Sen. Jeff Howe

Maddy summaryHF 286 allows local governments (such as cities or counties) to conduct criminal background checks on individuals in specific situations, like for certain employment or licensing roles. The bill authorizes these checks under defined circumstances without requiring state-level approval. It becomes effective on August 1, 2025, after receiving gubernatorial approval on May 15, 2025. This change directly affects local government entities and the individuals subject to these background checks.

Maddy summarySF 1075 modifies the exception criteria for window glazing requirements in building codes. It changes the specific conditions under which certain window installations are exempt from standard glazing regulations, directly affecting builders, developers, and property owners who must comply with these construction standards. The bill updates the technical provisions governing these exceptions without altering the core requirements. It became effective on July 1, 2025, following gubernatorial approval on April 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1290 authorizes qualifying locations to display roadside signage indicating the availability of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) on their premises. This bill allows establishments that meet specific criteria to erect signs along roadsides. The purpose is to help people quickly identify and locate AEDs during an emergency.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 3546) prohibits drivers from viewing "dynamic content" (such as videos, live streams, games, or interactive apps) on electronic screens visible while operating a motor vehicle. It directly affects all drivers in Minnesota who use electronic devices or vehicle systems displaying such content while the vehicle is moving. Key exemptions include navigation systems, emergency vehicle operations, closed-circuit visibility aids, and passive displays like maps. The law amends Minnesota Statutes 169.471 and takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 280 would allow most Minnesotans without legal firearm prohibitions to carry handguns openly in public without a permit, effective immediately. It also creates an optional state-issued permit for those who prefer one, requiring applicants to be 21+, complete firearm safety training, pass background checks (excluding specific prohibitions like violent offenses), and submit a standardized application. The law defines "public place" broadly to include most public areas but explicitly excludes private homes, businesses owned by the applicant, gun shops, and hunting areas. This replaces Minnesota's current permit requirement with a "right to carry" framework while maintaining background checks for the optional permit.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally congratulates the University of Minnesota Army ROTC on their first-place victory at the 2025 Sandhurst Military Skills Competition. The bill recognizes the historic achievement of the Golden Gopher Battalion, which became the highest-achieving ROTC team in the program's history by winning the global competition held at West Point. It specifically honors the leadership of Captain Jamieson Barnes, Master Sergeant Ivan Krestyn, and Cadet Charles Frattalone for their distinguished performance. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to create an official copy of the document and send it to the university as a gesture of state appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally congratulates Brice Wolbeck for earning the Eagle Scout rank, the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America. The bill recognizes his completion of all required skills and a specific community service project that built a recreational gaga ball pit for St. Anthony Church. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to create an official copy of the resolution and send it to Wolbeck as a record of this accomplishment. This measure is purely ceremonial and does not change any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHF 1163 clarifies how grant funds for Minnesota's hometown heroes assistance program must be used to support firefighters. The bill directs the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative to provide monetary support for firefighters diagnosed with critical illnesses (like cancer) after August 1, 2021, and to develop a mental health program offering up to five annual therapy sessions with peer support. It also requires annual training for all firefighters on occupational health risks (including cancer, heart disease, and emotional trauma), evidence-based suicide prevention, and wellness strategies. The program directly affects all Minnesota firefighters through these health support services and training.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota legislators' reimbursement rules for travel and living expenses. It creates two new categories based on distance from the Capitol: legislators living more than 50 miles away may receive per diem payments and weekly or daily mileage reimbursement (depending on housing stipend status), while those living 50 miles or closer receive daily mileage and meal stipends during legislative sessions. The bill also updates special session reimbursement limits to cap travel costs at one round trip per week. These changes directly affect all Minnesota state legislators who travel to the Capitol for legislative work. The modifications clarify and adjust existing compensation provisions without changing base pay amounts.

Maddy summarySF 3364 creates a tax subtraction for financial institutions in Minnesota that provide qualifying commercial loans. It allows S corporations (via § 290.0132) and all financial institutions (via § 290.0134) to subtract income from loans meeting three criteria: (1) $5 million or less in value, (2) provided to a Minnesota resident or business, and (3) used primarily for business or agricultural purposes. This change reduces taxable income for participating financial institutions, effective for tax years starting after December 31, 2024. The bill directly affects financial institutions issuing such loans within Minnesota, not the borrowers.