Sen. Heather Gustafson

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's school finance law to adjust how local school districts calculate optional revenue from property taxes. It sets specific dollar amounts for first-tier ($300 in 2025-2026, rising to $550 in 2027) and second-tier ($424 in 2025-2027) local revenue allowances, based on student enrollment (adjusted pupil units). Districts can levy local taxes up to limits tied to property values per student, with equalizing factors increasing annually (e.g., $626,450 for second-tier in 2025). The changes take effect for fiscal year 2027, directly affecting all Minnesota public school districts receiving state education funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $55,000 annually from the general fund to the Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs for its STARS program. The funds support students in alternative education programs (such as alternative schools or non-traditional settings) by helping them develop employment, academic, and social skills through trainings and conferences. The appropriation applies to fiscal years 2026, 2027, and establishes a $55,000 base amount for 2028 and later. It directly affects students in alternative programs by providing resources for skill-building activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's requirements for providing cause of death information when a medical examiner or coroner declines jurisdiction over a natural death. It specifies that physicians present at death, those who provided medical treatment before death, or those with direct knowledge and access to medical records must provide the information. If no such physician exists, another physician has 72 hours to provide it after notification. If a physician refuses, the medical examiner or coroner may provide the information and recover costs from the refusing physician or their employer.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires prosecutors to notify victims when they decline to prosecute violations of orders for protection or harassment restraining orders. It applies directly to victims of domestic abuse, harassment, or stalking who have protection orders violated but face no criminal charges. The key mechanism mandates prosecutors to make "reasonable efforts" to contact victims via phone first, then email or mail, and to explain dismissal reasons (e.g., witness unavailability). The bill updates existing notification rules under Minnesota Statutes to ensure victims receive clear information about their case status without prosecution.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7 million from the general fund for one-time road improvements in Blaine, Minnesota. The funds are specifically for the city of Blaine (or Anoka County) to address local road work connected to intersection upgrades on Trunk Highway 65, including temporary traffic mitigation during construction. The appropriation is available until June 30, 2029, and must be used for projects directly related to the Highway 65 construction. It affects Blaine residents and local infrastructure by providing dedicated funding for road maintenance during a major highway project.

Maddy summarySF 1782 appropriates $25,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $25,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of veterans affairs for a grant to "Fishing with Vets," a nonprofit organization. The grant funds guided fishing trips for veterans across Minnesota, directly benefiting veterans and the nonprofit. The bill requires the commissioner to submit annual reports by January 15 detailing how the funds were used, including administrative costs, to relevant legislative committees. The nonprofit must provide necessary information to support these reports.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2,273,000 from the state general fund for a one-time grant to the city of Ham Lake. The funds are specifically for constructing safety improvements and realigning frontage roads at the intersection of Trunk Highway 65 and Anoka County Road 60. The city must use the money by June 30, 2029, for these infrastructure upgrades. The bill directly affects Ham Lake residents and drivers using this intersection by funding physical road changes.

Maddy summarySF 2129 imposes a 50% gross revenue tax on Minnesota-based manufacturers and retailers selling products containing PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances), defined as fluorinated chemicals with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. Manufacturers pay tax on revenue from PFAS products sold to distributors, while retailers pay tax on retail sales within Minnesota. Revenue from this tax will fund a dedicated cleanup account in the special revenue fund, managed by a newly established XX Advisory Commission, to support statewide environmental remediation. The bill requires monthly reporting but no immediate tax payments, with annual filings due by the same schedule as other Minnesota taxes.

Maddy summarySF 1783 prohibits websites, apps, software, or programs from allowing users to access, download, or use "nudification technology" that alters images or videos to reveal intimate body parts of identifiable individuals or creates realistic depictions of such parts. The bill directly affects platform owners and operators who host such technology, banning them from enabling this process. Key provisions include civil penalties of at least $500,000 per violation, plus triple damages for victims, and allow injured individuals to sue for mental anguish, attorney fees, and injunctions. The law takes effect August 1, 2025, applying to violations occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summarySF 1950 appropriates funds from the general fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to improve and expand the physical infrastructure of food shelf facilities. The bill directs the commissioner of children, youth, and families to provide grants to nonprofit organizations, federally recognized Tribes, and local governments. These grants specifically support upgrades to buildings, equipment, and other physical facilities used by food shelves to distribute emergency food. The bill does not change eligibility for food assistance programs but focuses on funding the physical infrastructure supporting food distribution.