Sen. Karin Housley

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates funds from the state general fund for a one-time grant to Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities, a nonprofit organization. The grant will fund the design and construction of a new women and children's family shelter at 376 Western Avenue in St. Paul, and capital improvements at their men's campus at 435 University Avenue East in St. Paul. The appropriation is available until the projects are completed or abandoned. The bill directly affects the organization's ability to expand housing services for vulnerable populations in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows liquor store owners who operate multiple locations under a single license to transfer wine between their own stores. It requires written notice to the wine wholesaler and the state alcohol enforcement agency, and limits transfers to one per store every three months. The change applies specifically to businesses holding an off-sale liquor license in Minnesota. This amendment simplifies inventory management for multi-location licensees by removing previous restrictions on internal wine transfers.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases funding for the Minnesota Family Resiliency Partnership by reallocating existing fee revenues. Specifically, it raises the amount from divorce court fees (dissolution actions) going to the Partnership from $30 to $60 per fee, and increases the portion from marriage license fees from $25 to $55 per license. These reallocated funds - previously designated for general state funds - will now directly support the Partnership's programs. The Partnership, which focuses on family stability and support services, benefits directly from this policy change in fee distribution.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends an exemption for small employers from Minnesota's Paid Leave Law until January 1, 2028. It specifically exempts employers with 20 or fewer employees (as calculated under existing law) from the law's requirements during this period. The exemption applies to both the definition of "covered employment" and "employee" under the law, meaning these small businesses won't need to provide paid leave to their workers until the exemption ends. This is a temporary delay of the existing law's application, not a permanent change to the law's requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs. The funds must support academic assistance programs for youth, including homework help, the Exact Path personalized learning program, literacy/STEM activities, mentorship, and attendance strategies. The recipient must provide a 25% nonstate funding match, and any unused 2026 funds roll to 2027. It directly affects youth in Boys and Girls Clubs programs seeking academic support, particularly those needing targeted assistance to improve outcomes. The grant ends with no automatic funding for 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the interest rate applied to unpaid special assessments for local infrastructure projects (like roads or sewer improvements). It requires refunds for interest paid under the previous rate on certain assessments. The change directly affects property owners who pay these special assessments, as it alters how interest is calculated and mandates refunds for overpaid interest. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 429.061 to implement these specific interest rate and refund provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7,011,000 for fiscal year 2026 and another $7,011,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to fund grants for Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in Minnesota. The funds will be distributed by the commissioner of employment and economic development to CILs operating under Minnesota Statutes, section 268A.11. These centers provide support services to help people with disabilities live independently in their communities. The funding directly affects CILs and the people with disabilities they serve, ensuring continued access to independent living programs. This is a straightforward funding measure with no new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $8 million from state bond proceeds to fund specific improvements at CHS Field in St. Paul. The city of St. Paul will receive a grant to design, construct, and equip upgrades meeting Major League Baseball standards, including a new locker room, enhanced visitor amenities, and environmental remediation for contaminated soil. The funds will be raised through the sale of state bonds authorized under Minnesota law. The bill directly affects the CHS Field facility and the city of St. Paul, which will manage the project. It focuses on concrete infrastructure changes rather than broader policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 1489) allows Minnesota school districts and charter schools to transfer unassigned funds between operating accounts for fiscal years 2025-2027 without increasing state aid or property tax authority. It also permits school boards to formally opt out of certain state laws or rules enacted after January 1, 2023, for the 2024-2025 through 2026-2027 school years. To use these provisions, school boards must adopt a written resolution specifying the purpose and amount of fund transfers or non-compliance with mandates, post the resolution online, and notify the education commissioner electronically. The bill applies only to the specified time periods and does not change existing state funding obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 1420) allows certain Chippewa Bands, as defined under the 1854 treaty, to independently establish open seasons for big game hunting for their tribal members. It amends Minnesota law to clarify that these bands may set seasons without state approval, while the state commissioner of natural resources retains oversight. The bill also appropriates $3 million annually (fiscal years 2026-2027) from the general fund for payments to tribes under the treaty agreement. It directly affects the Chippewa Bands identified in Minnesota Statutes §97A.157, subdivision 1, and modifies how treaty-related payments are administered.