Sen. Liz Boldon

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $X for fiscal years 2026-2027 from the general fund to fund a southeast Minnesota groundwater and soil health initiative. It provides grants to soil and water conservation districts in Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona counties. The funds support specific projects to reduce nutrient leaching into groundwater, immobilize nitrogen, and prevent erosion through cover crops, alternative crops, and pasture enhancement programs aligned with the existing Olmsted County initiative. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on funding allocation for these established conservation practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies eligibility for clearing criminal records or reducing sentences for past marijuana-related offenses in Minnesota. It directly affects individuals convicted of specific marijuana sales or possession crimes (listed in the bill's statute references) who meet four key conditions: the offense didn't involve weapons or harm, the act would now be a lesser offense or legal, and there are no pending appeals. The bill specifically defines "lesser offense" as a nonfelony for those originally charged with a felony. It does not create new eligibility but makes existing rules clearer for people seeking record relief under state law.

Maddy summarySF 2818 modifies Minnesota's housing stabilization services program by requiring the commissioner to process provider applications within two weeks (previously unspecified) and reducing housing support supplemental service rates by 50% over two years. The bill directly affects housing stabilization service providers and individuals receiving these services, including those eligible under sections 256I.04 and 256I.05. Key provisions include a two-year phase-in for rate reductions (suspended for services from July 2025-June 2026) and a prohibition on duplicative services for individuals receiving both supplemental and housing stabilization services. These changes apply specifically to housing support services under Minnesota Statutes §256B.051.

Maddy summarySF 1030 establishes a new dementia services program within Minnesota's Department of Health. The program coordinates state-funded dementia care, connects agencies and community groups (including area agencies on aging and Tribal Nations), and integrates early detection into public health efforts. It requires the health commissioner to collect dementia impact data, update the Alzheimer's Disease State Plan, and foster public awareness. Funding is appropriated from the general fund starting in fiscal year 2026 to support these activities.

Maddy summarySF 2336 appropriates $8 million from the state general fund for WomenVenture, a nonprofit, to support women-owned businesses in Minnesota. The funds will directly assist women child care providers (through business training and materials to expand in underserved areas) and women food entrepreneurs (through business expansion support, technical assistance, and workforce development). Eligible uses include business equipment, lease improvements, inventory, and working capital - funding can be grants, loans, or forgivable loans, with up to 5% for administrative costs. WomenVenture must report by December 2028 on how funds were distributed, including county-level breakdowns and repayment details.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers Minnesota's "Healthy Eating, Here at Home" program (which provides $10 vouchers for SNAP/Summer EBT users to buy fresh food at farmers' markets) from the Minnesota Humanities Center to the Department of Health. It also establishes the "Fresh Bucks" pilot program, allowing SNAP and Summer EBT participants to get a dollar-for-dollar match on fresh produce purchases (up to $20 daily/$80 monthly) at participating retailers like grocery stores. Both programs target low-income households using federal nutrition benefits, with the Fresh Bucks program specifically requiring produce to be fresh fruits/vegetables without added sugars or fats. The bill appropriates funds for implementation and requires annual reporting on program usage and effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota local governments with over 5,000 residents to create digital platforms that instantly approve residential solar permits for homes (up to 200-amp systems). The platforms must automatically issue permits online after payment, eliminate manual reviews for approved applications, and process at least 75% of residential solar permits. Affected governments must submit compliance reports and annual usage data to the state department, detailing permit volumes, platform use, and plans to meet the 75% target if needed. The law aims to streamline solar installation by removing manual review delays for standard residential projects.

Maddy summarySF 2552 modifies Minnesota's housing finance laws to expand access to housing assistance programs. The bill removes funding restrictions for workforce housing projects, clarifies eligible uses for housing aid funds, and expands eligibility criteria for certain rental assistance programs. It specifically amends statutes related to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency's rental assistance program (462A.2095), including requiring statewide fund distribution proportional to eligible households and prioritizing households with children under 18. These changes directly affect housing providers, local program administrators, and low-income renters seeking housing assistance under state programs.

Maddy summarySF 2421 requires landlords in Minnesota to offer tenants an alternative payment method (like cash or check) if they cannot use a digital rent payment platform due to physical, technological, or financial barriers (such as lacking a bank account or card). Landlords must provide this alternative immediately upon request and cannot charge fees for using it or take adverse actions like eviction or late fees if the digital platform or alternative is unavailable. The law, effective August 1, 2025, applies to all landlords using digital platforms for rent payments and protects tenants from being penalized for payment issues beyond their control. It specifically amends Minnesota Statutes section 504B.118, subdivision 3.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $89 million for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to the Commissioner of Human Services. The funds are designated for grants under Minnesota Statutes section 256K.45, subdivision 1, which directly support homeless youth services in Minnesota. The bill establishes funding for existing programs rather than creating new policy.