Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar

Maddy summaryHF 1161 creates a new funding mechanism for Minnesota school districts with significant seasonal property (like lakeshore areas). It establishes "seasonal tax base replacement aid" that adjusts a district's local tax levy based on the ratio of seasonal property value to total property value, with the adjustment capped between 50% and 100%. The bill appropriates funds to cover this aid, reducing districts' required tax levies without lowering them below zero, starting with taxes payable in 2026. This directly affects school districts that rely on seasonal property taxes for local funding.

Maddy summaryHF 15, the "Safe Haven In Every Local District (SHIELD) Act," requires all Minnesota public school districts and charter schools to include specific student and staff safety measures in their long-term facility plans by August 2025. The bill creates new grants to fund comprehensive security systems, including features like bullet-resistant doors, emergency alert systems, and staff training, with priority given to schools serving the most students. School districts must apply for these grants through the Minnesota School Safety Center, which will rank applicants and provide lists of approved vendors. The law appropriates funds from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to support these security upgrades and plan updates.

Maddy summaryHF 1052 modifies Minnesota's student discipline laws to protect younger students. It prohibits school dismissals (including suspensions) for preschool/pre-K programs and kindergarten through grade 3 students, limiting K-3 dismissals to no more than three school days. The bill requires schools to first use alternative disciplinary approaches and provide educational services before considering dismissal, and mandates districts to track student progress during any dismissal period. These changes apply to all Minnesota public schools and take effect July 1, 2025. The bill repeals outdated sections related to student discipline (121A.425 subd. 2 and 121A.611).

Maddy summaryHF 1508 appropriates $15 million from state bond proceeds to fund predesign, design, and preconstruction work for a new Academic Health Center facility at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. The facility will house the Duluth College of Pharmacy and Medical School, colocated in downtown Duluth's emerging Medical District. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $15 million in bonds to cover these costs, following Minnesota's bond issuance procedures. This funding directly supports the University of Minnesota-Duluth's planning for a new health-focused campus building.

Maddy summaryHF 129 requires the Director of the state's child sex trafficking prevention program to submit an annual evaluation report to the legislature every odd-numbered year. This directly affects the state's child trafficking prevention program and the legislature, which will receive these evaluations for review. The key provision mandates these regular reports to assess the program's effectiveness, with the first report due in 2027. The bill became law on April 30, 2025, and takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1346 modifies the training requirements for mandatory reporters, such as teachers, healthcare workers, and social workers, who are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. The bill updates current training standards to better equip these professionals with necessary knowledge and procedures. This change directly affects individuals in these roles who must complete the mandated training. The law became effective on August 1, 2025, following its approval by the governor on April 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires underground telecommunications installers working near existing utilities to be "safety-qualified" starting in 2025. It mandates that certified installers must perform utility location checks (via hand/hydro-excavation) and monitor directional drilling operations, with at least two certified installers present during drilling. Installers must complete a 40-hour training course covering utility safety, incident response, and equipment use, pass an exam, and take 4-hour refresher courses every three years to maintain certification. The rule applies to all installations within 10 feet of existing utilities or crossing them, beginning July 1, 2025, in the seven-county metro area and January 1, 2026, statewide - excluding private property installations under 36 inches deep.

Maddy summaryHF 1090 renames Minnesota's existing Library Construction Grant Program to the "Mary C. Murphy Library Construction Grants Program" in Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 134.45. The bill makes no changes to the program's eligibility, funding levels ($450,000 for accessibility projects or $1,000,000 for renovations/new buildings), or requirements - public libraries, regional systems, cities, and counties still qualify. It preserves all current provisions, including the 50% local funding match, accessibility focus, and prohibitions on using funds for new building accessibility compliance. The name change honors Mary C. Murphy but does not alter how the program operates or who benefits.

Maddy summaryHF 633 creates a tax credit for licensed in-home child care providers in Minnesota who operate family or group family day care programs from their home, including the house, garage, and one acre of land. The credit equals 50% of the net property tax on that portion of the property after subtracting other credits, directly benefiting eligible providers. Counties will identify qualifying providers and calculate the credit amount, with the state reimbursing local governments for the tax reductions in two annual payments starting in 2026. The credit applies to property taxes payable beginning in 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 2318 updates Minnesota's Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) system. It increases pension adjustment revenue for school districts (e.g., setting St. Paul's rate at 3.25% for 2026+ and other districts at 2.0% for 2026+), raises employer contribution rates (e.g., requiring 9.5% for coordinated members and 13.5% for basic members by 2025), and provides unreduced retirement annuities for teachers who reach age 62 with 30 years of service. These changes directly affect public school districts (as employers) and TRA members (teachers). The bill appropriates funds to support these adjustments and amends specific sections of Minnesota Statutes.