Sen. Heather Gustafson

Maddy summarySF 1400 appropriates $1.6 million for fiscal year 2026 and another $1.6 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to Ramsey County. The funding is specifically for the ongoing operation of Ramsey County's existing youth mental health urgency room, established under 2022 law. This bill directly affects youth in Ramsey County requiring immediate mental health crisis care by ensuring continued funding for this dedicated facility. It does not create new policy but provides dedicated annual funding for an existing service.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund to fund lead risk assessments for children with elevated blood lead levels. The funds are split equally ($250,000 each) to the Minneapolis Health Department and the St. Paul-Ramsey County Public Health Department. The money must be used solely for conducting these assessments under Minnesota Statutes §144.9504, with no funds allowed for administrative costs. This directly affects children in Minneapolis and St. Paul-Ramsey County who have been identified with elevated blood lead levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases fines for driving without a valid license in Minnesota. It sets minimum fines at $300 for first offenses, $550 for offenses within 10 years of a prior violation, and $850 for two or more prior violations within that timeframe. The changes apply to drivers operating vehicles while their license is revoked, canceled, or disqualified (e.g., for commercial vehicles), with an exception for licenses expired less than three months. The new penalties take effect August 1, 2025, and directly affect individuals convicted of these driving violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million for fiscal year 2026 and $10 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support regional food banks and federally recognized American Indian Tribes in Minnesota. The commissioner of children, youth, and families must distribute these funds using the federal TEFAP formula, prioritizing food banks and tribes that comply with U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations. Funds may be used to purchase, transport, and distribute food to those in need, including personal hygiene items like diapers. Recipients must report spending and retain records, with ineligible expenditures requiring repayment to the general fund.

Maddy summarySF 670 appropriates $2.5 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund evidence-based employment support programs for people with mental illness. The funds, drawn from the general state budget, are allocated to programs that help individuals with mental illness secure and maintain jobs. These grants are specifically intended to sustain existing programs, expand services to areas without current offerings, and support programs that currently lack state funding. The bill directly affects people with mental illness seeking employment assistance through these supported services.

Maddy summarySF 1282 would require mandatory minimum fines for street racing violations in Minnesota. It directly affects drivers convicted of street racing (operating vehicles to compare speeds on public roads), setting specific fines: $300 for first offenses, $550 for repeat violations within ten years, and $850 for two or more prior violations within ten years. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 169.13 to establish these fixed penalty amounts, replacing previous discretion for judges in setting fines for this offense. The law would take effect August 1, 2025, applying to violations occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summarySF 1147 appropriates $7.5 million for fiscal year 2026 and $7.5 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Metropolitan Council. The funds are specifically for hiring additional sworn officers and covering their staff and equipment costs within the Metro Transit Police Department. This bill directly affects Metro Transit Police operations by providing dedicated funding to expand their staffing capacity. The measure focuses solely on allocating state funds for this purpose, with no additional policy provisions.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate Bill SF 1215 prohibits the sale of flavored nitrous oxide to consumers within Minnesota. The bill defines "flavored nitrous oxide" as containers that impart taste or smell and are sold by retailers, and it bans retailers from selling or offering these products to consumers in the state. Violating this prohibition is classified as a misdemeanor. The law directly affects retailers who currently sell flavored nitrous oxide canisters in Minnesota, including out-of-state retailers targeting Minnesota consumers. The bill does not include exceptions for medical or industrial use.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 1237) modifies Minnesota’s research tax credit by adding an "alternative simplified credit election" for qualifying businesses. It allows corporations, partnerships, or other taxpayers to calculate their credit base using 50% of their average qualified Minnesota research expenses from the prior three years, instead of the standard method. This change directly affects businesses conducting qualified research within Minnesota that claim the state’s research tax credit. The provision becomes effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summarySF 1145 appropriates $50 million from the state general fund to create the GroundBreak Capital Access and Innovation Fund, administered by the Minneapolis Foundation. It provides three key programs: forgivable business loans (up to $50,000) for eligible startups lacking traditional bank access, equity enhancements (up to $250,000) for commercial real estate projects under $10 million, and forgivable down payment assistance (up to $25,000) for homebuyers in the seven-county metro area meeting income limits. Eligible recipients include small businesses, developers, and homebuyers who meet specific criteria, such as business location, financial need, and completion of technical assistance. The fund aims to expand access to capital for entrepreneurship, commercial development, and homeownership through forgivable loans forgiven after 3-5 years under defined conditions.