Sen. Mark Koran

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase penalties for misconduct by public officers and employees in Minnesota. It directly affects government officials who fail to perform required duties, exceed their authority, unlawfully harm others, or knowingly submit false official documents. The legislation would classify these actions as felonies with potential prison sentences of up to one year for first offenses and up to five years for repeat offenses, along with fines ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The changes would take effect on August 1, 2026, and apply to crimes committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 2488) shortens the timeframe for Minnesota election officials to provide voter list copies to registered voters. It amends state law to require county auditors and the secretary of state to deliver requested voter lists within **two business days** (previously 10 days) upon receiving a written or electronic request with payment for reproduction costs. The bill directly affects registered Minnesota voters seeking voter list access and election officials responsible for fulfilling these requests. It also maintains existing provisions allowing free public inspection of voter lists and prohibits using voter list information for non-election purposes. The change aims to improve the speed and efficiency of accessing voter data for eligible individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota election officials to test voting systems at least ten days before absentee ballots are used. It mandates specific testing procedures to verify systems correctly mark and count all ballot types - including those using assistive technology - and reject invalid votes. The tests must be observed by election judges from different parties, open to the public, and include pre-audited ballots with predetermined results. After testing, detailed precinct reports must be made publicly available within 24 hours. The bill directly affects election officials managing voting systems in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 2490) amends Minnesota Statutes section 201.171 to improve how voter registration status is updated based on voting history. It requires county auditors to post voting history within 52 days after each election, and the secretary of state to automatically mark voters as "inactive" in the statewide system if they haven’t voted in four consecutive years. Voters marked inactive must re-register to vote in future elections, but late/rejected mail ballots still count toward maintaining active status (though not for public voting history lists). The change directly affects Minnesota registered voters whose voting patterns lead to inactive status under the updated process.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands access to public voter information lists in Minnesota by allowing national chairs of major political parties to request copies, in addition to registered voters. Under the new provisions, county auditors and the secretary of state must provide these lists electronically or in other media within five business days of receiving a complete request with payment, while also making copies available for free public inspection. The bill maintains existing restrictions prohibiting the use of list information for purposes unrelated to elections, political activities, or law enforcement. This change takes effect immediately upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts paid on-call firefighters from Minnesota's Paid Leave Law, meaning these workers would not be required to participate in the state's paid leave program. The legislation directly affects firefighters who are paid to respond to emergencies but are not actively on duty at all times. By adding paid on-call firefighters to the list of excluded employment categories, the bill removes them from the definition of covered employment under the existing paid leave statute. This change ensures that these specific firefighters are not subject to the same leave requirements and employer obligations as other employees covered by the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires election judges who assist voters outside polling places to handle only one voted ballot at a time. It directly affects election judges helping voters who cannot enter polling locations due to mobility issues. The key provision adds a new requirement to existing election assistance procedures, ensuring judges manage ballots sequentially rather than simultaneously. This change applies specifically to voters who vote from their vehicles and receive help from two election judges from different political parties. The legislation amends Minnesota Statutes section 204C.15 to include this operational guideline for ballot handling.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows voters in Minnesota to briefly leave a polling place to address unexpected needs, such as restroom use or medical emergencies, with approval from the head election judge. Under the new provision, voters who are granted permission must leave their original ballot at the polling station, which is then spoiled, and receive a new ballot upon their return. The law specifically applies to individuals who have already received a ballot or whose ballot was rejected, ensuring they can complete their vote without being permanently barred from returning. Election judges retain full discretion in deciding whether to permit a voter's temporary departure based on the demonstrated need.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's public information list requirements for registered voters, directly affecting county auditors, election officials, and individuals who access voter data. It updates the list to include voters' dates of birth while explicitly prohibiting the inclusion of Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other sensitive identifiers. The legislation also strengthens restrictions on how individuals can use the information, banning online publication of voter data and requiring written identification and usage statements before accessing the list. Additionally, it allows voters to request removal of their names from the public list for safety reasons.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires voters in Minnesota who register on election day without a driver's license, state ID, or Social Security number to cast provisional ballots instead of regular ballots. It affects individuals who use alternative forms of identification, such as student fee statements or vouching from registered voters or residential facility employees, to prove their residence on election day. The legislation clarifies that these voters must complete additional paperwork and swear to their eligibility before their votes can be counted, while also expanding the definition of residential facilities where employees can vouch for residents. Additionally, the bill allows counties, school districts, and municipalities to require election judges to initial completed registration applications for added verification.