Rep. Mary Clardy

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's education finance law to correct outdated references in the statute regarding how county apportionment funds are deducted from general education aid. It updates the legal citations in Minnesota Statutes section 126C.21, subdivision 3, to reflect current laws governing school funding apportionment. The change ensures that the correct sections of the education finance code are referenced when calculating deductions from district aid, though it does not alter the actual amount of funding districts receive. This technical correction affects school districts in Minnesota by clarifying the legal framework for calculating their state aid.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's law on concealing identity in public places. It adds "protection from smoke, gas, or other airborne toxin" as a valid exception for wearing masks or disguises, while clarifying that the law generally prohibits such concealment (except for religious, entertainment, weather, or medical reasons). The bill specifically creates two new exceptions for law enforcement: undercover officers may conceal identity when necessary for investigations or safety, and tactical team members may wear face masks to prevent facial disfigurement. The law would not apply to these officers while performing official duties under these specified circumstances. (Note: This is a proposed bill pending in committee as of February 2026.)

Maddy summaryHF 3446 appropriates $6.5 million from state bond funds to build a new swimming pool and aquatics center in South St. Paul, Minnesota. The city of South St. Paul directly receives this grant for site preparation, construction, equipment, and furnishings. The bill requires the facility to include specific sustainability features like energy-efficient lighting, water-saving plumbing, native landscaping, accessibility for active transportation, and photovoltaic-ready infrastructure. The state will issue bonds to cover the cost, with the funding effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 3451 provides one-time state grants to Minnesota public schools, charter schools, and tribal schools for anonymous threat reporting systems. Schools must contribute 50% of costs from non-state funds and agree to use grants for system development, operation, staff compensation, and threat response. Grants must be distributed across all geographic regions, with at least half going to schools outside the 11-county metro area. Recipients must report annually by February 15 on how funds were used, including system implementation details. The bill appropriates funds for this purpose with a deadline of June 30, 2028.

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 3796 requires Minnesota employers to provide suitable seating (such as chairs, stools, or benches with back support) in reasonable proximity to work areas when the nature of the work reasonably permits sitting. This law directly affects employers in Minnesota who have employees performing tasks where seating would be practical, such as in retail or assembly line roles. Violations are enforced by the commissioner under existing occupational safety laws, with administrative penalties applied as specified in Minnesota Statutes section 182.666. The bill aims to improve workplace safety by ensuring employees have access to appropriate seating during tasks that allow for it.

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 summaryHF 1197 requires mining companies seeking permits for nonferrous sulfide ore projects in Minnesota to disclose all environmental violations, fines, or legal actions against them or their key personnel within the past 15 years. The bill prohibits state agencies from conducting environmental reviews or issuing permits to applicants who have been charged, convicted, or fined for environmental violations, bribery, or corruption in that timeframe. This directly affects companies applying for mining permits by blocking approval if they or their leadership have recent environmental compliance issues. The law aims to prevent entities with poor environmental records from obtaining permits for new mining projects.

Maddy summaryHF 3635 establishes Minnesota's participation in an interstate compact to simplify teacher licensure across state lines. The bill creates a framework allowing teachers from member states to more easily obtain licensure in Minnesota, directly affecting educators seeking to relocate and military spouses needing to move with service members. Key provisions include sharing licensure and disciplinary information between states, removing barriers to employment, and maintaining state-specific licensing authority. This compact does not change Minnesota's current licensure rules but provides a standardized process for out-of-state teachers to gain authorization to teach in Minnesota public schools.

Maddy summaryHF 3710 establishes a state-funded grant program to support Minnesota teachers and specialized instructional staff (like counselors and librarians). The program provides up to $600 per recipient for professional development, classroom supplies, new teacher needs, curriculum implementation, and projects for English learners or student mental health. Administered through approved nonprofit partners, funds cover microcredentials, teaching materials, and classroom resources, with private donations allowed to supplement state funding. The bill directly affects licensed educators in public schools and charter schools across Minnesota.