Sen. Jim Abeler

Maddy summarySF 507 requires Minnesota school districts to adopt specific policies ensuring parents of children with disabilities can meaningfully participate in their child's education. The bill mandates districts to provide free translation and interpretation services, list available documents in multiple languages, and ensure parents understand education documents - especially before meetings. It also requires districts to establish reasonable accommodations (like sign language interpreters) for parents with disabilities without requiring health information disclosure. These policies must be posted online in the top three languages spoken in the district and shared annually with parents, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 609 requires Minnesota public school districts and charter schools to provide space for community volunteers to support students' reading skills before or after school, when space and supervisory staff are available. Volunteers must complete a background check and work under the direct supervision of a school principal or their designee. They can read to students, listen to students read aloud, or help students select books from the school library. The bill directly affects public schools, community volunteers, and students by creating a structured program for reading assistance in school settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's passenger rail funding by significantly reducing the 2025 appropriation from $197.5 million (2024) to $4.2 million. It directly affects the Minnesota Department of Transportation, which manages passenger rail activities under state law. The key mechanism is the substantial cut to annual funding for rail projects, including service, infrastructure, and maintenance. The bill also specifies that remaining funds from the 2024 allocation may be carried forward under certain conditions. This change impacts all passenger rail services and related projects funded through this appropriation.

Maddy summarySF 189 extends Minnesota's existing vehicle tax and fee exemptions for veterans with total service-connected disability to eligible surviving spouses of veterans (known as "Gold Star spouses"). The bill defines a Gold Star spouse as the surviving spouse of a veteran who died while serving honorably in active duty and includes them in the list of individuals exempt from registration taxes, license plate fees, title fees, driver's license fees, and motor vehicle sales taxes. These exemptions apply to up to two vehicles registered by the spouse and take effect for registration periods starting on or after January 1, 2026. The bill does not cover personalized plate fees or special plate donations, which remain subject to standard fees.

Maddy summarySF 256 ensures students with disabilities in Minnesota schools can access their service animals as part of their individualized education plan. The bill prohibits school districts from denying access to service animals (defined as trained dogs or animals assisting people with disabilities) and requires schools to provide staff support - like helping with tethering or water - for students to use their animals. Schools must modify policies by August 2025 to comply with federal ADA rules, but they are not responsible for animal care (feeding, toileting, or vet visits). This directly affects students with disabilities who rely on service animals for educational access.

Maddy summarySF 401 increases room and board rates for individuals receiving home and community-based services in Minnesota. The bill requires service providers to submit detailed data on staffing, transportation, and service hours to a rates management system, which lead agencies must use to calculate individual rates. Lead agencies must approve these rates within 30 days or pay a 10% late penalty. It also creates an exception process for individuals with unique needs not covered by standard rates, such as when low rates have caused providers to issue discharge notices.

Maddy summarySF 392 allows Minnesota school districts to donate surplus schoolbooks (including textbooks, library books, and classroom materials) to 501(c)(3) charitable organizations registered with the attorney general for educational use. This provision, added to Minnesota Statutes section 123B.52, specifically permits districts to bypass standard competitive bidding requirements for these donations. The bill directly affects school districts managing unused educational materials. It creates a clear, streamlined process for donating surplus books to eligible charities, promoting resource reuse without requiring new procurement procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Human Services to seek federal approval for home support providers to bill for specific "indirect" services. It authorizes billing for coordination tasks like arranging transportation, healthcare access, legal support, employment maintenance, basic needs, independent living support, and crisis management - when direct service involvement isn't possible or the recipient chooses otherwise. These changes directly affect home support providers and individuals receiving individualized home supports. The policy aims to streamline service continuity without direct recipient contact under defined conditions, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue up to $15 million in bonds to fund the Transportation Economic Development Program. The funds will be deposited into the trunk highway fund and appropriated to the commissioner of transportation for grants supporting local transportation projects. These grants directly assist cities, counties, and businesses seeking to improve infrastructure or stimulate economic growth through transportation investments. The program operates under Minnesota Statutes section 174.12, with bond proceeds covering the grant costs.

Maddy summarySF 294 modifies Minnesota's driver's license road skills examination process. It requires the driver's license department to provide real-time online appointment availability showing next available dates/times at each location, with options to search by address. The bill also increases cancellation fees: $50 for same-day cancellations (up from $20) and keeps $20 for cancellations between 24-72 hours. These changes apply to individuals scheduling road skills exams for driver's license applicants, effective August 1, 2025.