Sen. Liz Boldon

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale or transfer of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons in Minnesota, directly affecting owners and sellers of these firearms. It defines such weapons as specific models (like AR-15s, AK-47s, and Uzis) and firearms with features including folding stocks, detachable magazines, or pistol grips. The bill also authorizes a state-funded buyback program for these weapons and amends Minnesota law to implement the ban. The definition excludes weapons permanently made inoperable.

Maddy summarySF 1339 appropriates $20 million from state bonds to fund the Greater Minnesota Housing Infrastructure grant program, administered by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. The bill authorizes the sale of up to $20 million in state bonds to provide these funds specifically for housing infrastructure projects in Greater Minnesota (non-Metro areas). This funding supports housing development through grants under Minnesota Statutes section 462A.395, targeting infrastructure needs like water, sewer, or site preparation for housing projects. The bill directly affects eligible housing developers and communities in Greater Minnesota by providing dedicated capital for infrastructure improvements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $20 million grant and forgivable loan program to help Minnesota dental assisting and hygiene education programs expand student capacity. It directly affects accredited higher education programs in these fields, allowing them to apply for funding to improve facilities, create scholarships, boost faculty salaries, or purchase equipment. The Minnesota Department of Health will award funds based on applications, prioritizing programs that maximize student enrollment growth. The appropriation is a one-time fiscal year 2026 allocation, available until June 30, 2028. Programs applying for accreditation but not yet approved are also eligible.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's standards for out-of-home respite care services for children, allowing licensed providers to offer these services in unlicensed residential settings under specific conditions. It requires background checks for all individuals, annual assessments by case managers of the residential environment, and written authorization from a child's legal representative each year. The bill limits services to no more than four children at a time (with sibling sharing permitted), restricts service duration to 46 days per year per child, and prohibits services to adults over 21 in the same residence. Providers must maintain detailed documentation of all compliance requirements, with the changes effective January 1, 2026, or after federal approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles for mobile crisis intervention services in Minnesota, directly affecting individuals seeking emergency mental health care. It modifies Minnesota Statutes § 245.469 to require counties to provide emergency mental health services without charging clients, including immediate access to mental health professionals during business hours and toll-free access outside those hours. The bill mandates that non-business-hour services must still have mental health professionals available for on-call assessment within 30 minutes and establishes requirements for training and data reporting. It also appropriates funding to expand crisis services, including 24/7 telephone consultation for mobile crisis teams and grants to build new crisis residential capacity. These changes aim to remove financial barriers to timely mental health crisis care for all Minnesotans.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's diaper distribution program by designating the Diaper Bank of Minnesota as the sole recipient of state funds for statewide diaper distribution. It requires the Diaper Bank to meet specific eligibility criteria, including demonstrating statewide distribution networks, infrastructure, community partnerships, and an equity-focused approach to serving underresourced families. Funds must be used for purchasing diapers and wipes (with up to 10% for administrative costs), and the Diaper Bank must maintain records, submit reports, and allow audits on fund usage. The program directly supports families facing diaper need across Minnesota through a centralized distribution system.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $96.565 million annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families for its Early Learning Scholarships program. The funding directly supports low-income families with young children by expanding access to subsidized early childhood education. It adds this amount to the program’s existing base funding, increasing resources available for scholarships under Minnesota Statutes section 142D.25. The bill does not change eligibility rules or program structure, only providing new funding for current operations.

Maddy summarySF 1307 requires tobacco retailers licensed to sell tobacco products, tobacco-related devices, or electronic delivery devices to stock and offer for sale at least one FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) product for tobacco cessation. This applies to most tobacco retailers, excluding cigar shops (defined as stores selling only cigars and accessories). Retailers must display NRT products behind checkout counters, provide in-store notice of availability, and restock within 14 days if they sell out. The bill mandates these provisions to increase access to NRT products where tobacco is sold, without dictating specific product types or quantities beyond the minimum requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $15 million grant program to expand capacity in Minnesota's accredited dental assisting and hygiene education programs. The grants fund specific projects like upgrading clinic facilities, creating new classrooms, offering student scholarships, improving faculty pay, and purchasing equipment. Higher education programs must apply for funding, with priority given to those that best increase student enrollment and workforce pipeline capacity. The funds are a one-time appropriation available until June 30, 2027, for programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Maddy summarySF 1732 establishes a state grant program to fund family permanent supportive housing for vulnerable households. It provides $15,000 per family to nonprofit organizations or Tribal governments operating housing that is affordable (at or below 30% of area median income), non-time-limited, and offers specialized services like child education, mental health referrals, job training, and 24/7 on-site staffing. The program requires grantees to serve 60% of families in the seven-county metro area and 40% outside it, with at least 10% served by Tribal Nations. Funds are a one-time appropriation for fiscal year 2026, available until June 2027, and grantees must report annually on families served and services provided.