Sen. Karin Housley

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue up to $5.5 million in bonds to fund improvements at a specific highway intersection in Forest Lake. The money will be used to design, acquire land for, and construct a roundabout at the crossing of U.S. Highway 61 and State-Aid Highway 32 to address safety and traffic flow. The legislation directs the state commissioner of transportation to manage the project and requires the commissioner of management and budget to handle the bond sale. Once enacted, the funds will come from the trunk highway fund's bond proceeds account to cover the costs of the infrastructure upgrade.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new 100% tax on money obtained through fraud by individuals or organizations, regardless of any existing fines or restitution payments. The tax applies not only to those convicted by a court but also to those identified by the state revenue commissioner as having committed fraud, as well as to anyone paid for helping them commit the act. The revenue collected from this tax must be deposited into a special account dedicated solely to providing relief for state income and property taxes. The law takes effect retroactively for fraud cases determined after December 31, 2019, and gives the commissioner authority to investigate suspected fraud and set enforcement rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires food manufacturers and brand owners in Minnesota to test packaged food products for ortho-phthalates and report the results to the commissioner of agriculture. The law defines specific terms such as "brand owner," "food manufacturer," and "packaged food product," while excluding items like meat, cheese, bakery goods, and produce packaged at retail locations. Companies must submit a written notice containing product descriptions, barcode numbers, testing dates, and specific chemical findings no later than 30 days before selling the product in the state. These reporting requirements are set to take effect on July 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a felony to force or coerce a pregnant girl under 18 into seeking or obtaining an abortion, defining coercion as a broad range of actions including threats, financial pressure, or exploiting vulnerabilities. It also requires hospitals and clinics to screen patients for signs of human trafficking involving minors and mandates that certain information be displayed at abortion facilities. Additionally, the law creates a new legal cause of action for wrongful death resulting from an abortion and directs the state health commissioner to create rules implementing these measures. The legislation directly affects healthcare providers, law enforcement, and families by establishing stricter penalties and reporting requirements related to minors and reproductive health.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies an existing appropriation of $250,000 in bond proceeds to provide a grant to the Forest Lake Veterans Memorial Committee. The funds are designated for constructing a memorial honoring veterans of the United States armed forces at Lakeside Memorial Park. By amending the state's capital investment laws, the legislation ensures the financial allocation remains active for this specific project. The changes take effect immediately upon the bill's final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $200,000 from the state's general fund to help the city of North Branch build a regional veterans memorial. The money is designated for fiscal year 2027 and will be managed by the commissioner of employment and economic development to provide a grant directly to the city. Funds are available only until the project is finished or cancelled, and the law takes effect immediately upon final passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program in Minnesota to fund safety improvements at public and private schools, including day care centers. The program will provide money for both large capital projects like building upgrades and smaller noncapital items such as security equipment and software. Schools must apply through the Minnesota School Safety Center, which will maintain a list of approved vendors to ensure quality and experience. Grant funds can be used for specific security features like bullet-resistant doors, remote lock-down systems, emergency communication tools, and staff training on safety protocols. The bill also requires applicants to submit detailed project descriptions, cost estimates, and explanations of why the improvements are needed based on the school's student population.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Minnesota to cover FDA-approved medical services and prescription medications for treating or slowing dementia, including necessary diagnostic tests. It specifically prohibits these plans from using step therapy protocols, which would otherwise force patients to try cheaper or alternative treatments before accessing the most effective options for dementia care. The legislation also modifies rules on prior authorization for certain drugs, ensuring public input and limiting how quickly new medications can be restricted. These changes will take effect on January 1, 2027, applying to any health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota credit unions to obtain share insurance from approved credit union share guaranty corporations in addition to or instead of the National Credit Union Administration Share Insurance Program. It requires credit unions to maintain insurance on member accounts, with guaranteed amounts of at least the account balance but not exceeding $250,000 or the NCUA limit, whichever is greater. The legislation gives the commissioner of commerce authority to examine and assess share guaranty corporations, and prohibits credit unions from voluntarily switching off NCUA insurance without commissioner approval. Credit unions must secure insurance commitments before receiving approval to operate.

Maddy summaryThis legislation modifies the registration tax for passenger automobiles and hearses in Minnesota by lowering the tax rate based on a vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price. The bill reduces the initial tax percentage and adjusts how the tax is applied over the vehicle's life, decreasing annually until reaching a flat fee in the eleventh year. To offset the revenue loss from these reductions, the state commissioner must transfer funds from the general fund to the highway user tax distribution fund starting in fiscal year 2028. These changes apply to vehicle registrations beginning on or after January 1, 2027.