Rep. Mary Clardy

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Read Act to require Minnesota school districts to provide evidence-based reading instruction focused on foundational skills like phonics, phonemic awareness, and fluency for all students by the 2026-2027 school year. It mandates that districts screen every student in grades K through 3 three times annually to identify reading difficulties and characteristics of dyslexia, with specific rules for multilingual learners and dual language immersion programs. Additionally, the legislation requires districts to train teachers and library specialists on these evidence-based methods and submit annual reports detailing screening results and intervention efforts to the Department of Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's Read Act to establish a process for districts and publishers to request reviews of new reading curricula. It requires that any curriculum seeking approval demonstrate it meets Read Act requirements, is evidence-based, includes structured literacy components, and incorporates culturally responsive criteria. The legislation sets a fee of up to $3,500 for review services after March 3, 2025, and mandates that alternative programs for students who cannot access sound-based approaches be reviewed alongside traditional curricula.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15 million for the 2026 fiscal year and $13 million for 2027 to support teacher retention and improve educational systems in Minnesota. The funds will be distributed to the Department of Education, service cooperatives, and school districts to implement the MTSS framework and COMPASS school improvement model. A specific $2 million allocation in 2027 will contract with an entity experienced in improving workplace conditions and organizational culture to address teacher burnout and turnover through data-driven initiatives. The legislation also provides $5 million annually for grants to schools for hiring coordinators, professional learning, and piloting streamlined reporting systems, while $3 million supports mathematics instruction through regional training networks.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits large meat retailers from owning stakes in livestock dealers or meat packing companies and from signing exclusive contracts that require those suppliers to sell only to them. It defines a "dominant retailer" as a company selling over $18 billion in meat annually with locations in at least 20 states, including Minnesota. The law requires these retailers to divest any existing ownership interests by January 1, 2028, with a possible 180-day extension if they show good faith efforts to comply. The attorney general will identify which retailers fall under this definition starting in 2027, and violators could face daily fines of $25,000.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires social services agencies in Minnesota to provide new or like-new luggage to children entering, moving between, or exiting foster care. The law specifically prohibits agencies from using disposable bags or cardboard boxes and bans them from reclaiming the provided luggage once a child has it. Agencies may accept donations of suitable luggage and must report their compliance annually to the Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson. The changes take effect on January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 3477 creates a legal right for Minnesotans to sue state or local officials who violate their civil rights under the U.S. or Minnesota Constitution while acting in their official capacity. It allows victims to seek damages, injunctions, and attorney fees in court, with claims needing to be filed within six years. The bill also requires state and local law enforcement agencies to get written agreements from federal partners ensuring federal officers comply with both constitutions and can be held liable under this law during joint operations. These provisions apply to all cases filed on or after the law's effective date.

Maddy summaryHF 3737 amends Minnesota’s state building sustainability requirements to strengthen energy and water efficiency standards for state-owned and leased buildings. It adds new definitions for terms like "energy efficiency" and "water conservation," requires state agencies to report energy/water usage data, and establishes a shared-savings program where energy cost savings fund future efficiency improvements in state buildings. The bill also creates an Office of Enterprise Sustainability to develop metrics, track progress through public dashboards, and assist agencies in meeting energy/water reduction goals. These changes directly affect all state agencies managing buildings, mandating concrete data reporting, efficiency planning with 15-year payback limits, and adherence to updated performance standards. The bill focuses on operational changes for state facilities rather than new funding or broad public policies.

Maddy summaryHF 3704 prohibits the sale or distribution of certain crop seeds (like corn, soybeans, and wheat) coated with systemic insecticides after January 1, 2029, unless a commissioner-issued waiver is provided. It also bans applying neonicotinoid insecticides (e.g., imidacloprid) to ornamental outdoor plants and turf, except in specific environmental emergencies approved by the commissioner. Farmers seeking seed waivers must complete integrated pest management training and submit third-party pest risk assessments. The bill requires annual training for applicators and allows limited emergency use if less harmful alternatives are ineffective. It directly affects farmers, gardeners, seed sellers, and pesticide applicators in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million for Minnesota's supportive housing program, with $9 million specifically targeting U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Continuum of Care grantees facing funding gaps before December 2026. It allows noncompetitive grants to existing HUD recipients to fill these gaps, covering permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and related services. Grantees must report every 90 days on fund usage and people served, with compiled reports shared with lawmakers and the Legislative Reference Library. The funding is a one-time appropriation under Minnesota Statutes §462A.42.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals previous sales tax exemptions for preferred seating and amenities at athletic facilities, meaning these items will now be subject to sales tax when purchased with event tickets. It also provides funding for safe harbor shelter and housing grants to support homeless assistance programs. The legislation defines various retail sales for tax purposes, including bundled transactions and promotional items, while appropriating money for the housing grants.