Sen. Karin Housley

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state employees, University of Minnesota staff, and other specified organization workers to report suspected theft, embezzlement, or misuse of public funds in writing to the legislative auditor. The requirement applies unless reporting would knowingly interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation. Violations of this reporting requirement are classified as gross misdemeanors. The law takes effect on August 1, 2026, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires housing agencies in Minnesota to verify that every adult in a household has proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status before providing rental assistance or down payment assistance. The change directly affects housing programs under Minnesota Statutes 462A.07 by adding a new requirement for documentation of legal residency. Agencies must check these documents for all adults in a household before issuing any financial aid for housing. The legislation does not specify which forms of documentation are acceptable, leaving that determination to the agencies implementing the rule.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Minnesota that would exempt local governments and school districts from complying with state mandates unless the state provides funding to cover the costs of compliance. The amendment defines a state mandate as any requirement that affects daily operations, changes resource allocation, or alters spending priorities for local entities. If passed, local governments could formally refuse to comply with unfunded mandates by passing a resolution, which would then be reported to state budget committees annually. The bill also establishes a process for agencies to challenge these noncompliance resolutions through contested case hearings. This measure would take effect on January 1, 2027, if approved by voters at the 2026 general election.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to hire eight school safety specialists at the Minnesota School Safety Center. The funding is one-time and available until expended, supplementing existing appropriations for school safety specialists in 2026 and 2027. It directly supports Minnesota public schools by expanding staffing at the state safety center, which provides resources and training to school districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3.5 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the commissioner of public safety. The funds will be granted to the Fencing Consortium to help local government facilities (that are members of the consortium) purchase anti-scale fencing, pedestrian doors, and vehicle gates. The stated purpose is to improve equitable access to "a de-escalation and safety tool" for these facilities. This is a one-time appropriation, not a recurring funding source.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 2565 establishes a voluntary "Minnesota Civic Seal" for high school students who meet specific civic engagement criteria. To earn the seal, students must complete approved civics coursework, complete a project-based assessment, participate in at least one civic activity outside class (like voting in student elections or community service), and demonstrate civic dispositions like respect for diverse views. Schools may choose to participate, must provide free access to the program, and will affix the seal to diplomas for qualifying students. The program applies to students graduating in 2027 or later, with the Department of Education developing accessible criteria to ensure equitable access across all communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school employees in Minnesota to deny entry to immigration enforcement officials unless they present a valid judicial warrant, limiting access to only the areas specified in that warrant. It mandates that school staff immediately notify their district superintendent or legal representative whenever an immigration enforcement official is granted access to a school site. The law applies to all federal, state, and local officials conducting immigration enforcement but explicitly allows entry by officials administering state or federally supported educational programs. The provision takes effect the day after final enactment and includes a severability clause to ensure remaining parts of the law stay valid if any section is found unconstitutional.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state of Minnesota to issue up to $23.74 million in bonds to fund asset preservation work at the National Sports Center in Blaine. The money would be provided through the bond proceeds fund and given to the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission for use at the facility. The commissioner of management and budget is directed to sell and issue the bonds following state laws and constitutional requirements. The bill takes effect the day after it is passed by the legislature.

Maddy summarySF 2662 modifies Minnesota law to expand visitation rights for grandparents and great-grandparents of minor children. It allows these relatives to petition a court for reasonable visitation if they have a "substantial established relationship" with the child, defined by significant prior contact and parental consent/support. Courts must consider the child's best interests, including the benefit of maintaining that relationship, while ensuring visitation won't harm the parent-child bond. The bill also requires courts to consider mediation to resolve disputes and applies retroactively to cases since January 2022. This directly affects grandparents/great-grandparents seeking visitation and parents/courts handling such petitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce to apply for a federal waiver to continue the state's premium security plan, which allows the state to collect additional funds from health insurance premiums to support the state's health insurance program. The application must be submitted by December 31, 2026, and must state that the plan's operation beyond 2027 depends on receiving federal approval. The commissioner must also notify relevant legislative committee chairs and the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association about the application and any federal decisions. This provision ensures the state can maintain its current health insurance funding structure while seeking continued federal permission to operate it.