Sen. Carla Nelson

Maddy summarySF 3740 would allow Minnesota local governments to ban cannabis businesses within 500 feet of congregate housing for children, congregate housing for transplant recipients, and hospitals. This amendment expands existing restrictions (which already prohibit cannabis businesses within 1,000 feet of schools) to add these specific facilities. The bill does not change current rules for schools or other locations, but adds these new protected zones. Cannabis businesses operating near these facilities would need to comply with local ordinances under this provision. The bill affects cannabis business locations seeking to operate near these sensitive community facilities.

Maddy summarySF 2852 modifies Minnesota's optometry scope of practice by adding specific restrictions to optometrists' authority. It directly affects licensed optometrists in Minnesota by limiting their ability to prescribe or administer certain medications and treatments. The bill explicitly prohibits: administering prescription drugs via IV/IM/injection (except for anaphylaxis), performing invasive surgery (including laser procedures), prescribing Schedule II/III oral drugs or steroids, prescribing oral antivirals beyond 10 days, and prescribing oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors beyond 7 days. These changes clarify the boundaries of optometric practice under existing law. The bill does not expand optometrists' authority but defines specific limitations on their current scope.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 56 is a ceremonial measure that honors Helen Marjorie Spaid Leqve for reaching her 104th birthday. The resolution recognizes her contributions during World War II, including her work as a riveter and rifle assembler, and celebrates her long life as a farmer's wife and community member. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to create an official copy of the document and send it to her as a formal acknowledgment of her service.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally congratulates the University of Minnesota Army ROTC on their first-place victory at the 2025 Sandhurst Military Skills Competition. The bill recognizes the historic achievement of the Golden Gopher Battalion, which became the highest-achieving ROTC team in the program's history by winning the global competition held at West Point. It specifically honors the leadership of Captain Jamieson Barnes, Master Sergeant Ivan Krestyn, and Cadet Charles Frattalone for their distinguished performance. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to create an official copy of the document and send it to the university as a gesture of state appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies medical care requirements for infants born alive during abortion procedures in Minnesota. It mandates that medical personnel provide all reasonable measures to preserve the life and health of such infants, except when a life-threatening condition is diagnosed, in which case only "comfort care" (palliative care to ensure comfort) must be provided. The bill also adds specific data reporting requirements to abortion records, including whether an infant was born alive, the infant's gestational age, medical actions taken, and survival status. These changes apply to all physicians and facilities performing abortions in the state.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 24 is a formal commendation honoring Hillary Grodevant for receiving the 2025 Star of Life Award from the Minnesota Ambulance Association. The resolution recognizes her long-standing career in emergency medical services, including her work as a paramedic and supervisor with Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to officially transmit a copy of the resolution to Grodevant as a gesture of appreciation for her contributions to the field.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally congratulates Tricia Riggott for receiving the 2025 Star of Life Award from the Minnesota Ambulance Association. The document highlights her distinguished career as a critical care paramedic and flight paramedic, noting her dedication to emergency medical services and her community life as a mother and grandmother. By passing this resolution, the Senate officially recognizes her exemplary service and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a certified copy of the award to her. This measure is a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a law that changes policy or affects public funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the Civic League Day Nursery for its 95th anniversary as Minnesota's longest-running nonprofit child care center. The bill extends official congratulations and gratitude to the organization for its decades of service to families in the Rochester area. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to create an authenticated copy of the resolution and send it to the nursery as a formal tribute. This measure is a ceremonial recognition that does not change any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally congratulates Steven Strom of Albert Lea for receiving the 2025 Star of Life Award from the Minnesota Ambulance Association. The bill recognizes Strom as an emergency medical technician who demonstrated exceptional care and empathy while working for Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service. It highlights specific instances of his dedication, such as reuniting a patient with their spouse during critical moments, and notes his family's tradition of public service. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to create an official copy of the document and send it to Strom as a record of this honor.

Maddy summarySF 976 appropriates $675,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $729,000 for fiscal year 2027 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund. The funds are allocated to two specific programs: Wilderness Inquiry's Canoemobile and Pyramid of Outdoor Engagement. These programs provide statewide outdoor educational experiences for youth and families, connecting them to Minnesota's natural resources, public lands, and cultural heritage while aligning with state graduation standards. The bill directly affects participants in these educational programs across Minnesota.