Sen. Jeff Howe

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the requirement for Minnesotans to retreat before using reasonable force to defend themselves or others from imminent harm. It directly affects individuals facing immediate threats by changing Minnesota Statutes § 609.06, which now states that a person may use reasonable force under certain circumstances (like resisting an offense against themselves) without needing to retreat first. The key provision removes the "duty to retreat" standard from the legal definition of self-defense. The amendment takes effect August 1, 2025, applying to acts committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies health insurance coverage rules for peace officers and firefighters receiving duty disability benefits. It requires employers to provide health insurance for the officer or firefighter and their dependents for three years (or until age 65, whichever comes first), and prohibits these individuals from waiving their right to continued coverage as part of any settlement. The bill also limits attorney fees in related disputes. These provisions directly affect disabled public safety personnel who qualify for duty disability benefits and their employers.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally congratulates Hunter Wenderski for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in the Boy Scouts of America. The document recognizes his specific contributions, including a community service project that involved planting trees, clearing brush, and restoring a local monument at Lower Spunk Lake. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to create an official copy of the resolution, authenticate it, and send it directly to Wenderski as a gesture of appreciation. This measure is a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a law that creates new rules or changes policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $150,000 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund for the city of Little Falls to support the "Dreams Take Flight" celebration. The event commemorates 100 years since Charles Lindbergh (a Minnesota native) completed the first solo transatlantic flight. The funds will directly support the city's planning and execution of this historical aviation-themed celebration. The bill contains no policy changes - only a specific funding allocation for a commemorative event.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 30 is a ceremonial measure that congratulates the Albany High School boys basketball team for winning the 2025 State High School Class AA championship. The resolution acknowledges the team's perfect 32-0 season and their victory over the Waseca Blue Jays in the final game. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to create an official copy of the resolution and send it to the school principal. This bill does not change any laws or policies; it is purely a formal expression of recognition for the athletes' achievement.

Maddy summarySF 3359 makes it a crime to protest directly in front of or near someone's home (not a business), unless the protest is part of a peaceful public assembly about topics of general interest. It defines this as a misdemeanor, but increases the penalty to a gross misdemeanor if the person has a prior conviction under this law or is violating a court order like a protection order or restraining order related to harassment. The law applies only to protests at residential dwellings and does not restrict peaceful protests about public meetings held on property commonly used for such discussions. It becomes effective August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a 5-cent tax per kilowatt-hour on electric vehicle charging at public charging stations (for-profit, metered locations) starting October 1, 2025. It directly affects charging station operators, who must collect and remit the tax monthly to the state. Revenue from the tax is split equally between the highway user tax fund and the transportation advancement account. The tax does not apply to charging at private residences, legacy chargers (until 2032), or stations under 50 kW capacity. It repeals a separate $75 annual surcharge for electric vehicles.

Maddy summarySF 3323 amends Minnesota law to clarify rules for organizations operating lawful gambling (like nonprofits running raffles or bingo). It requires the gambling board to approve fund loss requests due to theft of cash, inventory, or prizes if the organization reports to police and files the request properly. The bill also prevents the board from denying requests solely based on an organization having filed two or more requests within 12 months, and prohibits requiring reimbursement from nongambling funds for theft-related losses. This directly affects gambling organizations seeking to recover losses from theft.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally congratulates Benjamin Nordmann for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in the Boy Scouts of America. The document highlights his specific accomplishment of raising $1,410 through a garage sale to support the Tri-County Humane Society. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare an official copy of the resolution for delivery to Nordmann. This measure serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of his community service and does not alter any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's rules for driver's license and ID card photographs, allowing certain individuals to wear head coverings in their photos without compromising identification. It applies specifically to people who have lost hair due to illness or injury, or who require continuous medical head coverage (like bandages) for health reasons. Applicants must provide a physician's statement confirming the medical need, that removal of the covering is not permitted, and whether the condition is temporary or permanent. If the condition is temporary, a new photo is required at license renewal. The change ensures photo requirements remain accommodating for medical needs while maintaining clear facial identification.