Sen. Heather Gustafson

Maddy summarySF 856 creates an independent Office of the Inspector General (OIG) in Minnesota to oversee state agencies and programs. The OIG will conduct audits and investigations into fraud, waste, and abuse of public funds, report findings publicly, and make recommendations for improvement. It requires the OIG to operate separately from executive agencies, with a qualified director appointed by an advisory council, and mandates annual public reports. The bill appropriates funding for the OIG and takes effect January 1, 2026. This directly affects all state agencies, programs, and entities receiving public funds by subjecting them to independent oversight.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota bill requires large social media platforms to implement specific protections for users under 18, including restrictions on addictive features like infinite scrolling, autoplay videos, and personalized feeds. The law applies to platforms earning at least $1 billion in annual advertising revenue and defines "children" as individuals aged 15 and younger, while "minors" are under 18. Key provisions prohibit displaying personal metrics such as follower counts or engagement statistics for accounts belonging to children, and limit push notifications designed to encourage continued use. Parents retain the right to review their children's online activity and receive notifications about data collection practices in compliance with existing federal privacy standards.

Maddy summarySF 1163 establishes the Office of Animal Protection within the Department of Public Safety to address animal cruelty through a coordinated, statewide approach. The office will prevent cruelty, support investigations and prosecutions, provide training for law enforcement, collect and analyze case data, and educate the public on the link between animal cruelty and human violence. It requires an annual report to the legislature on the office's work and creates an advisory committee with expertise in animal welfare, law enforcement, and victim services. The bill appropriates funding to support these efforts, directly affecting animal protection agencies, law enforcement, and communities across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota law to explicitly include gift cards as "retail merchandise" under the definition of organized retail theft. It affects retailers (who sell gift cards), law enforcement (who will prosecute these cases), and individuals involved in theft rings targeting gift cards. The key change redefines "retail merchandise" to cover all gift cards (both physical and digital), meaning theft of gift cards will now be treated the same as theft of physical goods under organized retail theft statutes. This update ensures gift card fraud can be prosecuted under existing penalties for organized retail theft starting August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state of Minnesota to create a centralized online portal and database for collecting certified payroll information from all contractors working on state projects that are subject to prevailing wage laws. The system will allow the public to search and view details about workers, including their job classifications, hours worked, and hourly wages, starting in 2026. Contractors must submit their payroll data through this new electronic system, which will also serve as their official record for meeting existing reporting requirements. The legislation includes funding for the technology and administrative costs needed to establish and maintain the portal.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota statutes to adjust pension funding rules for teachers, specifically changing employer contribution rates and pension adjustment revenue calculations. It directly affects school districts and teachers in the Teachers Retirement Association and St. Paul Teachers' Retirement Fund Association by modifying how much employers contribute and how state pension revenue is distributed. The legislation updates contribution percentages for different districts and establishes new caps on pension adjustment revenue for specific fiscal years. These changes aim to standardize financial contributions and revenue limits across the state's teacher retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a uniform process for handling firearm restrictions when individuals are subject to certain criminal convictions or judicial orders in Minnesota. It directly affects courts, law enforcement agencies, and individuals involved in domestic child abuse cases by standardizing how firearm prohibitions are imposed and monitored. Key provisions require courts to order abusing parties to transfer firearms to licensed dealers or law enforcement when issuing protection orders, mandate specific forms for child protection petitions that include firearm descriptions, and set clear timelines for firearm transfers. The legislation also clarifies that courts cannot dismiss child protection petitions simply because firearm information is missing, ensuring these safety measures are consistently applied across the state.

Maddy summarySF 3907 creates a court process allowing victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault to remove an abuser's property ownership rights from a "contract for deed" (a shared ownership agreement for residential property). Victims can petition a court using verified documents like protection orders, law enforcement records, or statements from licensed healthcare professionals or advocates. The abuser and property seller must be notified and given 90 days to contest the request. This specifically applies to residential properties purchased through contract for deed arrangements, not standard mortgages.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires newly elected school board members in Minnesota to complete specific training on school finance and management within 180 days of taking office. The training program must be developed in consultation with the Minnesota School Boards Association and higher education representatives, and it must align with existing state guidelines. If a board member fails to finish the training by the deadline, they are prohibited from serving as an officer until they have completed the course. The changes become effective on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates a specific stretch of State-Aid Highway 96 in Ramsey County as the "Master Sergeant Nicole Amor Memorial Highway." The legislation covers the road segment between U.S. Highway 61 and Interstate 35E to honor Master Sergeant Nicole Amor. It also establishes rules requiring road authorities to install and maintain commemorative signs for such memorials, provided that nonpublic funding covers the costs. If the necessary funds are not available, the bill allows for the removal of the sign after a reasonable effort to secure financing has been made.