Sen. Clare Oumou Verbeten

Maddy summarySF 3872 adds new protections for research data collected by Minnesota's Department of Public Safety. It explicitly prohibits using this data for non-research purposes and requires it to be handled like other confidential information (e.g., medical or Social Security data). This affects how the department shares data with researchers studying traffic safety, domestic abuse programs, or other public safety topics. The bill clarifies that research data must be kept confidential, aligning with federal definitions of "research" for surveys, focus groups, and program evaluation.

Maddy summarySF 2940 modifies Minnesota's Consumer Data Privacy Act to explicitly classify consumer health data as "sensitive data," requiring stronger protections. This affects Minnesotans whose health information (like diagnoses, treatments, medications, or mental health status) is collected by businesses, and the businesses handling this data. The bill amends specific sections of Minnesota Statutes (325M.11, 325M.12, etc.) to add health data to the list of sensitive data types, mandating additional safeguards for its collection, use, and sharing. These changes align with existing protections for other sensitive data like biometrics under the law. The bill does not introduce new enforcement mechanisms but clarifies that health data requires the same heightened privacy standards as other sensitive categories.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 3771 modifies trespass laws to require law enforcement to obtain a warrant signed by a judicial officer and demonstrate probable cause before entering property for civil immigration enforcement. The bill directly affects Minnesota law enforcement officers and immigration enforcement activities conducted on private property. It prohibits detaining individuals solely based on federal immigration detainers issued by the U.S. government. These changes apply to trespass offenses involving property entry for immigration purposes, requiring judicial oversight instead of relying on federal requests. The bill aims to align state trespass enforcement with constitutional protections for individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota Statutes to remove employee identification numbers from the list of public personnel data that government entities must disclose. It directly affects current and former employees, volunteers, and contractors working for Minnesota government entities, including state agencies, local governments, school districts, and public safety organizations. The key change specifies that employee IDs - distinct from Social Security numbers - are no longer required to be publicly accessible under the state's data practices law. This adjustment aligns with broader privacy protections by limiting the public availability of specific employee identifiers.

Maddy summarySF 3772 bans the sale, use, purchase, and manufacture of orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile (a chemical compound with CAS number 2698-41-1) in Minnesota, which is used in tear gas products. The bill requires the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to provide disposal guidance for existing supplies of this chemical or products containing it. It amends Minnesota Statutes to remove orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile from the list of authorized tear gas compounds, which previously included it alongside substances like chloroacetophenone. The ban applies to all individuals and businesses in Minnesota and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summarySF 3820 would allow Minnesota taxpayers to voluntarily contribute $1 or more to the Minnesota Victims of Crime Account when filing state income taxes or property tax refunds. Tax preparers must provide written notice of this option to all individual and corporate clients during tax preparation, including a designated line for contributions on tax forms. This change affects all Minnesota taxpayers who file income tax returns and tax preparers who handle those returns, requiring them to include the donation notification. The bill adds a new provision (Subd. 5c) to Minnesota tax law, effective for tax years starting in 2028. It does not require contributions but makes the donation option standard for tax preparers.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's law against concealing one's identity in public places. It allows wearing masks or disguises for reasons like weather protection, smoke or harmful fumes, medical treatment, or entertainment - expanding previous exceptions. It specifically exempts law enforcement officers from this rule when: (1) working undercover and anonymity is needed for safety or investigation integrity, or (2) using face masks as part of a tactical team to prevent facial injury. The law directly affects the general public and law enforcement officers during specific official duties.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 3654 bans possession of specific semiautomatic firearms defined as "military-style assault weapons," including models like AR-15s, AK-47s, and Uzis, as well as weapons with features such as folding stocks, pistol grips, or magazines holding more than 10 rounds. The bill defines banned weapons broadly to cover redesigned versions of listed models and firearms meeting certain feature criteria (e.g., detachable magazines, threaded barrels). It directly affects individuals who legally possess these firearms in Minnesota, requiring them to comply with the ban or face criminal penalties. The legislation amends multiple statutes to establish these prohibitions and penalties, focusing on reducing access to weapons classified under this definition.

Maddy summarySF 1836 limits law enforcement authority to issue citations to pedestrians who cross streets during standard green traffic signals (excluding green turn arrows). The bill amends Minnesota traffic laws to clarify that pedestrians facing a green signal (not just a green arrow) may legally cross marked or unmarked crosswalks, and drivers must yield. It specifically prevents citations for pedestrians crossing during these permitted green signal periods, reducing ambiguity in current enforcement practices. This directly affects pedestrians who cross safely during green lights and law enforcement officers who issue traffic citations. The bill does not create new crossing rights but formalizes existing safety expectations under current traffic signal rules.

Maddy summarySF 3539 modifies Minnesota's traffic regulations regarding motor vehicle equipment requirements and registration sticker rules. The bill updates specific statutes (including sections on vehicle safety equipment, speed camera systems, and registration stickers) and repeals outdated provisions related to vehicle equipment and registration. It directly affects vehicle owners and operators by changing compliance standards for vehicle equipment and registration sticker requirements. The bill makes technical adjustments to existing law without creating new programs or funding.