Sen. Jesse James

Maddy summarySB 519 prohibits unauthorized drone operation over school property, including public, private, and tribal schools, as defined in the bill. Exceptions allow drone use with school board authorization or for specific law enforcement purposes like search/rescue operations, locating escaped prisoners, or preventing imminent danger. Violations carry a $5,000 penalty, and law enforcement must seize drone footage related to violations for transfer to the appropriate agency. The bill directly affects drone operators near schools and clarifies enforcement procedures for such incidents.

Maddy summarySB 373 limits health insurance plans' use of prior authorization for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and chiropractic care. It prohibits requiring prior approval for the first 12 visits per condition (or 90 days for chronic pain management at up to twice weekly visits) and mandates equivalent copays to primary care. Insurance plans must explain coverage denials in plain language and decide on reauthorizations within 3 business days (or approval is automatic). This directly affects health insurance plans and patients seeking these specific therapies in the state.

Maddy summarySB 671 creates a new criminal offense for grooming a child for sexual activity and establishes penalties for this conduct. The bill amends multiple statutes to define "grooming" as a serious crime, specifically adding it to lists of offenses that bar individuals from certain homes (like relatives' homes or unlicensed childcare settings) if they have prior convictions or plea agreements related to child sexual abuse. It updates definitions of "serious crimes" for entities serving minors, ensuring that grooming violations trigger mandatory reporting and registration requirements under laws like 948.072. This directly affects children at risk of exploitation, individuals convicted of grooming-related offenses, and organizations that provide services to minors.

Maddy summarySB 445 requires state agencies and local governments (including cities, counties, and school districts) to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) 2016 definition of antisemitism when evaluating discrimination cases involving race, religion, color, or national origin under state laws, ordinances, or criminal penalty enhancements. It specifically applies when assessing whether a victim was targeted due to their actual or perceived identity. The bill clarifies it does not override First Amendment rights or conflict with existing federal or state antidiscrimination laws. This is a procedural requirement for consistent application of the IHRA definition in relevant legal contexts.

Maddy summarySB 628 requires the state environmental department to notify county health departments, tribal health departments, and county land conservation departments within 7 business days whenever groundwater pollution levels exceed safety standards or PFAS chemical limits. It mandates that the department create a public notification system to alert affected local governments about these exceedances, including adjacent counties that might be impacted. The bill directly affects local health and environmental agencies in counties where pollution incidents occur, ensuring they receive timely information to address potential public health or environmental risks. This is a procedural requirement focused on transparency and rapid communication, not on changing pollution standards or enforcement actions.

Maddy summarySB 409 updates traffic laws to require drivers to exercise caution when approaching stopped emergency or roadside service vehicles, or disabled vehicles (defined as vehicles showing warning lights, flares, or attended by people). Drivers must either safely change lanes away from the stopped vehicle if possible, or slow down and proceed at a reduced speed until clear. The law applies to all drivers approaching these stopped vehicles within 12 feet of a roadway. It creates clear, specific actions for drivers to improve safety around roadside stops without changing existing penalties.

Maddy summarySB 524 would raise the legal age for purchasing, selling, and possessing cigarettes, nicotine products, tobacco, and electronic vaping devices from 18 to 21 years. It directly affects retailers, vendors, and individuals under 21 who would no longer be permitted to buy these products. Key provisions include requiring retailers to train staff on age verification, post warning signs, and restrict vending machine sales to locations where minors cannot access them without supervision. The bill also defines electronic vaping devices broadly but excludes FDA-approved nicotine cessation products. Violations could result in penalties, though specific fines are not detailed in the provided text.

Maddy summarySB 427 establishes new rules for renting mobile and manufactured homes in communities. It requires annual leases for sites (unless both parties agree to a shorter term), prohibits denying leases based on a home's age, and lists specific, allowed reasons for terminating tenancy (like failure to sign a lease or violating community rules about multiple homes). The bill also mandates 90 days' written notice to all residents before permanently closing a community or site. These changes directly affect mobile home park residents and operators by clarifying lease terms and termination procedures.

Maddy summarySB 132 upgrades penalties for impersonating emergency personnel, changing the offense from a misdemeanor to a felony. It applies to anyone pretending to be a police officer, firefighter, paramedic (emergency medical services practitioner), or emergency medical responder with intent to deceive. The bill creates a new felony classification under state law, replacing current misdemeanor penalties for these specific impersonation acts. This directly affects individuals who falsely pose as these professionals, increasing potential criminal consequences.

Maddy summarySB 609 creates a state matching grant program for organizations that receive federal per diem payments to house veterans. It directly affects eligible veterans' housing providers (like nonprofits or care facilities) that already qualify for federal per diem payments under 38 USC 2012. The bill provides state matching funds of $25 per day per veteran, up to 365 days yearly, paid quarterly based on the previous quarter's housing. Applications are accepted annually, and grants are awarded in the order received.