Sen. Heather Gustafson

Maddy summarySF 2126 establishes January 9 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in Minnesota, requiring the governor to issue an annual proclamation. It encourages school districts to partner with law enforcement agencies to create middle and high school "explorer programs" about law enforcement careers, which can count as course credit. The bill appropriates $6 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2027 to reimburse agencies for mandatory peace officer training, and $1 million for fiscal year 2026 to fund grants covering up to 50% of costs for local "pathway to policing" programs recruiting non-traditional candidates. These provisions directly affect schools, law enforcement agencies, and local governments seeking to support officer training and recruitment.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates one-time funding from the workforce development fund to the Academy for Sciences and Agriculture in Minnesota. The money is intended to support student leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education and the annual greenhouse sales program. The funds may be used specifically for equipment upgrades and improvements to the greenhouse facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a public registry in Minnesota for repeat domestic violence offenders, requiring courts and correction officials to collect and submit offender information to the Department of Public Safety. The registry will include personal details such as names, addresses, photographs, and conviction records, with information published on a searchable public website and made available to law enforcement. Offenders must register for varying periods depending on their prior conviction history, ranging from five years for one prior offense to 20 years for four or more prior offenses, and failure to comply with registration requirements is a misdemeanor offense.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's criminal sentencing guidelines to allow judges to impose harsher penalties when an adult offender deceives a minor victim about their age to commit a crime. The law adds specific provisions that let courts consider age deception as an aggravating factor when determining sentences for felonies committed on or after August 1, 2026. These changes apply to crimes where an adult intentionally misrepresents themselves as a minor to facilitate the offense, giving judges additional discretion to sentence beyond standard guidelines based on this circumstance. The legislation affects both the sentencing guidelines section and creates a standalone provision for age deception cases, without changing the underlying criminal charges themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's extreme risk protection order (ERPO) laws to update how these orders are applied for, secured, and enforced. It expands who can petition for an ERPO to include attorneys' offices and allows respondents to petition on their own behalf, while clarifying definitions for family members and mental health professionals. The legislation requires courts to provide simplified forms, waives all filing and service fees, and mandates that orders be shared with law enforcement and the national background check system within specific timeframes. Additionally, it updates procedures for emergency relief petitions and clarifies the role of law enforcement in considering such requests.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota state agencies from entering into contracts with companies owned by individuals convicted of specific crimes including theft, perjury, or forgery, or those held liable for making false claims against the state or federal government. The law applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations by disqualifying any owner with an ownership interest in the business if they meet the criteria. State agencies must screen potential vendors against these criminal and liability records before awarding contracts for goods or services. The legislation aims to prevent state funds from going to businesses with owners who have demonstrated dishonest behavior in legal or financial matters.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a task force to design a public alert system for hit-and-run accidents causing injury or death in Minnesota. The task force, composed of public safety officials, law enforcement representatives, and community stakeholders, will study other states' systems, determine triggering conditions (like injury or death), and develop procedures for law enforcement and public notification. It requires a final report with recommendations by January 15, 2026, and appropriates $ for the task force's work. The system itself would not be implemented until after the task force completes its recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the city of North Oaks to connect to the Metropolitan Council's sanitary sewer system and join the Metropolitan Urban Service Area. It requires the Metropolitan Council to approve the city's application for this connection regardless of existing policies or rules. The bill ensures that wastewater rates and fees for North Oaks remain similar to those of other communities in the service area, while still requiring standard environmental permitting.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires providers, vendors, and individuals seeking public funding in Minnesota to submit proof of their operations and financial history for the past three years before receiving grants or renewing licenses. The law mandates that applicants provide documentation of their service history and, for businesses and nonprofits, evidence of good standing with the Secretary of State, along with explanations for any missing information. State officials must review these submissions before awarding funds or approving renewals, and they can deny requests if there is a substantial risk the applicant cannot fulfill their obligations. The measure aims to strengthen fraud prevention by ensuring transparency and verifying the financial stability of entities receiving public money.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of up to $4.3 million in state bonds to fund improvements at the intersection of Trunk Highway 65 and Bunker Lake Boulevard Northeast in Ham Lake, Minnesota. The funds will be used for engineering, environmental studies, design, land acquisition, and construction of the road interchange and associated frontage and backage roads. The project is specifically designated for the portion eligible to be funded with general obligation bond proceeds, and the state does not require a nonstate contribution. The commissioner of transportation will oversee the project, while the commissioner of management and budget will handle the bond sale and issuance process.