Sen. Rich Draheim

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3 million for fiscal year 2026 and $3 million for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to Youthprise. The funds will support economic development services aimed at improving long-term economic self-sufficiency in Minnesota communities with concentrated populations from the African diaspora. At least half of the money must be used for subgrants to organizations serving communities outside the seven-county metropolitan area. This is a one-time funding allocation with no ongoing obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill delays the ban on PFAS-containing class B firefighting foam at airport hangars until January 1, 2028. It directly affects airport operators who currently use this foam, requiring them to submit annual reports to the state fire marshal by December 31 each year about their transition plans, disposal of PFAS foam, and progress toward meeting federal safety requirements. The delay allows time for the Federal Aviation Administration to finalize guidance on fluorine-free foam alternatives and for those alternatives to become commercially available in sufficient quantities. Airport operators may request a one-year extension with approval from both the Pollution Control Agency and State Fire Marshal, provided environmental and public safety protections are maintained.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 2466) modifies Minnesota's Paid Leave Law to clarify who qualifies for benefits. It updates definitions to include employees working primarily in Minnesota (50% of hours) or working across states with Minnesota residence (50% of year), while excluding self-employed workers, independent contractors, and seasonal hospitality workers (defined as ≤180 days/year in hospitality with specific revenue thresholds). The bill also expands the definition of "family member" to include in-laws and individuals with personal care relationships, and allows the state to contract private companies to process benefits and handle tax withholdings. These changes affect Minnesota workers, employers, and self-employed individuals seeking paid leave under the law.

Maddy summarySF 2350 modifies Minnesota's training requirements for mandatory reporters who must report suspected child maltreatment. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 260E.065 to require that at least half of the training time focuses on identifying signs of maltreatment (as defined in statute), and that training covers all maltreatment types listed in section 260E.03. It also mandates that training content include input from professionals like medical staff, attorneys, and social workers. This applies directly to individuals legally required to report child maltreatment, such as teachers, healthcare workers, and child care providers. The changes aim to standardize and enhance the practical content of existing reporter training programs.

Maddy summarySF 2295 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to Twin Cities R!SE for its Empowerment Institute. The funding supports specific programs including personal empowerment training, employer partnerships, and statewide implementation of a youth personal empowerment curriculum. This is a one-time appropriation, with funds available until June 30, 2028. The bill directly affects Twin Cities R!SE and the participants in its workforce development programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million from the general fund and $500,000 from the workforce development fund for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. The funds are for a one-time grant to the Games organizers through Explore Minnesota and a separate grant to support employment activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the event. The bill directly affects the Special Olympics USA Games organizers and participants with disabilities by providing financial support for the event and related job training initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $68,684,000 from state bonds to build a new Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) regional office and laboratory facility in Mankato, Minnesota. The funds will cover construction, furnishing, and equipping the building, which will serve law enforcement agencies across southern Minnesota. The bill authorizes the state to sell bonds to finance this capital project, with the facility expected to support criminal investigations and forensic services in the region.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $4,511,000 from the general fund for Minnesota's youth program during fiscal year 2026. The funds will be administered by the commissioner of employment and economic development to support the program's operations. The appropriation is available for either year of the biennium and will be added to the program's base funding. This is a straightforward funding measure that directly supports the state's youth program services.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the chamber's disapproval of comments made by Governor Tim Walz to the Minnesota Nursing Association. The measure specifically targets remarks where the Governor described political opponents as fascists and Nazis, arguing that such language trivializes the historical atrocities of the Holocaust and damages public trust in elections. While Senate resolutions generally do not carry the force of law, this document formally condemns the Governor's speech and requests that he apologize to the Jewish community and the public for using divisive rhetoric. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the document to Governor Walz as an official communication from the legislative body.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a supplemental monthly payment rate of up to $750 for long-term residential facilities in Blue Earth County that serve 20 beds specifically for chemically dependent women requiring 24-hour supervision and support services. It amends Minnesota Statutes by adding a new subdivision to Section 256I.05, creating this separate payment rate effective July 1, 2026. The rate applies only to facilities meeting these precise criteria within Blue Earth County and excludes standard housing support rates. It directly affects providers operating such facilities by providing additional funding for this targeted population.