Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega

Maddy summaryHF 2511 allows Minnesota school districts to use long-term facilities maintenance revenue for school safety facility enhancements, such as security upgrades, violence prevention modifications, and equipment related to facility security. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to explicitly add "school safety facility enhancements" as an allowed use under the district's ten-year facility plan, effective for fiscal year 2026 and later. This change does not alter existing restrictions on revenue use, such as prohibitions on new facility construction or energy-efficiency projects unrelated to safety. School districts must include these safety projects in their approved facility plans to qualify for the funding.

Maddy summaryHF 2478 appropriates $750,000 from the workforce development fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $750,000 for fiscal year 2027 to provide a one-time grant to Project for Pride in Living (PPL). The funds are specifically designated for PPL to deliver job training and workforce development services targeting unemployed or underemployed individuals. This bill directly supports PPL's programming and the people it serves through these targeted services. The appropriation is a one-time funding measure, not a recurring budget item.

Maddy summaryHF 2508 appropriates $250,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $250,000 for fiscal year 2027. The funds are directed to the Minnesota Humanities Center Board to provide grants to African Career Education and Resource, Inc. The bill specifies the money must support the organization's programming, public education classes, community outreach, and cultural events focused on African Minnesotan history, culture, and folk arts. This funding directly supports the organization's efforts to educate the public about African Minnesotan heritage.

Maddy summaryHF 2427 provides $2.2 million in state funding for grants to small businesses in St. Paul (employing 25 or fewer people) that face significant disruptions like reduced access or parking during the Department of Transportation's construction and redesign of Arcade Street and East 7th Street. The grants cover payroll, operating, or facility costs during the project, but cannot fund bonuses, new equipment, or construction. The commissioner of employment and economic development must distribute funds through local nonprofits, prioritizing businesses based on revenue decline, construction duration, and traffic disruption severity. A report detailing all grants must be submitted annually starting January 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 2468 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support mental health initiatives in Minnesota's construction industry. The funds, available until June 30, 2027, are designated for outreach, education, stigma reduction programs, and worksite strategies to prevent suicide. They can be used for grants to industry groups and developing resources targeting construction workers. This bill directly affects construction industry workers by funding concrete mental health support services through state-administered programs.

Maddy summaryHF 45 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support Minnesota's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Outreach Program. This funding directly assists the commissioner of children, youth, and families in operating outreach efforts to help eligible Minnesotans access food assistance benefits. The bill provides specific, dedicated funding for the program under Minnesota Statutes, section 142F.12, without changing eligibility rules or benefit amounts. It ensures consistent financial support for outreach services that connect residents to existing nutrition assistance programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1105 amends Minnesota law to require the state health commissioner to *conduct* maternal death studies annually, changing the previous language from "may" to "must." This directly affects the Minnesota Department of Health, which must now systematically analyze preventable maternal deaths to improve healthcare systems. The bill mandates these studies to identify preventable causes and inform medical, health, and welfare service planning. Its key provision is making the maternal death study process mandatory, aiming to reduce preventable deaths through data-driven system improvements. The law applies statewide to all maternal health outcomes covered under Minnesota's health system.

Maddy summaryHF 2055 allows the city of St. Paul to issue on-sale alcoholic beverage licenses to the Science Museum of Minnesota (at 120 West Kellogg Boulevard) and the Union Depot (at 214 Fourth Street East), removing standard zoning restrictions and distance requirements from schools or churches. The bill amends Minnesota law to specifically authorize these venues to sell alcohol daily on their premises. This change directly affects the two organizations by enabling them to serve alcoholic beverages during regular operations. The policy modifies existing liquor licensing rules to grant these specific exemptions without altering broader state alcohol regulations.

Maddy summaryHF 2220 prohibits Minnesota state agencies from charging parking fees to state employees at facilities owned or operated by the state. It directly affects all state employees who park on state property, whether working or with manager approval for personal use. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes (sections 16B.04 and 16B.58) to require free parking, removing all fees, fines, or penalties for eligible employees. This change applies to all state parking lots managed under the Department of Administration, ensuring employees receive a free parking permit.

Maddy summaryHF 2254 adds a $400 "baby bonus" to Minnesota's existing child credit for each qualifying child born during the tax year. This directly affects Minnesota taxpayers with newborn children, increasing their state income tax credit. The bill modifies the child credit calculation by adding the $400 per newborn (without reducing the minimum credit amount) and allows for potential advance payments. It takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.