Sen. Ron Latz

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how certain firearm permit data is handled in Minnesota. It makes specific information public, including permit revocations/suspensions and details when a permit holder dies by firearm suicide or during police use of force. Sheriffs must delete most permit records annually but must keep records of denied/revoked permits (for six years), voided permits due to legal prohibitions, and death-related cases (for six years after the event). These changes directly affect permit applicants, current permit holders, and law enforcement agencies managing firearm permit records. The bill focuses on data classification and retention rules, not new firearm restrictions.

Maddy summarySF 3661 prohibits the sale and possession of "ghost guns" - unserialized firearms made via 3D printing or lacking serial numbers - and requires all firearms to have unique serial numbers engraved on the frame or receiver. It gives current owners of unserialized firearms 180 days to add a serial number (via a federal licensee), destroy the firearm, remove it from the state, or surrender it to law enforcement. The law specifically targets DIY firearms that evade standard tracking, affecting residents who own such unserialized weapons or unfinished frames. It also bans distribution of 3D-printer firearm design files and requires public safety officials to issue notices about the new rules.

Maddy summaryMinnesota bill SF 3996 requires all public K-12 schools and charter schools to develop evidence-based school safety plans by May 2028. The Minnesota School Safety Center will create a model plan based on research showing effectiveness, review local plans for compliance, and notify schools if their plans don't meet standards. Schools that fail to adopt approved plans must inform parents by August 2028 about the lack of a safety plan. The bill also mandates the center to employ at least two mental health professionals and post annual reports on school safety plan adoption. This law directly affects Minnesota's school districts, requiring concrete changes to safety planning processes.

Maddy summarySF 2228 appropriates $3.5 million from the general fund for Minnesota's violent crime enforcement teams in fiscal year 2026. This one-time funding is directed to the commissioner of public safety to support these teams' operations. The bill does not change existing laws or create new programs, but provides specific financial resources for current enforcement efforts. It directly affects the state's public safety agency and the teams designated to address violent crime.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits corporations and limited liability companies from participating in election activities, including donating money or resources to support or oppose candidates, political parties, or ballot measures. It directly affects business entities incorporated in Minnesota by explicitly removing their legal authority to engage in political spending or influence elections. The law defines election activity as any monetary or in-kind contribution made to aid, promote, or defeat candidates, parties, or ballot questions, and clarifies that such powers are not granted through corporate charters or state statutes. Additionally, the bill establishes that corporate actions taken in violation of this prohibition would be considered unauthorized, though it outlines specific legal procedures for challenging such actions in court.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a one-time emergency rental assistance fund for counties and Tribal governments in Minnesota to help low-income households facing financial hardship after August 31, 2025. The program provides financial support for up to two months of prospective rent and utilities, as well as past-due rent and utility bills, with a maximum cap of five times the median rent per household. Funds are distributed to counties based on population and to Tribal governments equally, with priority given to households including minors, and unspent money must be returned to the state within a specified timeframe.

Maddy summarySF 3805 creates a voluntary tax donation checkoff for Minnesota taxpayers to contribute $1 or more to the Minnesota Victims of Crime Account. It requires tax preparers to notify all individual and corporate clients filing income tax returns or property tax refund claims about this option during tax preparation. Taxpayers can designate the donation directly on their return, with funds added to their tax payment or deducted from their refund. The provision applies to all Minnesota taxpayers filing returns and takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2027. The bill does not mandate donations but provides a new way for taxpayers to support crime victim services.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a one-time emergency rental assistance program for eligible households in Minnesota and provides funding to counties and Tribal governments to administer it. The program targets households earning at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line who experienced financial hardship after August 31, 2025 and face eviction or homelessness risks. Funds can be used for up to two months of rent, utility costs, and related fines, with priority given to families with minors and a cap of five times the median rent per household. Counties and Tribal governments must spend the aid within four months and return any unused funds to the state, while the bill also extends the deadline for correcting delinquent rent payments.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally condemns Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry while reaffirming Minnesota's commitment to religious freedom and inclusion. The bill does not create new laws or change state statutes but instead expresses the Senate's official stance on protecting the Hindu community. It encourages state agencies, schools, and law enforcement to improve their understanding of anti-Hindu bias and include the community in diversity training. As a symbolic measure, the resolution serves to highlight the importance of mutual respect and safety for religious groups within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new public safety radio account in Minnesota's special revenue fund to support communication equipment for emergency responders. It requires that proceeds from the sale of abandoned or stolen property held by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for more than 90 days be deposited into this account instead of the general fund. The money in the account will be used to provide grants to local governments, Tribal entities, and state agencies for purchasing or upgrading interoperable portable and mobile radios for the statewide ARMER public safety radio system. The bill also establishes a requirement for the Department of Public Safety commissioner to submit annual reports on the account's funds and grants awarded by January 15, 2027.