Sen. Ron Latz

Maddy summarySF 1171 increases Minnesota's state rail safety inspector workforce from six to ten positions. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 219.015, to adjust how railroad companies are assessed for funding: the assessment now covers costs for up to ten inspectors (including salaries, training, and equipment), rather than the previous six. This change directly affects railroad companies classified as Class I or II carriers operating in Minnesota, requiring them to pay higher annual assessments to support the expanded program. The bill updates the funding mechanism to reflect the increased staffing level without altering the core inspection authority outlined in section 218.041.

Maddy summarySF 1151 appropriates $400,000 from the state's general fund for a grant to FilmNorth, a nonprofit organization focused on Minnesota's film industry. The grant will fund statewide plans, programs, and resources to support film industry growth through career-connected learning, workforce development, and business development. It specifically emphasizes improving access and support for people from marginalized and rural communities. The funding is allocated for the 2026 fiscal year.

Maddy summarySF 258 prohibits restaurants in Minnesota from charging any surcharge except for tips (as defined in Minnesota law) or government-imposed taxes. This bill directly affects restaurants, which would no longer be allowed to add extra fees for services like credit card processing or "convenience" charges. The key provision states that only gratuities or mandatory taxes can be added to customer bills, with violations subject to penalties under existing law. The bill aims to prevent restaurants from passing on operational costs to customers through non-tip surcharges.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's laws regarding fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle. It adds a new offense (subdivision 3a) for drivers who flee police while operating their vehicle with "culpable negligence," creating an unreasonable risk of death or serious injury to others. The new provision carries the same penalties as the existing fleeing offense: up to 3 years in prison or a $5,000 fine, or both. The changes affect drivers convicted of reckless fleeing that endangers others, with license revocation rules also updated to reflect these modifications. The bill takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million in state bond proceeds to fund two community hubs in Hopkins, Minnesota. The funds will cover predesign, construction, and equipping of buildings in Oakes Park (off Blake Road and Lake Street) and Valley Park (South Hopkins) for recreational, educational, civic, and public use. The hubs will also provide emergency shelter during extreme weather, power outages, or other crises. The state will issue bonds up to $10 million to cover this appropriation, with the money directed to the city of Hopkins through the commissioner of employment and economic development.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides supplemental funding to the Minnesota judiciary, public safety agencies, and corrections system for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. It authorizes specific projects, such as the construction of a new jail and criminal justice center in Anoka County, and allocates money for various programs including victim services, restorative justice, and civil legal aid. The legislation also amends numerous existing statutes to update laws related to crime victims, protective orders, and data privacy while repealing older sections of the state code.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota laws to protect the privacy of judges and other judicial officials by classifying their personal information as private data. It specifically safeguards details such as residential addresses, contact information, and the names of their children or the schools they attend from being posted online by businesses, government entities, or individuals. While the law generally prohibits making this information available on the internet, it includes exceptions for news reporting, information voluntarily shared by the officials themselves, or data requested by the officials. Additionally, the legislation establishes a process allowing judicial officials to request the removal of their personal information if it has already been posted online.

Maddy summaryThis omnibus bill amends various Minnesota statutes to update laws related to the judiciary, public safety, and law enforcement. It requires the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training to designate agencies for investigating complaints and mandates that a peace officer's sense of smell alone cannot justify searching a vehicle or its occupants. Additionally, the bill establishes new reporting requirements for law enforcement use of force incidents resulting in serious injury or death, including monthly filings to the state and annual summaries to legislative committees. It also mandates independent investigations by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension when an officer's use of force leads to a death, with findings made public within six months if no criminal charges are filed.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides supplemental funding to Minnesota's judiciary and public safety agencies for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years. The money is allocated to specific areas such as court cyber security, courthouse safety improvements, and increased pay for psychological examiners and court interpreters. Additionally, the legislation authorizes one-time grants for psychological services and establishes a competitive grant program to enhance security at courthouses. By amending state statutes, the bill also sets up reporting requirements and adjusts existing appropriation levels to support these operational needs.