Sen. Eric Lucero

Maddy summarySF 715 authorizes Minnesota to establish a third-party testing program for driver's license knowledge, road, and skills exams. It allows deputy registrars to appoint private testers to administer these exams, setting maximum fees of $5 for knowledge tests and $30 for road/skills tests. The bill directly affects applicants seeking driver's licenses by expanding testing options beyond state-run locations, while maintaining existing content requirements for the exams (like traffic laws and vision tests).

Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 695 requires most physical retailers in the state to accept U.S. currency (like paper bills) for in-person purchases. It applies to stores selling goods or services directly to customers at their location, with exceptions for transactions requiring credit card deposits, specific prepaid card conversions (with strict conditions), and banking/credit union transactions. Retailers who refuse cash face penalties up to $250 per violation. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and does not impact online sales or payment methods like credit cards for standard transactions.

Maddy summarySF 699 prohibits commercial vehicles (like trucks and buses) from driving in the left lane on multi-lane highways in Minnesota, except when overtaking another vehicle or moving over for other traffic. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.18, by adding a new subdivision requiring commercial vehicles to stay in the right lane. Violating this rule is classified as a petty misdemeanor. The law directly affects commercial drivers operating on Minnesota highways with multiple lanes.

Maddy summarySF 726 repeals a provision that allowed Minnesota cities and counties to implement rent control on private residential properties if approved by voters through a general election. The bill removes this exception from state law, making it illegal for local governments to adopt rent control ordinances or charter amendments - regardless of voter approval - under Minnesota Statutes 471.9996. This change takes effect retroactively from November 1, 2021, meaning any rent control measures enacted after that date under the repealed exception are now void. The bill directly affects all cities and counties that previously sought voter approval for rent control policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's custody and parenting time laws by establishing a rebuttable presumption that joint legal and physical custody is in a child's best interest, unless domestic abuse has occurred between parents. The law requires courts to assume joint custody is appropriate unless evidence shows domestic abuse (as defined in section 518B.01) that affects the child's safety. It does not change the list of factors courts must consider but shifts the default presumption toward joint custody arrangements. The bill directly affects parents involved in custody disputes and judges making custody determinations under Minnesota law.

Maddy summarySF 701 requires Minnesota electric utilities to obtain written consent from property owners before installing "smart meter gateway devices" on homes or businesses. These devices, defined as systems that control or monitor home appliances via the meter, cannot be installed without explicit owner agreement. Utilities must provide a clear, 12-point bold consent form stating the option is voluntary and explaining the device's function. Additionally, utilities must disclose if such devices are already installed and allow removal upon written request.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows vehicle owners to pay a reduced registration tax for vehicles not used on public roads after their registration expires. It calculates the tax as a proportional amount (based on the remaining months in the 12-month registration period) of the full annual tax. Owners must certify in writing that the vehicle was not operated during the unused period. This directly affects Minnesota vehicle owners with expired registrations who choose to keep unused vehicles parked.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota courts to explicitly consider allegations of domestic abuse or child abuse when making decisions about child custody, parenting time, and divorce proceedings. It adds specific factors to the "best interests of the child" analysis, mandating courts evaluate the nature, context, and safety implications of any abuse history in the household. The bill also requires courts to appoint guardians ad litem (child advocates) with specialized training in domestic and child abuse when abuse is alleged. These changes directly affect parents in custody disputes, courts handling such cases, and child advocates appointed in abuse-related proceedings. The policy shifts focus to prioritizing child safety and well-being when abuse allegations are present.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Minnesota's law against unauthorized computer access to cover accessing an unsecured computer containing personal data, not just bypassing security systems. It directly affects individuals who access personal data on unsecured computers without authorization, such as through public Wi-Fi networks or unsecured devices. The key change adds a new clause (subd.1(3)) to the statute, making it illegal to access such data without permission, while maintaining existing penalties for more severe violations. The law takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 712 removes the permit requirement for Minnesotans to carry firearms openly in most public places, while creating an optional permit system. The bill allows law-abiding residents (not prohibited by state or federal law) to carry firearms without a permit in public spaces like parks or streets, with exceptions for homes, businesses, gun shops, and hunting areas. It establishes an optional permit process requiring pistol training, being 21+ years old, passing background checks, and submitting a standardized application. This directly affects residents seeking to carry firearms openly, changing Minnesota Statutes 624.714 to eliminate mandatory permits while offering a voluntary permit option.