Sen. Rich Draheim

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7,011,000 for fiscal year 2026 and another $7,011,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to fund grants for Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in Minnesota. The funds will be distributed by the commissioner of employment and economic development to CILs operating under Minnesota Statutes, section 268A.11. These centers provide support services to help people with disabilities live independently in their communities. The funding directly affects CILs and the people with disabilities they serve, ensuring continued access to independent living programs. This is a straightforward funding measure with no new policy requirements.

Maddy summarySF 775 establishes a new ombudsperson position within Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development to support agricultural and food processing workers. The ombudsperson will help workers address workplace safety, housing, and fair labor issues by taking complaints, connecting them to services, and analyzing systemic problems. They must post verified complaints online and submit annual reports to the legislature detailing their work. This bill directly affects Minnesota's agricultural and food processing workers, who often face challenges in these areas.

Maddy summarySF 1600 eliminates the statute of limitations for prosecuting first-degree arson in Minnesota. This means prosecutors can file charges for this crime at any time, regardless of when the offense occurred, removing the current 6-year deadline. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 628.26 to specifically remove the time limit for violations of section 609.282 (which covers first-degree arson). It applies to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2025, or if the limitations period hadn't expired before that date. This change directly affects prosecutors and individuals who commit first-degree arson, allowing for potential charges to be filed years or decades after the crime.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 1695 modifies Minnesota Statutes § 609.066, clarifying when police officers may use deadly force to protect a person from "apparent death." The bill requires that any threat justifying deadly force must be specifically articulated, reasonably likely to occur without officer intervention, and necessitate immediate deadly force without delay. It explicitly prohibits officers from using deadly force solely based on a person's self-harm risk unless the threat meets these three criteria. The law directly affects peace officers across Minnesota by setting clearer standards for deadly force use during encounters involving potential life-threatening situations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Minnesota's HELP (Higher Education Loan Program) to provide low-interest student loans to eligible residents. It directly affects Minnesota residents attending public or nonprofit Minnesota colleges who earn under 300% of the federal poverty line, offering loans up to $5,000 annually (with a $20,000 lifetime limit) at a maximum 3% fixed interest rate. The program is funded by $17.5 million annually from the state general fund for fiscal years 2026-2027, with repayments recycled into a dedicated account to sustain the program. It requires the Office of Higher Education to administer the loans, including contracting for servicing.

Maddy summarySF 1696 allows local law enforcement agencies in Minnesota to place stationary automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in highway rights-of-way, specifically on trunk highways, county state-aid highways, and county highways. The bill requires agencies to provide 14 days' notice to highway authorities before and after placement, use existing infrastructure like traffic signs for mounting, ensure the placement doesn’t create traffic hazards, and only operate within their jurisdiction. This directly affects local police departments and highway authorities by establishing clear rules for ALPR placement, while referencing existing definitions from Minnesota Statutes. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 160.27 to add these specific authorization provisions.

Maddy summarySF 1698 allows homeowners who live in their single-family homestead as their primary residence to rent or lease a portion of their property (like a basement or room) without municipal restrictions. It directly affects Minnesotans owning homestead properties who wish to generate income through partial rentals. The bill amends zoning law to explicitly permit such rentals as a "single family use," meaning cities cannot ban this practice. Municipalities may still enforce standard landlord-tenant laws and other housing regulations. This bill does not change existing tenant protections or require new municipal permits for these rentals.

Maddy summarySF 1191, the "Never Again Act," would replace the governor's authority to declare emergencies with a legislative process requiring the Minnesota Legislature to approve emergency declarations. It repeals the governor's power to issue emergency orders with "full force and effect of law" and explicitly protects citizens' rights - including free speech, religious exercise, assembly, travel, and business operations - from being infringed during emergencies. The bill amends multiple emergency management statutes to transfer declaration authority to the Legislature and requires legislative approval for emergency extensions. This directly affects the governor's emergency powers and all Minnesotans whose rights could be restricted under current emergency rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Minnesota to issue up to $20 million in state bonds to fund the University of Minnesota's FAARM program in Mower County. The funds will cover planning, design, land acquisition, and initial site preparation for new research facilities focused on agricultural innovation. The state appropriation covers approximately two-thirds of the project's initial phase costs, with the university responsible for the remaining portion. The bill directly affects the University of Minnesota (specifically the FAARM program) and Mower County residents through the development of new agricultural research infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $750,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $750,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to the Minnesota Grocers Association Foundation. It funds the "Carts to Careers" initiative, which provides job skills training, outreach, and scholarships for people seeking careers in the food retail industry. The grant supports workforce development activities like certifications and training to strengthen the food industry job pipeline. This one-time funding directly benefits job seekers in Minnesota's grocery sector and the Minnesota Grocers Association Foundation as the recipient.