Maddy summaryHF 1604 requires schools to report students with seven or more unexcused absences in a school year to local welfare agencies, directly affecting students and families facing chronic absenteeism. The bill modifies the definition of "habitual truant" to include children under 12 with seven unexcused absences (with specific rebuttal conditions) and mandates welfare agencies to provide tailored support services to address attendance concerns. It appropriates funds for fiscal years 2026-2027 to grant local welfare agencies resources for child welfare response programs focused on improving school attendance. These changes aim to connect school attendance issues with child welfare services through mandated reporting and targeted funding.
Rep. Bianca Virnig
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHF 1418 transfers teacher grant programs from the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) to the Minnesota Department of Education. It requires the Department of Education to collaborate with PELSB and other agencies to produce an annual report by November 3 each even-numbered year, detailing state-funded programs aimed at increasing the racial and ethnic diversity of teachers. The report must include recommendations for policy changes, plans for sharing best practices among grant recipients, and whether an advisory council should be created to address teacher diversity shortages. This bill directly affects state education agencies, school districts receiving grants, and teacher recruitment programs focused on diversifying the workforce.
Maddy summaryHF 1422 appropriates $5 million from state bonds to fund the construction, equipment, and furnishings of a community recreation facility for the Dassel-Cokato School District (Independent School District No. 466). The facility will include a walking track, field house, ice rink, gymnastics space, and community center. The state will issue bonds up to $5 million to provide the funding, with the money directed to the district through the commissioner of education. This bill directly affects the Dassel-Cokato community by enabling the development of new public recreational infrastructure.
Maddy summaryHF 1473 modifies a $26 million state appropriation for Hennepin County to build a new anaerobic digestion recycling facility in Brooklyn Park. The bill requires Hennepin County to submit a plan for closing the existing Hennepin Energy Recovery Center before funds can be used, and specifies that the project includes demolishing the County Sheriff's facility on the site. This funding covers predesign, construction, and equipment for the new recycling recovery facility. The bill directly affects Hennepin County and residents of Brooklyn Park through the facility's development and the transition from the old recovery center.
Maddy summaryHF 1347 appropriates $20 million from state bonds to fund grants for metropolitan cities in Minnesota to reduce wastewater inflow and infiltration in municipal sewer systems. Eligible cities must be identified by the Metropolitan Council as contributors of excessive inflow/infiltration or within 20% of allowable limits, with grants covering up to 50% of eligible capital improvement costs. The funding supports infrastructure projects to mitigate strain on the regional sewer system, administered through the Metropolitan Council's guidelines. The bonds will be issued under Minnesota's bond authority statutes to provide the necessary capital.
Maddy summaryHF 1550 allows Minnesota school districts to renew expiring capital projects referendums through a school board resolution instead of holding a new voter election, under specific conditions. It directly affects school districts with referendums nearing expiration that meet all renewal requirements. Key provisions require the renewal amount to match the expiring referendum, the renewal term to be no longer than the original term, and the board to hold a public hearing with a recorded vote before adopting a written resolution. The resolution must be submitted to the commissioner and county auditor by September 1, and cannot be used if the referendum was previously renewed via board action. This streamlines renewal for districts with unchanged project funding needs.
Maddy summaryHF 1389 transfers specific state-owned land at the Cloquet Forestry Center in Carlton County to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. It appropriates $1.3 million from the general fund to pay off existing state bonds financing improvements on this property, removing it from "state bond-financed property" status under Minnesota law. This debt payment enables the University of Minnesota to eventually return the land to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, as stated in the bill's purpose. The bill directly affects the state, the University of Minnesota, and the Fond du Lac Band by facilitating a land transfer.
Maddy summaryHF 1385 appropriates funds from the general fund for a statewide tenant education and hotline service in Minnesota. The bill allocates unspecified amounts for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to provide all Minnesota renters with free, confidential legal advice through a hotline and educational resources. The service will be administered by the Housing Finance Agency. This funding directly supports renters seeking assistance with housing rights and legal questions.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15 million from state bond proceeds to fund rehabilitation of railroad tracks between Winthrop and Hanley Falls for the Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority. The funds cover track repairs, bridge replacements or upgrades, environmental documentation, and design work, and can also serve as matching funds for federal grants. It authorizes the state to issue up to $15 million in bonds to finance this project. The appropriation is in addition to all prior funding for this specific rail project.
Maddy summaryHF 1349 appropriates $10.8 million from state bond proceeds to fund the reconstruction of County State-Aid Highway 50 from Kenrick Avenue to Klamath Trail in Dakota County. This project is part of the Interstate 35 interchange improvements and will address mobility and safety needs. The funds cover design, construction, right-of-way acquisition, pedestrian/bike facilities, utility relocation, and stormwater management for Highway 50 and connected roads like 175th Street and Kenrick Avenue. The money is allocated to Dakota County, the city of Lakeville, or both, to complete this specific infrastructure project. The state will issue bonds up to $10.8 million to cover this appropriation.