Sen. Jeff Howe

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Minnesota State Fire Code to include mandatory security systems in schools to protect students from armed attacks. It directs the state fire commissioner to develop specific rules during a rulemaking process that would cover measures like bullet-resistant doors, ballistic wall panels, remote lock-down systems, and emergency access for first responders. The legislation also mandates training for school staff on emergency protocols and includes requirements for electronic access controls and classroom duress alarms. This change directly affects all public and private schools in Minnesota by establishing a comprehensive, multilayered security framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Minnesota Secure Choice retirement program by updating definitions and operational requirements for employers and employees. It expands the program's annual reporting requirements to include details on financial performance, program expenses, participation statistics, and potential impacts on social safety net programs. The legislation clarifies which workers are excluded from automatic enrollment, such as those under 18, federal employees, and temporary workers hired for less than 180 days, while allowing some temporary workers to opt into the program. Additionally, the bill establishes specific enrollment windows for new employees and defines a 30-day waiting period for program participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $50 million from the Minnesota Forward Fund to support the construction and operation of a nanoparticle iron nitride permanent magnet manufacturing facility. The funds are intended to match existing federal money available through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 and will be managed by the commissioner of employment and economic development. Up to two percent of the appropriation may be used for administrative costs, and any unspent money will be returned to the general fund by June 30, 2030. The legislation is designed to promote economic development by establishing this specific manufacturing capability in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes liability limits for injuries or deaths related to inherent risks of motorized recreational vehicle activities in Minnesota. It applies to participants and organizers of events involving off-highway vehicles, snowmobiles, golf carts, motorcycles, and similar vehicles used in recreational, competitive, or instructional settings. The law states that participants cannot sue organizers for negligence when injuries result from normal risks like terrain hazards, collisions, or operator error, provided warning signs are posted at activity sites. However, liability is not limited if the injury was caused by gross negligence, intentional harm, or if organizers provided dangerously defective vehicles or equipment.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's HF 3241 modifies rules about electronic displays in vehicles by prohibiting drivers from viewing "dynamic content" (like moving videos, games, or interactive apps) on screens visible while operating a vehicle. It directly affects drivers using electronic devices or vehicle systems that show such content while the vehicle is in motion. Key exceptions include navigation systems, emergency vehicle operations, rearview cameras for visibility, and passive displays (like a phone showing a static map). The law, effective August 1, 2025, aims to reduce distractions by limiting non-essential screen use during driving.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program rules to tighten asset and income verification requirements for applicants. It requires households to attest to their financial resources, debt, and recent payment delays, while excluding up to two licensed vehicles and $20,000 in assets from resource limits. The legislation also mandates work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents at the federal maximum and establishes a verification schedule that increases scrutiny based on an applicant's disclosed asset amount. County agencies would verify written asset attestations for current recipients, with higher verification rates for those reporting more assets, and must refer applicants with disclosed debt to financial assistance resources. The bill would take effect on January 1, 2027, or upon federal approval, whichever comes later.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the licensing fee for nonmotorized watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, sailboards, paddleboards, paddleboats, and rowing shells that are over ten feet in length. It directly affects Minnesota residents and visitors who own or use these types of watercraft for recreation. The key provision removes the $23 fee that was previously required for these specific watercraft, while maintaining fees for motorized boats and other licensed watercraft. The bill also adjusts related surcharges for aquatic invasive species control to reflect the removal of the nonmotorized watercraft fee. This change applies to all watercraft licensed under the relevant Minnesota statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows homeowners to use their private residential swimming pools for certified swimming lessons when a paying guest is enrolled in a one-on-one class taught by a certified instructor. The legislation permits up to four people in the pool at once during these sessions, creating an exception to existing rules that typically restrict private pool use to non-commercial activities. By adding new definitions for certified swimming classes and instructors, the bill clarifies which organizations and programs qualify under this provision. The change directly affects homeowners who wish to conduct paid swimming lessons in their private pools and the organizations offering certified swim instruction.

Maddy summarySF 3735 increases penalties for impersonating a peace officer in Minnesota. It raises the base offense from a misdemeanor to a felony (up to 2 years in prison or $4,000 fine), with higher penalties for specific acts like entering restricted buildings, directing others, or operating a vehicle marked to look like police. The bill also adds enhanced penalties for possessing a firearm while impersonating an officer (up to 10 years) or committing another crime while impersonating (e.g., a misdemeanor becomes a gross misdemeanor). It requires anyone impersonating an officer to identify their agency, name, and ID number upon request. This bill directly affects individuals falsely posing as law enforcement officers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's paid leave laws to clarify that employers who report suspected fraud by employees or applicants are not considered to be retaliating against them. It applies to employers who report fraud to the state commissioner or law enforcement regarding paid leave benefits. The law protects employers who make good faith fraud reports from retaliation claims, but it treats intentionally false reports as retaliatory actions. This change takes effect immediately upon final passage of the legislation.