Sen. Liz Boldon

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's required instructional hours for public schools. It increases kindergarten instructional hours from 425 to 850 hours annually for all-day programs, while maintaining 935 hours for grades 1-6 and 1,020 hours for grades 7-12. The bill clarifies that up to five days of online instruction due to weather may count toward these totals, provided they follow existing protocols. It also ensures districts cannot deny required services like special education, and requires the Department of Education to update policies to support flexible instructional models. The changes directly affect all Minnesota public school districts serving K-12 students.

Maddy summarySF 3048 authorizes Minnesota local health departments to obtain and distribute predosed epinephrine (for life-threatening allergic reactions) and specific vaccines (including school-required, flu, and COVID-19 vaccines) under a standing order provided by the commissioner of health. This directly affects local health departments, community health boards, and healthcare providers who administer these treatments. The key mechanism is a standing order from the commissioner, which allows departments to distribute these items without individual prescriptions, and specifies that administering epinephrine under this order does not constitute the "practice of medicine." The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 145A.04, to create these new provisions for public health preparedness.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate Bill 3070 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace the legislature's role in redrawing congressional and state legislative districts with an Independent Redistricting Commission. The commission, established by December 2031 (and after each federal census), would consist of 15 members: five supporting each of the two major political parties and five nonpartisan members. This commission would be responsible for creating district boundaries, directly affecting all Minnesota voters by determining their congressional and state legislative districts. The bill also includes provisions to prevent conflicts of interest (e.g., barring current officials from serving on the commission) and extends a one-year lobbying ban for legislators after their service ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health professionals to obtain written informed consent before performing sensitive examinations (such as pelvic, breast, urogenital, or rectal exams) on anesthetized or unconscious patients. Exceptions include cases where the exam is part of a previously consented procedure, necessary for immediate treatment, or court-ordered for evidence. Violations are punishable as a gross misdemeanor and may lead to disciplinary action by health licensing boards. The law applies to all health professionals, including trainees, and takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 3047 appropriates $2.5 million for fiscal year 2026 and $2.5 million for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to provide child care improvement grants. The funds will be distributed by the commissioner of children, youth, and families to eligible child care providers under Minnesota Statutes, section 142D.20, subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (7). The bill explicitly prohibits using any funds for administrative costs, directing all $5 million directly toward the grants. This appropriation supports Minnesota's existing child care improvement program, which aims to enhance quality and accessibility for families.

Maddy summarySF 1457 requires all Minnesota public school districts and charter schools to develop and implement cardiac emergency response plans by the 2026-2027 school year. The plan must include AED placement guidelines, annual staff training in CPR and AED use, cardiac emergency simulations before each school year, and clear protocols for responding to cardiac arrests on school grounds or at school events. The bill appropriates $2 million (available until June 2027) to help schools purchase AEDs, CPR equipment, and cover related training costs. It directly affects schools, athletic programs through the Minnesota State High School League, and school staff responsible for emergency response.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota law to restrict sales of over-the-counter allergy medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine (common in products like Sudafed). It limits single sales to two packages or six grams total base weight, requires sales behind counters by licensed staff, and mandates ID checks and written sales logs for buyers. Buyers under 18 are prohibited from purchasing these products, and total monthly purchases are capped at 6.7 grams. These rules apply directly to pharmacies and retail stores selling such allergy medications.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's child care licensing rules to improve clarity and support for providers. It requires the commissioner to create standardized inspection timelines and conduct standards for child care centers and family child care providers, ensuring consistent processes and clear communication. The bill also updates the definition of "education" to include relevant postsecondary coursework for teachers and establishes a permanent background study liaison to speed up background checks. Additionally, it appropriates $50,000 for developing these standardized inspection procedures, effective by January 2026. The changes directly affect licensed child care providers, aiming to reduce confusion and streamline compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2026-2027 to support a new southeast Minnesota groundwater and soil health initiative. It directs the Board of Water and Soil Resources to provide grants to soil and water conservation districts in Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona counties. The funds will support projects to reduce nutrient pollution in groundwater, immobilize unused nitrogen, and prevent soil erosion. Conservation districts can use the grants to make subgrants for cover crop programs, alternative crops, and pasture enhancement initiatives aligned with the existing Olmsted County program.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3.866 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to address nitrate contamination in private drinking water wells. It directly affects homeowners in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona counties whose wells exceed the 10 mg/L nitrate safety limit. The funds cover reverse osmosis systems, well repairs, and reconstruction, prioritizing low-income households (at or below 300% of federal poverty guidelines) and households with infants or pregnant individuals. Administrative costs up to 6.5% of the appropriation are also permitted.