Sen. Heather Gustafson

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate Bill 1047 increases the age of consent for certain criminal sexual conduct offenses from 16 to 18 years old. It specifically targets situations where a person aged 22 or older engages in sexual conduct with someone who is 16 or 17 years old. Under this bill, consent from the minor and mistaken belief about their age are no longer valid defenses, making such acts criminal sexual conduct in the third degree. The law applies to cases committed on or after August 1, 2025, and directly affects minors aged 16-17 and partners aged 22 or older in these circumstances.

Maddy summarySF 1209 authorizes Minnesota to issue up to $50 million in bonds to fund agricultural loans for farmers. It appropriates $30 million from bond proceeds specifically for the Rural Finance Authority to provide loans under five programs, prioritizing beginning farmers first, followed by seller-sponsored and agricultural improvement loans. The bill establishes that debt service on these bonds must be repaid by the Authority and requires loan participations to cover full interest and principal. This directly affects Minnesota farmers seeking agricultural financing through the state's designated loan programs.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota bill (SF 1797) requires lenders to pause monthly payments for victims whose cell phones, vehicles, or other property associated with a bill is seized as evidence in a crime. Victims must provide law enforcement documentation verifying the seizure, and lenders cannot resume payments until the property is returned. The bill also prohibits lenders from reporting payment failures to credit agencies during the seizure period. This directly affects lenders and individuals whose property is held by law enforcement as evidence.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota cities with populations of 10,000 or more to adopt zoning changes by June 30, 2026. It mandates that such cities allow duplexes as a permitted use in at least 33% of all residential zones (including single-family zones) and triplexes, fourplexes, or townhouses in at least 25% of residential zones. The bill also requires cities to permit at least one accessory dwelling unit on any lot with a single-family home, following state building standards. These provisions aim to increase housing density options without restricting existing single-family homes. The bill directly affects all qualifying cities through their zoning ordinances.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $10,000 relocation bonus program for veterans who were involuntarily terminated from federal jobs after January 20, 2025. To qualify, veterans must not have been Minnesota residents on that date but establish residency before January 1, 2027, and begin working at least 20 hours weekly in Minnesota before that deadline. The program, funded with $6 million from the workforce development fund for fiscal year 2026, requires applicants to apply through the commissioner of employment and economic development. The commissioner must report on the program’s implementation by March 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts pension funding for Minnesota school districts under the Teachers Retirement Association (TRA). It increases the pension adjustment revenue rate for school districts (e.g., raising St. Paul's rate from 2.5% to 3.25% for 2026+ and other districts from 1.25% to 2.0%) and raises employer contribution rates for most school districts (from 8.55% to 9.5% for coordinated members and 12.55% to 13.5% for basic members, effective July 2025). These changes directly affect school districts and teachers covered by the TRA pension system. The bill also includes provisions for calculating retirement annuities and appropriates funds to support these adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis bill lowers the age for teachers with 30+ years of service to qualify for reduced early retirement penalties from 62 to 60. It amends Minnesota Statutes §354.44, subdivision 6, changing the rule that previously applied a penalty for retiring before age 62. Teachers meeting the 30-year service requirement would no longer face a reduction in benefits for retiring at age 60 or older. The bill also clarifies postretirement adjustment timing but focuses primarily on the age reduction for eligible educators. This change directly affects current and future Minnesota Teachers Retirement Association members with substantial service history.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $20 million in one-time funding for Minnesota's fiscal year 2026 to support teacher candidates during student teaching. It requires nonprofits to provide stipends of at least $15 per hour to candidates completing 12+ weeks of student teaching in approved teacher preparation programs. The stipends are paid directly to students and cannot reduce their existing financial aid. The funds are distributed through grants to nonprofits with experience handling student data, with up to 5% of the grant covering administrative costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two grant programs to address Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in Minnesota. The Health Department must award grants to improve education and awareness for healthcare providers, ME/CFS patients, and the public through evidence-based materials and symptom recognition training. The Human Services Department must award separate grants to create or enhance access to support services - including counseling, care coordination, transportation, and workplace accommodations - for individuals experiencing ME/CFS symptoms. Both programs require collaboration with the ME/CFS community (including patients, providers, and experts) and prioritize outreach to underserved groups like rural communities, Tribal Nations, and marginalized populations. The bill appropriates state funds to implement these initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 3368) sets new qualification standards for paraprofessionals working in Minnesota public schools starting in the 2025-2026 school year. It requires paraprofessionals to meet one of three paths: earn two years of college credits or an associate degree, pass the ParaPro assessment (score 440+), or demonstrate 17 specific competencies like understanding student safety protocols, following teacher instructions, promoting inclusive learning, and using ethical communication. These standards align with federal requirements under the Code of Federal Regulations. The bill directly affects paraprofessionals employed in Minnesota school districts who must meet these criteria to continue working.