Sen. Glenn Gruenhagen

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's child care rules to be adjusted for centers outside major metro areas (including Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota, Washington, Carver, and Scott counties) and cities like Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, and Mankato. It would allow these smaller community child care centers to: keep one staff member for up to six infants, ten toddlers, fifteen preschoolers, or twenty school-aged children; and group children with a 60-month age range during regular hours if other safety rules are met. The change is directed through rulemaking by the commissioner of human services or children, youth, and families. This specifically affects child care providers in non-metro areas seeking more flexible staffing options.

Maddy summarySF 839 requires a parent or legal guardian to be present when a healthcare provider administers a vaccine to a minor. This directly affects minors seeking routine vaccinations and their parents or legal guardians. The bill includes an exception for vaccines where minors have consented under specific laws (sections 144.341, 144.342, or 144.3441). The law would take effect the day after final enactment.

Maddy summarySF 755 increases the maximum number of shareholders, members, or partners allowed in entities owning agricultural homestead property from 12 to 18. This bill directly affects family farm corporations, joint farm ventures, limited liability companies, and partnerships that own farmland eligible for homestead tax classification. The key provision amends Minnesota Statutes section 273.124, subdivision 8, to update the ownership limit for these entities. The change applies to homestead applications starting in 2025, allowing larger family-owned farm businesses to maintain their tax classification.

Maddy summarySF 682 withdraws Minnesota from the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, an agreement among states to award presidential electoral votes based on the national popular vote winner. The bill amends state election laws to remove Minnesota's participation in the compact and requires the governor to notify other states of the withdrawal. This change means Minnesota will no longer allocate its electoral votes based on the national popular vote but will continue using its current method, which awards electoral votes based on the state's popular vote results. The bill does not alter how presidential electors are nominated or elected within Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota public schools from discriminating against students based on religious expression. It requires schools to treat religious viewpoints equally in assignments (like homework or artwork), allow religious clubs equal access to facilities as other student groups, and adopt policies with disclaimers stating the school doesn’t endorse student religious speech at public events. The law applies to all public school districts and covers classroom work, after-school activities, and school events where students speak publicly. Schools must evaluate student work using standard academic criteria, not religious content.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate Bill 744 prohibits licensed health care providers from performing or assisting with surgical procedures that alter sexual characteristics or prescribing puberty-blocking hormones or hormone antagonist therapies for minors diagnosed with gender dysphoria. The bill directly affects minors seeking gender-affirming medical care and their healthcare providers in Minnesota. It includes a temporary exception allowing existing prescriptions for minors already receiving puberty-blocking treatments before the law takes effect. The legislation aims to ban specific medical interventions for minors with gender dysphoria, effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how staff at licensed residential programs (like group homes) can use residents' electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards for food purchases. Staff must first be listed as an authorized representative of the resident to make such purchases. Residential programs must also maintain a log of all purchases made this way and keep records as required by law. The change directly affects residential programs and their staff handling food benefits for residents.

Maddy summarySF 590 would amend Minnesota Statutes section 624.714, subdivision 2, to lower the minimum age for applying for a permit to carry a pistol from 21 to 18 years old. This change would directly affect Minnesota residents aged 18 or older who meet other eligibility requirements, such as completing firearm safety training and passing background checks. The bill maintains existing requirements, including citizenship/residency status, prohibitions under specific criminal statutes, and not being listed in criminal gang databases. The key provision is solely the age reduction in the application criteria for permit-to-carry permits.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of Minnesota state funds in state-sponsored health programs (such as Medicaid) for abortion services, except when necessary to maintain federal funding for those programs. It specifically applies to health programs administered by the commissioner of human services and defines "abortion" per existing Minnesota law. The law includes a severability clause to ensure other provisions remain valid if part is challenged in court. The bill does not change federal abortion funding rules but restricts state funding for abortions in these programs.

Maddy summarySF 716 would reclassify drag performances as "adult entertainment" under Minnesota law. This bill defines a "drag performance" as one where performers use clothing/makeup to exaggerate gender identity for entertainment, intended to appeal to prurient interest. The law would subject venues hosting such performances to the same location restrictions as adult entertainment establishments, including prohibitions on operating near schools (2,800 feet), churches (2,800 feet), residential properties (500 feet), or within 1,500 feet of another adult entertainment venue. These changes directly affect businesses hosting drag performances by imposing new zoning and location requirements.