Rep. David Gottfried

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $4,700,000 from Minnesota's general fund to support senior nutrition programs in fiscal year 2027. The funding is designated for the commissioner of human services to administer nutrition assistance for older adults under existing state statutes. This is a one-time appropriation intended to provide financial resources for meal services and related nutrition initiatives for seniors. The legislation does not create new programs but allocates existing funds to maintain current nutrition services.

Maddy summaryHF 60 modifies Minnesota teacher licensure requirements by adding dyslexia training as a mandatory component for license renewal. The bill requires all licensed teachers renewing their licenses under sections 122A.181-122A.184 to complete two hours of free professional development on dyslexia, covering its effects on reading skills, instructional needs, and related health comorbidities. This training must be provided by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board with input from dyslexia specialists, and teachers must complete it once - either during initial licensure or upon renewal. The requirements apply to all renewing teachers and take effect for licenses issued on or after July 1, 2027. The bill also updates renewal conditions for Tier 1 and Tier 2 licenses to include this dyslexia training.

Maddy summaryHF 3119 establishes minimum pay standards for Minnesota teachers and certain unlicensed school staff starting July 1, 2026. It sets teacher compensation thresholds at $60,000-$100,000 annually (based on education and experience) and a $25 hourly wage floor for unlicensed staff who regularly interact with students. The bill requires annual inflation adjustments using the Consumer Price Index, beginning in 2030, and creates state aid programs to help school districts cover these costs. School districts, charter schools, and other public education entities directly affected must meet these standards or receive state funding to do so.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HF 3556) is a naming resolution that commemorates Melissa Hortman by designating Minnesota's community solar garden program as the "Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program." It does not change any program rules, funding, or operations - it only adds a short title to Minnesota Statutes section 216B.1641. The bill directly honors Melissa Hortman, a former state legislator, through this naming. It is procedural and has no policy impact beyond the name change.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's State Board of Investment to create specific policies and goals for investing in emerging, diverse, start-up, and franchise investment managers. It defines these categories, such as diverse managers being majority-owned by women or racial minorities, and sets standards for smaller, newer firms to qualify for state investment. The legislation also mandates that the board establish a compensation plan for its staff and report annually on the costs and performance of any private firms it hires. Additionally, the bill authorizes the board to make seed-stage commitments to early-stage funds and requires the sale of escheated property to the highest bidder. These changes aim to diversify the state's investment portfolio while maintaining oversight and accountability through new reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryHF 3419 removes the ability of most Minnesota entities - including businesses, nonprofits, cooperatives, and foreign entities operating in Minnesota - to spend money on elections or ballot measures. The bill retracts this power for all entities except registered political committees that exist solely for political activity and claim no entity benefits (like limited liability). It also voids any organizational documents allowing political spending. This change does not affect regular business operations or charitable work, only political activity.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $6 million from state bond proceeds to fund capital improvements at Duluth's Lake Superior Zoo, directly benefiting the city of Duluth through a grant for predesign, construction, and equipment upgrades. Key provisions include authorizing the sale of up to $6 million in state bonds under Minnesota law and exempting the funding from standard budget rules (Minnesota Statutes § 16A.86, subd. 4). The funds will support critical infrastructure like mechanical/electrical systems, utility infrastructure, and exhibit renovations to sustain zoo operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Minnesota Department of Health to join the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network. The commissioner must identify the necessary application process by September 1, 2026, and submit the application by December 1, 2026. This action aims to integrate the state's health response capabilities with a global system for monitoring and addressing disease outbreaks. The legislation does not alter existing funding or staffing but establishes a specific timeline for this international partnership.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal tool in Minnesota that allows the state Attorney General to sue firearm industry members for public nuisance if their conduct harms public safety. It directly affects companies involved in selling, manufacturing, distributing, or marketing firearms and related products like ammunition. To comply, these businesses must implement reasonable controls to prevent sales to prohibited individuals, stop thefts, and ensure adherence to existing laws. If a company violates these rules, the Attorney General can seek court orders to stop the behavior, force cleanup costs, demand financial restitution, and collect damages.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits large meat retailers from owning stakes in livestock dealers or meat packing companies and from signing exclusive contracts that require those suppliers to sell only to them. It defines a "dominant retailer" as a company selling over $18 billion in meat annually with locations in at least 20 states, including Minnesota. The law requires these retailers to divest any existing ownership interests by January 1, 2028, with a possible 180-day extension if they show good faith efforts to comply. The attorney general will identify which retailers fall under this definition starting in 2027, and violators could face daily fines of $25,000.