Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar

Maddy summaryHF 1054 requires Minnesota public schools to include student attendance data in their annual school performance reports. The bill amends existing law to add "student attendance data for the previous school year" as a mandatory reporting component alongside academic performance, safety, and other metrics already required in these reports. This applies directly to all Minnesota public schools and school districts, which must report this data starting with reports released for the 2025-2026 school year. The policy change simply adds attendance tracking to the existing set of standardized school performance metrics.

Maddy summaryHF 321 prohibits undocumented noncitizens who have been sentenced to prison from accessing early release programs and prosecutor-led sentence reductions. Specifically, it blocks eligibility for early supervised release, conditional medical release, earned incentive credits, and other programs that would shorten a prison term (Section 1). It also makes undocumented noncitizens ineligible for prosecutor-initiated sentence adjustments under Minnesota Statutes 609.133 (Section 2). This law directly affects individuals convicted of crimes and incarcerated in Minnesota who lack legal immigration status. The bill takes effect the day after final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 1111 provides $20 million in one-time funding to expand dental assisting and hygiene education programs in Minnesota. The bill authorizes grants and forgivable loans for accredited programs to improve physical infrastructure (like clinics and classrooms), create scholarships, boost faculty salaries, and acquire equipment. Eligible institutions can apply for funding to increase student enrollment capacity, with priority given to projects that directly expand student numbers. The funds are available until June 2028 and must be used for specific program improvements outlined in the bill. This directly affects accredited dental education programs at Minnesota colleges and universities seeking to grow their capacity.

Maddy summaryHF 946 allows approved third-party programs (such as driving schools) to conduct the behind-the-wheel road test for class D driver's licenses (standard driver's licenses) in Minnesota. It establishes requirements for these programs and testers, mandates regular audits of third-party programs, and permits applicants to appeal decisions made by the Commissioner of Public Safety. The bill also updates website rules to show real-time appointment availability, display next available dates/times by location, and allow address-based searches without requiring personal information. This directly affects driver's license applicants and third-party testing programs seeking to administer road tests.

Maddy summaryHF 649 requires Minnesota's wildlife commissioner to establish an annual open season for wolf hunting after wolves are removed from federal endangered species protections. The bill mandates that the commissioner consult with the agriculture commissioner and USDA before setting season rules, considering data on wolf conflicts with livestock and pets. Season rules must align with Minnesota's existing wolf management plan and include public comment opportunities. This directly affects state wildlife management decisions, hunters, and livestock owners by creating a required annual process for wolf population control.

Maddy summaryHF 2 requires state agency employees to immediately report suspected fraud to law enforcement and legislative committee leaders when they have reason to believe fraud exists in agency programs. It mandates that all state agencies post current organizational charts online with contact details for leadership and division heads. The bill strengthens grant management by requiring agencies to conduct unannounced monitoring visits before final payments for grants over $50,000 (and annually for grants over $250,000), perform financial reconciliations prior to disbursement, and withhold funds from grantees failing to submit required progress reports. Violating these grant management requirements constitutes a misdemeanor under the bill.

Maddy summaryHF 1343 establishes the Minnesota Nice HomeShare pilot program to help seniors aged 55+ in Lake, St. Louis, and Washington counties reduce housing costs by matching them with renters seeking affordable housing in spare rooms. The program, funded with $150,000 in fiscal year 2026, requires participating agencies to facilitate matches via phone or video, handle payments, conduct background checks, and verify renters’ employment or school enrollment. It directly affects seniors with available space and low-income renters in the three specified counties. The pilot program will operate through partnerships with agencies like the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging and AARP Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 765 requires judges to impose longer prison sentences for repeat violent offenders in Minnesota. Specifically, it mandates aggravated sentences (up to the statutory maximum) for those convicted of a violent felony with two or more prior violent felony convictions and deemed a danger to public safety. The bill also requires consecutive sentencing for these offenders and prohibits probation, parole, work release, or early release until the full sentence is served - overriding several existing statutes. This applies only to violent offenders convicted of a felony on or after August 1, 2025, and excludes certain offenses like those under sections 152.023 or 152.024.

Maddy summaryHF 329 increases penalties for obstructing traffic on trunk highways, airports, or transit systems by amending Minnesota Statutes 609.74 and 609.855. It raises the maximum fine for non-violent obstruction of transit vehicles from $1,000 to $3,000 and the jail term from 90 days to 364 days. The bill specifically targets individuals who intentionally interfere with traffic on freeways, airport roadways, or transit vehicles, excluding law enforcement, emergency responders, and authorized transit personnel acting in their official duties. These changes take effect August 1, 2025, for crimes committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 1110 provides $15 million in one-time funding from the workforce development fund to expand dental assisting and hygiene education programs in Minnesota. The bill authorizes grants for accredited higher education programs to improve physical infrastructure (like clinics and classrooms), create scholarships, enhance faculty salaries, and purchase equipment. These grants aim to increase student enrollment capacity and strengthen the dental workforce pipeline. The commissioner of employment and economic development will administer the program, prioritizing projects with the highest potential to expand program capacity.