Sen. Jim Abeler

Maddy summarySF 986 modifies Minnesota's education funding to provide charter schools with dedicated "safe schools aid." The bill adds a specific provision requiring $36 per adjusted pupil unit in safe schools aid for charter schools, calculated based on student enrollment. This aid must be reserved exclusively for funding safety-related purposes as defined in state law (section 126C.44, subdivision 4). The change directly affects charter schools by expanding their eligible funding sources beyond general education revenue to include this targeted safety allocation.

Maddy summarySF 1836 limits law enforcement authority to issue citations to pedestrians who cross streets during standard green traffic signals (excluding green turn arrows). The bill amends Minnesota traffic laws to clarify that pedestrians facing a green signal (not just a green arrow) may legally cross marked or unmarked crosswalks, and drivers must yield. It specifically prevents citations for pedestrians crossing during these permitted green signal periods, reducing ambiguity in current enforcement practices. This directly affects pedestrians who cross safely during green lights and law enforcement officers who issue traffic citations. The bill does not create new crossing rights but formalizes existing safety expectations under current traffic signal rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's medication repository program rules for donating and distributing unused medications. It requires donated drugs to have at least six months until expiration (with limited exceptions for high-demand items), must be in original sealed packaging, and cannot be controlled substances. Repositories must verify donor information, maintain detailed inventories, and prioritize donated drugs over purchased ones when filling prescriptions. The changes directly affect pharmacies, hospitals, and other donors participating in the program, while ensuring patients receive safe, eligible medications through the repository system.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits county funding for certain property assessment services in Minnesota. It restricts counties from levying taxes (funding) for assessment services in cities of the first class (over 400,000 people) or cities with populations over 30,000, except for two specific purposes: (1) assessment duties for cities under 30,000 population, and (2) limited supervisory duties for larger cities. The change applies to counties with cities meeting these population thresholds and takes effect for the 2026 assessment year. It shifts responsibility for property assessments in large cities from county assessors to city assessors for most services.

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 summarySF 14 requests funding for the Slow the Spread program to manage invasive spongy moth populations. This appropriation would support efforts to control the spread of spongy moths, which threaten forests and trees in affected areas. The bill is currently under review by the Capital Investment committee.

Maddy summarySF 15 allocates state funding to support the Slow the Spread program, which manages invasive spongy moth populations. The bill directly affects state agencies responsible for pest control and forest health, such as the Department of Agriculture or Natural Resources. Its key provision is a specific appropriation of funds to implement the Slow the Spread program's activities, including monitoring, treatment, and public outreach efforts. This funding would enable targeted actions to slow the spread of spongy moths, which damage trees and forests.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures state agencies can continue operating if their annual funding bill isn't approved by July 1, 2025. It provides automatic, temporary funding to prevent agency shutdowns during budget gaps. The key provision is a continuing appropriation that activates if the regular budget bill for an agency fails to pass before the deadline. This directly affects all state agencies that rely on annual appropriations. (1 sentence)

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $954,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $954,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture. The funds are designated for the existing Slow the Spread program to monitor, control, and treat spongy moth populations. It directly affects the state's agricultural management efforts and the program's operations. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, supporting ongoing efforts to manage invasive spongy moth infestations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 3535) amends Minnesota law to clarify that senior citizens (62+) and disabled persons can pursue legal action against insurers who wrongfully deny benefits under disability or long-term care insurance policies. It adds a new provision allowing these individuals to seek private remedies if an insurer: (1) denied benefits without a reasonable basis, or (2) knew the denial lacked a reasonable basis or acted recklessly. The law directly affects policyholders in Minnesota who have disability or long-term care insurance and face unjust claim denials. It does not create new benefits but strengthens existing legal recourse for affected individuals.