Sen. Heather Gustafson

Maddy summarySF 799 appropriates $350,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $350,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to support displaced homemaker programs in Minnesota. The funds will be distributed through the adult career pathways program to existing nonprofit and state-run displaced homemaker initiatives via the Minnesota Family Resiliency Partnership. This is a one-time funding allocation specifically for programs assisting homemakers seeking career transitions. The bill does not create new programs but provides direct financial support to current service providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Minnesota school districts and charter schools with declining enrollment can use student support personnel aid. It allows these schools (defined as having fewer students on October 1 of the previous year compared to two years prior) to use the funds to maintain existing support staff positions or contracted services from licensed professionals like counselors or nurses, rather than requiring new hires. The change extends eligibility for this funding for four consecutive fiscal years after a school qualifies as having declining enrollment. This policy directly affects school districts facing enrollment decreases by providing flexibility to preserve existing student support services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 614) exempts all school supplies from Minnesota's sales tax starting July 1, 2025. It directly affects students, families, and schools by removing tax on common items like notebooks, pencils, calculators, binders, and book bags priced under $60. The law specifically defines "school supplies" to include listed items while excluding non-educational products like stationery, wrapping paper, and hiking backpacks. This policy change reduces out-of-pocket costs for purchasing essential classroom materials.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.95 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2027 (with a base amount for future years) to fund Minnesota's "farm to food shelf" program through Second Harvest Heartland. It directs funds specifically for: purchasing milk from Minnesota processors for food shelves ($850,000/year), compensating farmers for harvesting surplus produce to prevent waste, buying protein products (meat, dairy, legumes) from Minnesota sources, and purchasing produce from "The Good Acre" ($500,000/year). The program directly benefits Minnesota's five Feeding America food banks and charitable organizations distributing food, while requiring food to be sourced from local agricultural producers and processors. Second Harvest Heartland must submit quarterly reports detailing fund usage, food distribution, and commodity purchases to the Agriculture Commissioner and relevant legislative committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 655) does not regulate fireworks manufacture, sale, or use as its title suggests. Instead, it amends Minnesota tax statutes to change how revenues from specific sales are allocated. Key provisions direct 43.5% of tax revenues from motor vehicle repair and replacement parts (including parts sold with fireworks) to the highway user tax distribution fund, with additional percentages increasing annually through 2033. The bill affects state tax collection processes and funding for highway infrastructure, not fireworks consumers or vendors. The title is misleading; the bill’s actual focus is tax revenue allocation, not fireworks regulation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 638) amends Minnesota law to create a new misdemeanor offense for knowingly entering or being found in a stolen motor vehicle. It directly affects individuals who enter a vehicle they know was stolen, such as passengers or drivers who were not involved in the initial theft but are aware of its stolen status. The law imposes a misdemeanor penalty for the first offense and elevates it to a gross misdemeanor for repeat violations. The change applies to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2025, and modifies existing provisions under Minnesota Statutes section 609.52.

Maddy summarySF 661 establishes a pilot program providing free information technology assistance to Minnesota small businesses, defined using the federal Small Business Act standard. The program offers computer technical support for software, hardware, networks, websites, and internet use through a dedicated hotline and website, staffed 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. It supplements existing small business assistance services and requires the commissioner to report on participation, service hours, and demographics by January 2027. The program is funded by a one-time $2026 fiscal year appropriation to the small business assistance office.

Maddy summarySF 633 appropriates $6.75 million from state bond proceeds to fund a 1.75-mile segment of the Rice Creek Regional Trail in Circle Pines, Anoka County. The funds will construct a trail segment featuring two pedestrian/bike bridges over Rice Creek, a boardwalk, solar lighting, and interpretive stations. The bill authorizes the state to sell bonds up to $6.75 million to cover this appropriation, which is administered through the commissioner of employment and economic development. This directly affects Anoka County residents and trail users by expanding regional recreational infrastructure.

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 364 appropriates $450,000 annually (2026-2027) to fund evidence-based literacy interventions for students reading below grade level in Minnesota public schools where most students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. The grant supports tutor training, materials, program delivery, and administration through the Dyslexia Institute of Minnesota. The Institute must submit annual reports to education committees by January 15, detailing fund usage and student literacy progress until 2028. This bill directly affects low-income public school students and requires specific reporting to ensure accountability for the state funds.