Sen. Liz Boldon

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurers from requiring co-payments for mental health services for children under 18. It directly affects children under 18 receiving mental health care and health insurers offering plans in Minnesota. The key provision bans co-payments for these services, with a specific exception for high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts (HSAs), which must charge the minimum co-payment needed to maintain tax-exempt status under federal law. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, applying to health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $250,000 from the general fund for a one-time grant to the Rochester Area Foundation to support its Pamoja Women program. The funds will provide after-school enrichment for women and girls in Rochester and partner with a food bank to stock culturally specific foods. The appropriation is available until June 30, 2027, and is specifically designated for these program activities. It directly affects participants in the Pamoja Women program and the Rochester community through the foundation's services.

Maddy summarySF 1036 prohibits landlords from using software or data services that collect and analyze rental data from multiple landlords to set prices, lease terms, or occupancy levels. It directly affects landlords who might use such "coordinating services" and the companies operating those services (called "coordinators"). The bill bans landlords from subscribing to or paying for these services and prohibits coordinators from facilitating agreements among landlords to avoid competition. This aims to prevent coordinated pricing or lease terms that could reduce competition in rental markets.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund to fund lead risk assessments for children with elevated blood lead levels. The funds are split equally ($250,000 each) to the Minneapolis Health Department and the St. Paul-Ramsey County Public Health Department. The money must be used solely for conducting these assessments under Minnesota Statutes §144.9504, with no funds allowed for administrative costs. This directly affects children in Minneapolis and St. Paul-Ramsey County who have been identified with elevated blood lead levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 for the 2026 fiscal year and another $500,000 for 2027 to fund the ActivEd Walkabouts program. The program provides movement-based, evidence-based learning for math, English, and literacy standards to students in prekindergarten through grade 5. Regional centers of excellence administer the program at no cost to participating schools, prioritizing schools identified for state accountability support. The funding is limited to two years, with no base funding specified for 2028 or later.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a moratorium on environmental reviews and permits for new nonferrous sulfide ore mining projects (such as copper, nickel, or gold mines) until specific safety conditions are met. Before issuing permits, Minnesota’s environmental agencies must confirm that a similar mine in the U.S. operated safely for 10 years, closed safely for 10 years without pollution, and used comparable reclamation techniques in a similar environment. Project applicants must prove these conditions, and agencies must allow public comment and hold hearings if new evidence challenges the proposed review. Existing permits for such projects must be renewed every 10 years with updated applications. The bill directly affects mining companies seeking new projects and state agencies responsible for environmental oversight.

Maddy summarySF 1412 establishes a grant program to provide prepared meals for Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity who have difficulty preparing meals due to limited mobility, disability, or limited resources. The program funds nonprofit organizations and tribal entities in Minnesota to distribute culturally tailored meals, requiring grantees to prepare meals in licensed kitchens following ServSafe standards and source at least 50% of ingredients from Minnesota producers or donated/waste food. Grants specifically target individuals aged 18-60 and their dependents, with priority given to applicants serving diverse, high-risk populations and minimizing overlap with other meal programs. The bill appropriates funds for fiscal years 2026-2027, requiring grantees to track expenditures and report meal distribution data to the commissioner.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million for fiscal year 2026 and $10 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support regional food banks and federally recognized American Indian Tribes in Minnesota. The commissioner of children, youth, and families must distribute these funds using the federal TEFAP formula, prioritizing food banks and tribes that comply with U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations. Funds may be used to purchase, transport, and distribute food to those in need, including personal hygiene items like diapers. Recipients must report spending and retain records, with ineligible expenditures requiring repayment to the general fund.

Maddy summarySF 1352 establishes a minimum aid distribution for cities receiving state funding under Minnesota's local government aid program. It requires that cities in counties containing a "city of the first class" with unmet need receive aid equal to at least $150 multiplied by their population (e.g., a city of 10,000 people would receive a minimum of $1.5 million). The bill modifies how aid is calculated when a city's previous year's aid was sufficient, preventing reductions below a city's prior year's certified amount (with certain caps). These changes apply to aid payments starting in 2026, as specified in the amended statutes (sections 477A.013, subdivision 9 and 477A.03, subdivision 2a). The bill directly affects participating cities in Minnesota's local aid program.

Maddy summaryThis bill gives residential tenants in Minnesota the right to host a youth (25 years or younger) for up to 60 days without landlord retaliation. Tenants must notify landlords within 7 days of the youth's arrival, providing basic details like the youth's name and age. Landlords cannot evict tenants, raise rent, or require the youth to sign a lease during this 60-day period. Tenants remain responsible for all standard rental obligations, including rent payments and property damage. The bill also requires courts to dismiss eviction cases filed in violation of these rules and holds landlords liable for damages.