Rep. Dean Urdahl

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota law updates family court rules to ensure unmarried parents are treated the same as married couples when determining child custody and parenting time. The bill mandates that courts prioritize scheduling expedited hearings within 30 days if a parent is denied access to their child for 14 consecutive days or faces financial hardship during a legal dispute. It also establishes new rights and responsibilities regarding assisted reproduction and directs the state to modernize legal terminology used in family law statutes. These changes aim to support children's relationships with both parents while providing faster relief for urgent situations involving access or support.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Minnesota Secretary of State to put two questions on the 2024 general election ballot asking voters to approve or reject new designs for the state flag and the state seal. These designs were previously selected by the State Emblems Redesign Commission, and the bill mandates that the changes take effect on May 11, 2025, only if voters vote "yes" on both questions. If the proposals are rejected by the public, the existing flag and seal designs will remain in place. Additionally, the bill updates state laws to clarify how agencies should handle the transition between the old and new emblems and directs unused seal-making tools to the Minnesota Historical Society.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution that asks the U.S. Congress to approve Minnesota's request to replace its current statue of Henry Mower Rice in the National Statuary Hall with a new statue of former Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey. Under existing federal law, states may swap out statues that have been on display for at least ten years, and Minnesota has selected Humphrey to honor his significant legislative achievements and service as a U.S. Senator and Vice President. The resolution directs state officials to arrange for the removal of the Rice statue, the installation of a replica of the existing Humphrey statue from the Minnesota State Capitol, and the transfer of the old Rice statue back to the state.