Maddy summaryHF 2833 requires a commemorative work honoring John Francis "J. Frank" Wheaton, Minnesota's first African American state legislator (elected 1898), on the Capitol complex. It mandates the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board to design and install the memorial by 2027, with annual progress reports to the legislature. The bill also requires the commissioner of education to develop school curriculum materials about Wheaton’s legacy and the Minnesota Historical Society to create public programs and an annual "J. Frank Wheaton Legacy Day." It appropriates funds from the general fund for these efforts, available until June 2028. The bill directly affects Capitol grounds, public schools, and historical programming, focusing on recognizing Wheaton’s civil rights advocacy and paving the way for future Black legislators.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million from Minnesota's general fund and $500,000 from the workforce development fund to support the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. The funds will directly support the Games' operations and specifically target employment initiatives for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The $500,000 grant from the workforce fund is earmarked for activities aimed at increasing job opportunities for this community during the Games. These are one-time appropriations for fiscal year 2026, with no ongoing funding commitment.
Maddy summaryHF 683 allows Minnesota cities and counties to adopt ranked choice voting (RCV) for local elections, such as mayoral or city council races. It establishes rules for how RCV would work, including counting votes by voter preferences and reallocating votes when candidates are eliminated. The bill permits local jurisdictions to use electronic voting systems that automatically handle vote reallocation, and it appropriates funds for implementation. This bill directly affects local governments choosing to implement RCV and voters in those jurisdictions participating in local elections. It does not change state or federal election rules.
Maddy summaryHF 1412 appropriates $202,600 from the general fund to the Minnesota Department of Health for a one-time grant to the Division of Indian Work. The bill directs this funding to develop and pilot culturally specific suicide prevention curriculum for Native American youth in Minnesota. The curriculum must cover mental health, emotional intelligence, depression, and suicide, providing practical tools for students to support themselves and others. It specifically targets Native American youth and is not intended for general school use.
Maddy summaryHF 2623 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to provide a one-time grant to Bolder Options Youth Mentoring Program. The funding supports intensive, one-on-one mentorship for disadvantaged youth aged 12-22 in the Twin Cities and Rochester, Minnesota, focusing on wellness, academic goal-setting, life skills, job training, and college/career pathways. It specifically covers programming like career coaching and connections to employment or education opportunities. The bill directs the commissioner of employment and economic development to administer the grant, with no ongoing annual funding provided.
Maddy summaryHF 679 increases funding for Minnesota's Innovative Service-Learning Grants program. The bill raises the maximum grant award amounts for partnerships between schools (including districts, charter schools, and tribal schools) and community organizations. These grants support K-12 student-led projects that connect classroom learning to community needs, such as addressing local issues or exploring career paths. The legislation appropriates additional state funds to expand this existing program without changing eligibility rules or application requirements.
Maddy summaryHF 2735 appropriates $400,000 from the general fund for a one-time grant to MAD DADS of Minneapolis. The funding supports a youth workforce development program for residents aged 16-24 in underserved communities, focusing on career exploration, hands-on job training, mentorships, and certifications. The program must include training in high-demand fields like HVAC, energy efficiency, and solar panel installation. This grant enables MAD DADS to operate an "earn-to-learn" initiative providing concrete skills and pathways into local job markets.
Maddy summaryHF 2736 eliminates the $500 minimum fine for drivers who fail to stop for school buses when the stop-signal arm is extended. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 169.444, subdivision 2, by removing the requirement that such violations carry a minimum $500 penalty. Drivers who violate school bus stop-signal laws will no longer face a mandatory $500 fine, though other penalties or fines could still apply. This change directly affects drivers operating vehicles near school buses in Minnesota. The bill does not alter the requirement to stop for school buses or the potential for gross misdemeanor charges under specific circumstances.
Maddy summaryHF 107 modifies Minnesota's unemployment insurance rules for workers involved in labor disputes. It specifies that workers participating in or directly affected by a labor dispute can receive benefits until the end of the week the dispute was active, while those not involved are eligible until the dispute began. The bill clarifies that certain situations - like employer safety violations, lockouts, or being fired before a dispute starts - do not make applicants ineligible. This directly affects workers who stop working due to labor conflicts, ensuring they maintain eligibility under defined conditions. The changes amend Minnesota Statutes section 268.085, subdivision 13b.
Maddy summaryHF 1030 requires schools in Minnesota to include student attendance data in annual state assessment reports. Specifically, individual student reports must show the number and percentage of days a student was absent during the previous school year. This applies to all public schools, school districts, and charter schools that provide these assessment reports to parents and school staff. The requirement takes effect on July 1, 2025, and does not change existing attendance policies or tracking methods.