Rep. Sydney Jordan

Maddy summaryHF 1099 changes how special education funding is shared between school districts and charter schools in Minnesota. Starting in fiscal year 2026, the state will cover 50% of the unreimbursed cost for special education services provided to students at charter schools (down from previous rates where districts paid more), while resident districts will pay only 50% of those costs instead of higher percentages. This bill directly affects charter schools receiving special education services and the school districts that host them, shifting more financial responsibility to the state. It amends Minnesota statutes 124E.21 and 127A.47 to implement this funding adjustment.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of up to $2 million in state bonds to fund the design and construction of a new skate park at Windom Northeast Park in Minneapolis. The appropriated funds will be given to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board through a grant managed by the commissioner of employment and economic development. The legislation takes effect the day after it is passed and directs the commissioner of management and budget to handle the bond sale according to existing state laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program to provide social services and mental health support to victims of Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration enforcement operation. The program will fund organizations that help affected individuals with basic needs like housing, food, and employment assistance, as well as mental health care. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, government agencies, tribal nations, and legal service providers, with priority given to areas most impacted by the operation. The bill appropriates unspecified funding from the state's general fund for one-time use through June 2029, requiring grantees to report on program participation and outcomes.

Maddy summaryHF 3585 establishes an Interagency Council on Student Attendance to improve coordination among state agencies, counties, school districts, and charter schools in addressing student absenteeism. The council, composed of representatives from 16 state departments and education organizations (including the Department of Education and tribal groups), must develop solutions for chronic absenteeism and submit annual reports with recommendations starting in 2027. The bill appropriates $2,027 for fiscal year 2027 to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to support the council’s work, with future funding to be determined. The council will meet at least quarterly and has no expiration date.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota bill restricts state and local government participation in federal civil immigration enforcement efforts, prohibiting agencies from using resources to investigate, detain, or arrest individuals for immigration violations. It defines civil immigration enforcement to exclude criminal law enforcement and clarifies that cooperation with federal authorities on criminal matters remains permitted. The legislation also establishes a cause of action for constitutional rights violations related to immigration, prohibits denying education based on immigration status, and requires hospitals to create policies for interactions with law enforcement. Additionally, the bill appropriates funding to support these provisions and amends existing state statutes regarding immigration-related activities.

Maddy summaryHF 3557 establishes a voluntary "climate literacy seal" for Minnesota high school students who complete specific requirements related to climate education. To earn the seal, students must meet standard graduation requirements, take at least two approved climate literacy courses, and complete a final project focused on local climate issues in their community - such as a community initiative, research project, or hands-on activity. Participating schools must note the seal on student transcripts without charging fees and collaborate with local organizations to support the projects. The bill also requires a report on the program's implementation, aiming to recognize students' understanding of climate change and practical application of solutions in their communities.

Maddy summaryHF 3401 modifies Minnesota law to clarify that firearms are generally prohibited on school property, even for individuals with permits, except for specific authorized groups like active law enforcement or military personnel on duty. The bill establishes new storage requirements for permitted carry, mandating that firearms must be unloaded, secured in a locked container or trunk, and out of plain sight when not actively on duty or participating in authorized activities. These rules apply to school buildings, grounds, buses, and event facilities with posted signs, but exclude active officers and military personnel. The law aims to balance permitted access with safety by ensuring firearms are secured during non-operational periods.

Maddy summaryHF 3428 repeals a requirement that recipients of Minnesota's trust fund appropriations must obtain written approval from the commissioner of natural resources before acquiring certain lands. This bill directly affects state agencies and organizations using trust fund money for land purchases, removing the need to submit acquisition details 10 business days in advance or provide tax assessment data. The repealed provision (Minnesota Statutes 116P.17) previously mandated commissioner approval for most land acquisitions funded by the trust, with limited exceptions. The change simplifies the process for these land acquisitions without altering the underlying trust fund funding rules.

Maddy summaryHF 3293 creates the Minnesota Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (MCFPB) to enforce consumer financial laws and protect residents from unfair or deceptive practices in banking, lending, and other financial services. The bill establishes a commissioner appointed by the governor to oversee the bureau, which will investigate complaints, monitor financial markets, and enforce anti-discrimination rules in consumer finance. It appropriates funding for the bureau’s operations in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, and directs the commissioner to recruit staff with federal CFPB experience. The bureau directly affects Minnesota consumers and financial institutions operating in the state by providing a dedicated enforcement agency for consumer financial protection.

Maddy summaryHF 3146 prohibits all Minnesota state and local government entities, including law enforcement agencies, from acquiring, using, or contracting with private companies for facial recognition technology. The bill defines "face surveillance" as automated systems identifying individuals based on facial features and bans government entities from obtaining, retaining, or accessing such systems or data. Violations would make evidence from facial recognition inadmissible in court, require deletion of unlawfully collected data, and allow affected individuals to sue for $1,000 per violation or $100 per incident (whichever is greater), plus attorney fees. The law takes effect on August 1, 2025, and applies broadly across all government functions.