information and coordinate emergency responses across different jurisdictional boundaries in real time. Additionally, the grant allows the recipient to use the money for two years of ongoing maintenance for the system.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's laws regarding fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, specifically updating how deadly force is used during police pursuits and addressing civil liability. It clarifies that officers may use deadly force only when there is an immediate threat of death or great bodily harm to others, and it adds protections for individuals with disabilities who may struggle to understand or comply with officer commands. The legislation also grants peace officers immunity from criminal and civil liability for injuries or property damage caused during authorized pursuit interventions, while holding drivers who flee in multi-wheeled vehicles civilly liable if an intervention technique is used. These changes apply to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySF 3964 requires smoke alarms replacing those in qualifying residential dwelling units (excluding hotels, commercial buildings, and certain fire alarm systems) to use sealed batteries (non-removable for 10 years) and meet national testing standards by August 1, 2027. The law applies whenever smoke alarms are replaced for any reason, including after their 10-year manufacturer lifespan. It updates Minnesota’s State Fire Code to mandate these specific safety features for residential units. Violations would be enforced through existing fire code penalties under Minnesota Statutes, section 299F.011.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits restrictions on displaying specific flags in residential settings. It voids any deed restriction, homeowners association rule, rental agreement, or local ordinance that limits the display of the U.S. flag, Minnesota state flag, POW/MIA flag, U.S. Armed Forces branch flags, or Blue/Gold Star Service flags. The law directly affects homeowners, tenants, and homeowners associations by making such display limitations unenforceable. It applies to all residential property agreements, including HOA documents and rental contracts, regardless of when the restriction was created. The bill takes effect upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for unlawful firearm possession in Minnesota, primarily affecting individuals with prior violent crime convictions and those prohibited from owning certain weapons. It raises the maximum prison sentence for people convicted of violent crimes who possess firearms from 15 to 20 years, and increases penalties for prohibited persons possessing assault weapons or ammunition from five to 15 years in prison. The legislation also makes transferring firearms to prohibited individuals a felony with a maximum sentence of four years instead of two, and increases penalties for dealers and others who violate transfer laws. These changes apply to offenses committed on or after August 1, 2026, and include exceptions for individuals whose firearm rights have been legally restored.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's fencing requirements for farmed deer and elk, requiring all perimeter fences to be at least 96 inches tall and constructed to prevent both animal escapes and entry by wild deer or elk. It mandates that all new or repaired fencing use high-tensile wire and requires facilities to have two redundant gates at entry points. The bill also establishes enforcement measures, including a 14-day repair deadline for fence deficiencies, reinspection fees for violations, and the possibility of revoking facility registration and seizing animals if multiple escapes occur or deficiencies remain uncorrected.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a sales tax exemption for construction materials used on public capital projects funded by state money. It allows contractors and builders to purchase supplies without paying sales tax, with the state collecting the tax first and then refunding it to eligible projects. The exemption applies to projects approved through state appropriations or grants in 2026, covering work done by the state and local governments. The necessary funds for refunds come from the state's general fund, and the policy takes effect for purchases made after June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's North Star Promise scholarship program by adding new eligibility requirements and restrictions. It requires scholarship recipients to sign a contract agreeing to live and work in Minnesota for five years after completing their degree, with the scholarship converting to a loan if they fail to meet this requirement. The bill also limits scholarships to students enrolled in programs leading to jobs in high-demand industries, which the state will review every three years. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions for waiving or deferring the residency and employment requirement under specific circumstances such as pursuing further education, volunteer service, or extreme hardship.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires sellers to remove all emergency vehicle equipment and insignia before selling or transferring public safety vehicles to the public. The law mandates that sellers and auction houses provide a certificate of compliance confirming the removal of lights, sirens, emblems, and other identifying features that could mislead people into thinking the vehicle is an official emergency vehicle. Public safety agencies must also issue this compliance certificate before completing any sale or transfer. Violators face civil penalties of up to $2,500 and may be held liable for damages caused by the vehicle's use in crimes. The bill exempts vehicles sold for collection or display purposes if they are registered as collector items and not used for general transportation.