Sen. Jim Abeler

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's law prohibiting public schools from using American Indian mascots, nicknames, or symbols as team names. Starting September 1, 2026, most schools must stop using such mascots unless they obtain tribal consent or qualify for an exemption (e.g., schools on tribal reservations with 95% American Indian students). It requires schools to report compliance progress to legislators and creates a new process for schools to apply for state funding - appropriating $2.026 million for fiscal year 2026 - to replace prohibited mascots on uniforms, facilities, and digital platforms. The bill directly affects public school districts and requires written consent from all nearby Tribal Nations for exemption requests.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Northstar Care for Children benefits to provide full payments to specific children under age six in kinship or adoption assistance programs. It requires that children entering these programs while under six and placed with relatives (under section 260.773 placement preferences) receive the full benefit amount, rather than the previous 50% rate. The change applies to children who enter the program while under six or are transferred into it, eliminating the reduced rate for these cases. The bill also adjusts state funding calculations to reflect this change in benefit payments. It directly affects children under six in relative care and their families receiving Northstar Care for Children assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's student discipline rules to protect younger students. It prohibits schools from dismissing children in preschool/pre-K or kindergarten through grade 3, and limits dismissals for K-3 students to no more than three school days. Schools must first try non-exclusionary approaches (like counseling) and provide alternative educational services during any dismissal, ensuring students can continue learning toward graduation requirements. The bill repeals outdated sections of law and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits annual rent increases for low-income senior housing units that receive federal low-income housing tax credits. It directly affects seniors living in these specifically designated rental projects across Minnesota. The key provision caps rent increases at either the prior year's Social Security/SSI benefit increase (minus 1%) or 0%, whichever is higher. This ensures rent hikes cannot exceed federal benefit adjustments while preventing any increase if the adjusted figure would be negative.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public Minnesota colleges and universities to maintain a supply of naloxone (an opiate overdose reversal drug) on every campus building, with at least two doses of nasal naloxone available per building. It mandates that campus health staff and other designated personnel (like nurses and emergency responders) receive training to administer naloxone during overdose emergencies. The law also directs the state health department to provide training resources, such as videos, to help institutions implement the policy. The requirement takes effect for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's housing law to extend full housing access rights to people training service dogs. It defines a "service dog in training" as a dog being trained by an accredited organization (like Assistance Dogs International) under supervision. The law requires landlords and homeowners associations to allow these dogs without charging extra fees, though trainers must provide written certification from the training organization and cover damage caused by the dog. The accommodation ends once the training is complete. This directly affects disabled individuals training service dogs and housing providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers $10 million from Minnesota's general fund to the active transportation account for fiscal year 2026. It then allocates that specific amount to fund a pedestrian bridge project at the Rum River Dam in Anoka, covering design, engineering, environmental work, land acquisition, and construction. The funds are specifically for the city of Anoka and must be spent by June 30, 2029. The bill directly affects Anoka's infrastructure plans and the state's active transportation funding mechanism.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to conduct a statewide assessment of out-of-school programs for youth under age 21, including current funding, program availability, and community access barriers. The assessment must include direct input from youth, families, program providers, and experts to identify gaps and improve service quality. By February 15, 2026, the commissioner must submit a report with findings and recommendations to legislative committees. The bill appropriates one-time funding from the general fund to cover the assessment and reporting process.

Maddy summarySF 2172 modifies Minnesota's cannabis regulations by raising the minimum age for cannabis products from 21 to 25 years for certain items (though the bill text contains conflicting references, the primary change focuses on youth protection). It requires the Office of Cannabis Management to enforce THC content limits, prohibits added flavors in inhaled cannabis products, and updates labeling rules. The bill also mandates school districts to implement cannabis and substance use education programs for middle and high school students starting in 2025-2026, including resources for fentanyl-related risks. These changes directly affect cannabis businesses, minors, and schools across Minnesota.

Maddy summarySF 1675 establishes licensure requirements for clinical art therapists in Minnesota. The bill defines clinical art therapy as a specialized practice using art-based methods to address mental, developmental, and emotional disorders, and sets standards for education through accredited programs. It modifies the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy to include five licensed clinical art therapists as board members, alongside other licensed professionals. The legislation also imposes fees for licensure, establishes civil penalties for violations, and appropriates funding for the board's operations. This directly affects clinical art therapists seeking licensure and their clients, ensuring regulated practice under defined standards.