Sen. Heather Gustafson

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 3334) removes the requirement for teacher candidates in Minnesota to complete the edTPA performance assessment, which was previously used to evaluate teaching skills. It also changes student teaching placement rules, requiring candidates to be placed within 30 miles of their preferred location unless both the candidate and their training program agree to a further placement. These changes apply directly to teacher preparation programs and candidates seeking licensure in Minnesota. The bill mandates the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board to update state rules to reflect these changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $497,500 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to provide home-delivered meals to veterans through Metro Meals on Wheels. It also funds technical assistance, enrollment support, and volunteer recruitment for the program’s member organizations. Metro Meals on Wheels must report annually by September 1st on how the funds were used and the number of veterans and service members served. The funding is a one-time allocation, not an ongoing appropriation.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1,000,000 from the workforce development fund for a one-time grant to Ramsey County (in partnership with St. Paul) for workforce development programming. It directly affects youth and young adults aged 18-30 through specific programs like "Learn and Earn," which includes technology training and a driver's license academy. The funding is available until June 30, 2028, and must be used for approved workforce development initiatives as outlined in the bill. The appropriation is limited to fiscal year 2026 and requires the county to partner with St. Paul.

Maddy summarySF 3213 appropriates $25,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $25,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to provide a grant to Fishing with Vets, a nonprofit organization. The grant will fund guided fishing trips for veterans across Minnesota. This bill directly provides financial support to a nonprofit to organize recreational activities specifically for veterans, using state funds from the designated heritage fund. The funding is earmarked for operational costs of the veteran fishing program.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 3150) allocates specific funding to Minnesota state agencies to strengthen fraud prevention and detection efforts. It provides $391,000 for the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Division, $5.883 million for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to improve child care program integrity, $550,000 for the Department of Education’s fraud prevention, and $5.658 million within the Department of Human Services for program integrity analytics. These funds directly support agencies managing public benefit programs like Medicaid, child care assistance, and medical assistance. The bill focuses on concrete budgetary changes to enhance oversight and reduce financial crimes in state-administered services.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Minnesota government entities to share data about suspected or confirmed fraud in public programs with other government entities, federal agencies, or law enforcement. It specifically permits sharing to protect public resources, maintain program integrity, or support law enforcement efforts. The bill defines "public programs" as those funded by state or federal agencies involving public funds or resources, and "fraud" as intentional deception to obtain improper benefits. This provision overrides existing legal restrictions on data sharing for these specific fraud-related purposes. The bill does not create new programs or funding but enables existing agencies to more effectively combat fraud.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $4.9 million from the general fund for the Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with a base appropriation of $4.9 million continuing annually starting in 2028. The funding is directed to the commissioner of public safety to support the Task Force's operations. The bill directly affects the Task Force by providing dedicated state funding for its work on human trafficking investigations. It does not create new policies but ensures ongoing financial support for an existing state-level law enforcement initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota state agencies to spend at least 50% of their advertising budget on local news organizations starting July 1, 2025. It defines "local news organizations" as Minnesota-based media (print, digital, or broadcast) with local journalists, offices, and content focused on Minnesota communities. Agencies must report annually on their advertising spending, including the percentage spent through local news organizations and local newspapers, excluding ads targeting out-of-state residents. The law applies to most state departments but excludes Minnesota State Colleges and universities.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3.866 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to address nitrate contamination in private drinking water wells. It directly affects homeowners in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona counties whose wells exceed the 10 mg/L nitrate safety limit. The funds cover reverse osmosis systems, well repairs, and reconstruction, prioritizing low-income households (at or below 300% of federal poverty guidelines) and households with infants or pregnant individuals. Administrative costs up to 6.5% of the appropriation are also permitted.

Maddy summarySF 852 appropriates funds from the general fund for grants to organizations that received victim services grants in 2024. These grants must support direct services and advocacy for victims of sexual assault, general crime, domestic violence, and child abuse. The funding covers direct client assistance, competitive staff wages, housing supports, culturally responsive programming, and prevention services like restorative justice, with priority for underserved communities. Up to 10% of the funds can cover grant administration. The bill targets organizations serving crime victims across Minnesota’s diverse communities.