Rep. Patty Mueller

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1,060,000 from the state's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to support the Minnesota P-20 Education Partnership through the Office of Higher Education. The funding is intended to strengthen collaboration between early childhood education, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions across Minnesota. The money will be managed by the commissioner of the Office of Higher Education in accordance with existing state statutes. This appropriation aims to enhance educational continuity from preschool through postsecondary levels.

Maddy summaryHF 2372 creates a voluntary "Minnesota Civic Seal" designation for high school students who complete specific civics requirements. To earn the seal, students must complete approved civics coursework, complete a project-based civic assessment, participate in at least one civic activity outside class (like voting in student elections or community service), and demonstrate civic dispositions. School districts may choose to participate but cannot charge students fees, must provide information about the program to all students, and must affix the seal to diplomas and transcripts for qualifying graduates. The program begins for students graduating in 2027 or later, with the Department of Education developing the insignia and guidelines to ensure equitable access for all students.

Maddy summaryHF 957 allows Minnesota school districts and charter schools to transfer unassigned funds between operating accounts during fiscal years 2025-2029 without increasing state aid or property tax authority, requiring written resolutions and public posting. It also permits school boards to formally opt out of complying with specific new state education laws or rules enacted between July 2023 and 2024 (including provisions from 2023-2024 legislative sessions), for the 2025-2026 through 2028-2029 school years. School boards must document and publicly post each opt-out decision and notify the education commissioner. This bill directly affects school districts and charter schools by providing temporary flexibility in fund management and compliance with certain state mandates. The provisions expire after the 2028-2029 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's electrical licensing rules to clarify who can supervise electrical work and update requirements for unlicensed workers. It directly affects licensed electricians, contractors, and unlicensed individuals performing electrical tasks. The key changes allow unlicensed workers to be supervised by licensed contractors rather than requiring them to work under the same employer, while maintaining limits on how many unlicensed individuals a licensed person can supervise. The bill also updates experience requirements for journeyworker and power limited technician licenses and clarifies supervision rules for technology circuits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Department of Education Office of General Counsel to create guidance for school districts and charter schools on how to handle law enforcement actions, including immigration enforcement. The guidance must cover legal concepts like judicial warrants and probable cause, and explain how laws apply to various school settings such as parking lots, athletic facilities, extracurricular venues, and student transportation. The document must also identify the specific legal sources used, including state and federal laws and constitutional provisions. This guidance will be issued in consultation with the state attorney general and takes effect immediately upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 3485 modifies Minnesota school crisis management policies to require districts and charter schools to address the unique needs of students with disabilities during crisis drills. The bill adds a specific provision mandating that crisis management policies accommodate students with mobility restrictions, sensory needs, developmental or physical disabilities, mental health needs, and auditory or visual limitations. Existing requirements for five lockdown drills, five fire drills, and one tornado drill remain unchanged. This policy change directly affects all Minnesota public school districts and charter schools developing their crisis response plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens penalties for misconduct by public officers and employees in Minnesota by increasing potential fines and prison sentences. It directly affects government officials and employees who fail to perform required duties, exceed their legal authority, harm others under false pretenses, or knowingly submit false official documents. Under the new provisions, first-time offenders could face up to one year in prison or a $5,000 fine, while repeat offenders could be sentenced to up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The changes take effect on August 1, 2026, and apply to crimes committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 3597 exempts corporate officers of S corporations who own 25% or more of the company (directly or through subsidiaries) from Minnesota's paid leave program. The bill amends state law to exclude these officers from the definition of "employee," meaning they will not be eligible for paid leave benefits. This change applies specifically to officers who meet the ownership threshold under IRS rules for S corporations. The exemption clarifies that such officers are not covered by the state's paid leave requirements, aligning with existing exclusions for self-employed individuals and independent contractors.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's "Read Act" to require literacy instruction based on "science of reading" research, emphasizing evidence-based methods like phonics and decoding while explicitly excluding the three-cueing system. It establishes a new Office of Achievement and Innovation within the Department of Education to support literacy implementation and creates a statewide school performance reporting system. The bill also allows school boards to opt out of complying with certain recently enacted state education laws or rules and authorizes fund transfers for education programs through fiscal year 2029. These changes directly affect all Minnesota public school districts, educators, and students by reshaping literacy instruction requirements and school accountability systems.

Maddy summaryHF 2809 establishes a new crime for protesting directly in front of or about a person's home (excluding homes used as businesses). It makes this a misdemeanor, escalating to a gross misdemeanor if the person has a prior conviction under this law or ignores court orders like protection orders. The bill specifically allows peaceful protests about community meetings or assemblies held at locations commonly used for public discussion. This law applies to residential properties only and takes effect August 1, 2025.