Rep. Nathan Coulter

Maddy summaryHF 3411 limits federal immigration officers' access to student data at Minnesota's public colleges and universities. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to require a judicial order or subpoena before educational institutions can disclose student records to immigration authorities, specifically restricting access under federal law (20 U.S.C. § 1232g). It directly affects public postsecondary campuses and students by strengthening privacy protections for educational data. Key provisions update existing disclosure rules to explicitly block immigration-related data sharing without court authorization, aligning with federal student privacy standards while adding state-level safeguards. The bill does not alter funding, programs, or other campus operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota law enforcement officers from detaining or transporting suspects in vehicles not specifically designed for human transport, such as standard patrol cars. It requires all such vehicles to be owned/leased by a law enforcement agency, clearly marked with the agency's identification, and equipped with seats and seat belts for each person transported. Exceptions apply during emergencies threatening life/safety or for undercover operations. The law directly affects police departments and officers who transport detainees, aiming to standardize safe transport conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 954 requires Minnesota officials to confirm that similar nonferrous sulfide ore mining operations (like copper, nickel, or gold mines) have operated safely for at least 10 years without pollution before conducting environmental reviews or issuing permits. Applicants must prove a comparable mine in the same climate and water conditions operated without hazardous releases for a decade using similar reclamation methods. The bill mandates public comment periods and potential hearings if new evidence challenges proposed approvals. Existing permits for such projects must be renewed every 10 years with updated safety reviews. It explicitly excludes iron ore mining from these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $4,480,000 from state bond proceeds to fund road improvements on Old Shakopee Road (Hennepin County State-Aid Highway 1) between Aldrich Avenue and 2nd Avenue in Bloomington. It directly affects the city of Bloomington, Hennepin County, and residents using this road segment by authorizing funds for safety upgrades, ADA-compliant pedestrian/bike infrastructure, stormwater management, and utility improvements. The state will issue bonds up to $4.48 million to cover these capital projects, which include replacing curbs, sidewalks, and traffic calming features. The funding addresses specific issues identified for this road section, with no advocacy or speculative outcomes described.

Maddy summaryHF 3655 appropriates $300,000 from the general fund to the I-494 Corridor Commission for fiscal year 2026. The funding must cover specific activities like staffing, communications, outreach, and program development - excluding administrative costs - and must be fully spent by June 30, 2026. This is a one-time appropriation with no ongoing requirements. The bill directly affects the I-494 Corridor Commission’s operational capacity for community engagement and service planning.

Maddy summaryHF 3623 modifies Minnesota's North Star Promise scholarship program by raising the income eligibility threshold to $80,000 for students attending non-state-college public institutions (like universities), while exempting students at state colleges and Tribal colleges from this income limit. The bill also adjusts funding amounts for the program, with specific transfers of $2.5 million annually for spinal cord injury programs and $3.132 million for dual training programs. These changes apply to students enrolled in fall 2026 and beyond. The bill directly affects low-to-moderate-income students seeking tuition support at Minnesota's public higher education institutions.

Maddy summaryHF 3668 establishes an Office of Gun Violence Prevention within Minnesota's Department of Health. The office will coordinate prevention efforts, collect and report statewide data on gun incidents/deaths, conduct research, create public health campaigns, and support victims - working with agencies like Public Safety. It requires an annual report to legislative committees by February 15 each year. The bill appropriates unspecified funding from the general fund for the office's operations in fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 3357 would prohibit the possession of dangerous weapons (including guns, ammunition, or explosives) in Minnesota's Capitol complex buildings, making it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The bill specifically applies to state buildings within the Capitol Area described in chapter 15B, excluding the National Guard Armory. Key exemptions include licensed peace officers on duty, permit holders who notify law enforcement, individuals displaying weapons as evidence with sheriff approval, and retired officers working in security roles under specific federal rules. The law would take effect on August 1, 2026, and directly affects anyone entering Capitol complex buildings, with limited exceptions for authorized personnel and specific lawful activities.

Maddy summaryHF 3627 increases the maximum family income limit for Minnesota's North Star Promise scholarship program from $80,000 to $100,000 annually, expanding eligibility to more students from middle-income households. The bill also increases funding transfers for the program, requiring $49.5 million annually from the general fund (starting fiscal year 2026) to support scholarships. This change affects students attending eligible Minnesota colleges who meet other standard requirements like FAFSA submission and academic progress. The adjustments take effect for the fall 2026 academic term.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $4 million in state funding for Minnesota food shelf programs during fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It directs the state agency overseeing food shelves to use these funds to support community food banks that serve people facing food insecurity. The money comes from the state general fund and is added to existing base funding for these programs. This directly affects food shelves across Minnesota and the families and individuals they serve.