Sen. Torrey Westrom

Co-sponsor SF 464

In committee · Minnesota Senate · Co-sponsor

Prohibition modification on American Indian mascots

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 464 prohibits public schools in Minnesota from using American Indian mascots, nicknames, or symbols as school identifiers starting September 1, 2026, unless an exemption applies. It exempts schools on federally recognized tribal reservations where at least 95% of students are American Indian. Schools must report compliance progress to legislators by February 2025 and 2026, and the state will provide up to $2 million in 2026 to help schools replace prohibited mascots through a new funding program administered by the Department of Education. The bill directly affects all public school districts using such mascots, with specific reporting and funding mechanisms to support transition.

In committee Jan 27, 2025 1 co-sponsor Track

Primary SF 739

In committee · Minnesota Senate · Lead sponsor

Importation of live Cervidae permission to certain accredited facilities

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota law to regulate the importation of live deer and related animals (Cervidae) to prevent chronic wasting disease (CWD) spread. It generally prohibits importing such animals from areas with recent CWD outbreaks unless tested negative, and requires them to come from certified CWD-free herds. The key exception allows interstate transfers between facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) or specific AZA-partnered institutions. It also permits limited imports of non-CWD-susceptible orphaned wild animals to AZA-accredited Minnesota facilities after a joint risk assessment. The bill directly affects zoos, wildlife facilities, and agricultural importers handling Cervidae.

In committee Jan 27, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Co-sponsor SF 487

In committee · Minnesota Senate · Co-sponsor

Microenterprise home kitchen operation license creation

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "microenterprise home kitchen operation license" for Minnesotans who prepare and sell food from their homes. It directly affects small home-based food businesses that currently lack a legal pathway to sell cooked goods, such as baked goods or prepared meals. Key provisions require the commissioner to issue the license within 30 days of application, make it valid for one year (January 1-December 31), and allow annual renewal. The license specifically excludes sales at retail locations or for consumption on-site, aligning with existing home kitchen regulations. This establishes a formal, accessible licensing process for home food operations under new Chapter 31C of Minnesota Statutes.

In committee Jan 23, 2025 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor SF 5244

In committee · Minnesota Senate · Co-sponsor

Legislative Task Force on Guardianship establishment, appointments provisions, and appropriation

In committee Apr 30, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor SF 5451

In committee · Minnesota Senate · Co-sponsor

Hiring preference including certain active service members who will be honorably discharged within 120 days expansion provision

In committee Apr 18, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Primary SF 5459

In committee · Minnesota Senate · Lead sponsor

Alternate placement of a student by a district authorization

In committee Apr 18, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Co-sponsor SF 5401

In committee · Minnesota Senate · Co-sponsor

Remedy provision to owners to remove unauthorized persons from occupying residential real property

In committee Apr 9, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor SF 4053

In committee · Minnesota Senate · Co-sponsor

Minnesota Cooperative Housing Act

In committee Apr 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor SF 5315

In committee · Minnesota Senate · Co-sponsor

Education fund transfers for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027 authorization; school board non compliance with certain laws or rules authorization

In committee Apr 4, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Primary SF 4990

died · Minnesota Senate · Lead sponsor

Eagle's Healing Nest appropriation

died Mar 25, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track