Sen. Mike Holmstrom

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $25,000 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents for a statue commemorating Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in Utah on September 10, 2025. The statue will be placed on the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus. As a procedural appropriation bill, it directly affects the University of Minnesota's campus design and the state's arts funding allocation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's Human Rights Act to update the legal definition of "sexual orientation." It specifies that sexual orientation includes attraction to people based on sex or gender identity (such as men, women, both, neither, or genderqueer individuals), while explicitly stating it does not cover adult attraction to children. The change directly affects individuals protected under the Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The amendment aims to clarify and broaden the definition to align with current understandings of gender identity.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Corrections to review all comprehensive correctional service plans and make decisions within 30 days of receiving them. It directly affects correctional facilities and the commissioner's office by setting a strict timeline for plan approvals or modifications. The key provision adds a 30-day deadline for the commissioner to act after receiving a plan, while maintaining existing authority to inspect facilities and address compliance issues with minimum standards. The bill does not change the content of correctional plans but streamlines the review process.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10.5 million in state bond funds to finance capital improvements at Wright Technical Center in Buffalo, Minnesota. The funds will cover specific upgrades like replacing aging mechanical, electrical, and security systems, modernizing utility infrastructure, and renovating campus facilities to support ongoing operations. The state will issue bonds to raise the required money, with the commissioner of education administering the grant for these projects. This directly affects Wright Technical Center’s ability to maintain and upgrade its physical infrastructure for students and staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $350,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to expand the Stillwater Veterans Memorial in Stillwater, Minnesota. The funds will directly support the memorial's physical expansion to honor veterans of the U.S. armed forces. The appropriation is specifically for fiscal year 2027 and requires the commissioner of administration to distribute the grant to the Stillwater Veterans Memorial organization. The bill does not change laws or create new programs - it solely allocates existing state funds for this specific memorial project.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $350,000 from the state general fund for a one-time grant to the Stillwater Veterans Memorial. The funds will expand the veterans' memorial located in Stillwater Veterans Memorial Park within the city of Stillwater. The grant is designated for fiscal year 2027 and is specifically intended to support physical improvements to the memorial site. The bill is currently in its early legislative stage, having been introduced and referred to committee on February 19, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's Read Act to strengthen reading interventions for students not meeting grade-level literacy by the end of third grade. It requires school districts to create personalized learning plans with parents for these students, including evidence-based instruction and progress monitoring, while prohibiting grade retention solely due to literacy delays. Starting in 2025-2026, districts must use only evidence-based literacy interventions, and by 2026-2027, unlicensed staff providing Tier 2 reading help must work under licensed teachers trained in evidence-based methods. The bill directly affects K-3 students in Minnesota public schools who are struggling with reading, along with their schools and educators.

Maddy summarySF 2223 appropriates $10 million in state bond funds to help the city of Monticello design, construct, and equip a new water treatment facility and related infrastructure. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $10 million in bonds under Minnesota law to cover these costs, supplementing existing 2023 funding for the same project. This direct funding supports Monticello's water system upgrades by providing capital for facility construction. The city of Monticello is the primary beneficiary, as the funds are specifically allocated for its water infrastructure needs.

Maddy summarySF 432 establishes "Choose Life" special license plates for Minnesota vehicle owners. Applicants pay a $25 initial fee and $25 annual contribution (in addition to standard fees) to fund the Choose Life account. The money is distributed by Choose Life Minnesota, Inc., to non-profit agencies in each county that assist pregnant women considering adoption - excluding any agencies involved in abortion services or charging fees for services. The plates must display the "Choose Life" logo and will be available starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue up to $10.5 million in bonds to fund capital improvements at Wright Technical Center in Buffalo. The funds will support predesign, construction, renovation, and equipment for critical infrastructure upgrades, including mechanical, electrical, security systems, utility infrastructure, and site renovations. The appropriation directly affects Wright Technical Center and its affiliated facilities by enabling essential facility maintenance and modernization. The bond proceeds will be managed by the commissioner of education for these specific capital projects.