Rep. Cheryl Youakim

Maddy summaryHF 2430 appropriates $2,000 per school district (or $40 per student, based on fall 2024 enrollment) from the general fund to compensate teachers for completing required Read Act training. This funding directly affects school districts, charter schools, and cooperative units providing direct instruction in Minnesota. Payments must be distributed by October 15, 2025, and are designated for fiscal year 2026. The bill mandates that districts use these funds to compensate eligible teachers as specified in existing law or through teacher union agreements.

Maddy summaryHF 1034 clarifies eligible grant expenditures for Independent School District No. 482 in Little Falls for its aeronautics and commercial over-the-road technical program. The bill authorizes $450,000 for the program, specifying that funds may cover equipment, staffing, travel, and contracted services. It retroactively allows reimbursement for eligible program costs incurred after May 24, 2023, before the grant was officially awarded, and requires the district to report program details to legislators by February 1, 2027. This bill directly affects only Little Falls School District and clarifies the scope of its specific grant.

Maddy summaryHF 794 establishes a state dementia services program under Minnesota's commissioner of health to coordinate existing Alzheimer's and dementia-related services. The program will link state agencies, Tribal Nations, community groups, and research organizations to improve public awareness, update Minnesota's Alzheimer's Disease State Plan, and integrate early detection strategies into public health efforts. The bill appropriates funding from the general fund for the program, starting with an unspecified amount in fiscal year 2026 and a base amount in 2027. This directly affects Minnesotans living with dementia, their caregivers, and the state agencies and community organizations providing related services.

Maddy summaryHF 1678 expands access to essential community supports for older Minnesotans and people with dementia by lowering the age threshold from 65 to 60 and removing asset limits for eligibility. The bill increases annual funding for caregiver respite services grants by $2 million each year (fiscal years 2026-2027) and maintains a $400 monthly service cap. It directly affects individuals needing community-based care who don’t qualify for nursing facilities, allowing access to services like adult day care, homemaker support, and respite care. The changes require no asset assessment and mandate annual reassessment for continued eligibility.

Maddy summaryHF 1989 increases funding for Minnesota school districts by raising the "local optional revenue" allowances used to calculate state aid. It sets the first-tier allowance at $550 for fiscal year 2027 (up from $300) and maintains the second-tier allowance at $424 through 2027, with future increases tied to the general education funding formula. School districts receive more state aid when they levy less than the maximum allowed under these new formulas, which include specific "equalizing factors" for different fiscal years (e.g., $626,450 for second-tier in 2025). The bill appropriates funds to cover this increased aid, effective for fiscal year 2027 and later.

Maddy summaryHF 2195 proposes adding a new constitutional section to Minnesota's state constitution, specifically stating "Marriage is a fundamental right and shall not be restricted based on gender or race" (Sec. 18). If approved by voters, this amendment would prohibit legal restrictions on marriage based on gender or race. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, with potential implementation starting January 1, 2027, if ratified. This bill directly affects marriage rights and legal protections for all Minnesotans, requiring voter approval rather than legislative passage alone.

Maddy summaryHF 1485 requires Minnesota health insurers and medical assistance programs to cover over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptive drugs, devices, and products without cost-sharing (like co-pays or deductibles). It applies directly to health plans and enrollees, mandating coverage of all FDA-approved OTC contraceptives at the point of sale without prescription requirements or quantity limits. The bill also requires health plans to list covered contraceptive services accessibly and cover provider-recommended methods based on medical necessity. This law takes effect January 1, 2026, for health plans offered, issued, or renewed after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 805 establishes a property tax refund program for nonprofit child care facilities that rent their facilities. Eligible providers - nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status operating licensed child care centers or family day care that accept state child care assistance - receive a 10% refund on cash rent paid for their facility space. To claim the refund, providers must apply annually to the commissioner by the following year, with payments made according to state schedules. The bill appropriates funds for these refunds and requires reporting, effective for rent paid in 2024 and later.

Maddy summaryHF 2332 appropriates $680,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $680,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to Rethos, a nonprofit organization. The funds will support Rethos' work expanding Minnesota's Main Street America program through outreach, training, education, and reducing financial barriers for participants. Specifically, $230,000 must be distributed as technical assistance grants to local Main Street organizations using criteria developed by Rethos. This bill directly affects Rethos and local Main Street organizations participating in the program.

Maddy summaryHF 1741 permits the city of St. Louis Park to issue a special on-sale liquor license for a food hall in the West End area. The license allows the primary tenant (anchor) to serve alcohol throughout their own establishment and the entire food hall, enabling multiple independent food vendors to share a common seating area where customers can buy food from vendors and consume beverages sold by the license holder. This bill directly affects food hall operators in St. Louis Park by modifying local liquor licensing rules under Minnesota Statutes sections 340A.101, 340A.401, and 340A.410. The license becomes effective upon city council approval and compliance with state procedures.