Sen. Heather Gustafson

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota teacher licensure rules by requiring two hours of dyslexia-specific professional development for all teachers renewing their licenses. It directly affects licensed educators renewing credentials under sections 122A.181-122A.184, mandating training on dyslexia’s effects on reading skills, effective instructional strategies, and related mental health considerations. The training must be provided at no cost to teachers or districts, developed with input from dyslexia specialists, and completed once during initial licensure or renewal. The requirement applies to all licenses issued on or after July 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySF 3862 modifies education requirements for health professionals in Minnesota, specifically adding domestic violence training to licensure and continuing education rules. It requires new psychologists to complete three graduate-level credit hours on domestic violence as part of their degree, and all licensed psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and counselors must complete two continuing education hours on domestic violence every renewal cycle. These changes apply to currently licensed professionals renewing their licenses and new applicants seeking initial licensure in these fields. The bill directly affects over 10,000 licensed health professionals in Minnesota who must meet these updated training standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the process for firefighter relief associations in Minnesota when terminating their retirement plans. It requires boards of trustees to calculate specific assets, accrued benefits for participants, and administrative costs within 210 days of termination. The bill establishes clear rules for allocating any surplus funds between the retirement association and the affiliated municipality, including mandatory 50/50 split if agreement isn't reached within 180 days. It also mandates that surplus amounts be distributed proportionally to eligible participants based on their accrued benefits. These changes directly affect firefighter retirement associations, their participants, and the municipalities they serve.

Maddy summarySF 3872 adds new protections for research data collected by Minnesota's Department of Public Safety. It explicitly prohibits using this data for non-research purposes and requires it to be handled like other confidential information (e.g., medical or Social Security data). This affects how the department shares data with researchers studying traffic safety, domestic abuse programs, or other public safety topics. The bill clarifies that research data must be kept confidential, aligning with federal definitions of "research" for surveys, focus groups, and program evaluation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax subtraction for Minnesota taxpayers who receive certain AmeriCorps-related benefits. It specifically allows individuals to subtract from their state taxable income: (1) AmeriCorps volunteer stipends, (2) National Civilian Community Corps living allowances, (3) AmeriCorps Seniors stipends, and (4) National Service Educational Awards. The provision applies to benefits received through federally approved AmeriCorps programs under U.S. Code sections referenced in the bill. This change takes effect for tax returns filed in 2026 for income earned in 2025.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 3771 modifies trespass laws to require law enforcement to obtain a warrant signed by a judicial officer and demonstrate probable cause before entering property for civil immigration enforcement. The bill directly affects Minnesota law enforcement officers and immigration enforcement activities conducted on private property. It prohibits detaining individuals solely based on federal immigration detainers issued by the U.S. government. These changes apply to trespass offenses involving property entry for immigration purposes, requiring judicial oversight instead of relying on federal requests. The bill aims to align state trespass enforcement with constitutional protections for individuals.

Maddy summarySF 3802 appropriates $130,000 from Minnesota's workforce development fund for a one-time grant to New Pathways in Cambridge. The funding supports preemployment and job readiness programming specifically for families with children experiencing homelessness, helping parents overcome employment barriers. Key provisions include individualized employment preparation, resume and job application assistance, interview readiness training, and connections to local employers and training programs. This programming must integrate case management, family education, and community partnerships to support parents in achieving stable housing and self-sufficiency. The bill directly affects homeless families in Cambridge seeking employment and housing stability.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's hunter-harvested venison donation program. It requires hunters donating legally taken deer to provide their DNR license number to the meat processor and to donate the entire deer carcass with the hide attached. Processors may offer donors a portion of the meat for a fee if requested and paid for, but the primary donation must be the full carcass for charitable food programs. The bill directly affects hunters, licensed meat processors, and food assistance organizations receiving the donated venison.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3.9 million from the workforce development fund for a one-time grant to Enterprise Minnesota, Inc. The funds will directly support Minnesota manufacturers through the Made in Minnesota program and cover Enterprise Minnesota's operations. The appropriation is for fiscal year 2027 and expires June 30, 2027. It does not change existing laws but provides specific funding for these designated purposes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Mayor Dave Bartholomay of Circle Pines, Minnesota, for his nearly 25 years of public service. The bill formally recognizes his leadership roles, including his tenure as mayor and his contributions to local infrastructure and community development. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to create an official copy of the resolution and send it to Mayor Bartholomay as a gesture of appreciation. This document serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a law that changes government policy or regulations.