Sen. Susan Pha

Maddy summarySF 1514 appropriates $1.5 million from the general fund for a one-time grant to the Coalition of Asian American Leaders. The funds, available until June 30, 2027, will support outreach, training, technical assistance, peer network development, and direct financial assistance for Asian Minnesotan women entrepreneurs and Asian-owned businesses. This grant is administered by the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development. The bill directly affects Asian-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in Minnesota through targeted economic development support.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $6.425 million for fiscal year 2026 and another $6.425 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support Minnesota's Small Business Assistance Partnerships Program. The funds will provide two-year grants to small businesses through partnerships with economic development organizations, as authorized under Minnesota Statutes section 116J.682. Up to 5% of the total appropriation may be used for administrative costs by the Department of Employment and Economic Development. The program directly assists small businesses seeking economic development support through these partnership grants.

Maddy summarySF 1565 amends Minnesota's landlord-tenant laws to clarify and strengthen landlords' obligations in residential leases. It requires landlords to covenant to maintain properties in reasonable repair, ensure energy efficiency (when cost-effective over 10 years), and comply with health/safety laws, while prohibiting tenants from waiving these rights. The bill also clarifies tenant remedies: tenants may deposit rent with the court if landlords fail to fix violations within 14 days after written notice, and landlords must be informed in writing of alleged violations at least 14 days before legal action. These changes aim to provide clearer, more enforceable standards for housing conditions and tenant protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $25 million in state bond funds to improve Hennepin County's regional trail system. The funds will be used by the Three Rivers Park District to build 10.7 miles of new trails, reconstruct 11.4 miles of existing trails, and extend the life of 30.2 miles of current trails. The money comes from state bonds sold under Minnesota's bond laws, with the project directly benefiting Hennepin County residents who use the regional trail network. The bill authorizes the sale of bonds to cover these trail improvements, effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Minnesota to cover acupuncture services for pain treatment when provided by licensed practitioners. It mandates at least 30 covered visits before insurers can require prior approval for additional sessions. The law applies to all health plans sold to Minnesota residents and takes effect January 1, 2027, for plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date. This directly affects health insurers and patients seeking acupuncture for pain management.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's rules for insurance plan coverage of prescription drugs. It requires health insurance plans to maintain prior authorization for prescription drugs throughout a patient's contract term if ongoing treatment is needed, unless the drug is deemed unsafe by the FDA or new evidence-based guidelines recommend changes. Insurance plans must provide 60 days' notice to prescribers and patients before removing a brand-name drug from coverage, and must add a lower-cost FDA-approved generic or interchangeable alternative. These rules apply to plans offered, sold, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, with specific exceptions for safety-related changes. The bill directly affects patients requiring ongoing medication, prescribers, pharmacists, and health insurance plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's school funding rules to allow public school districts to use long-term facilities maintenance revenue for school safety facility enhancements. Specifically, it adds "school safety facility enhancements" to the list of eligible uses, including security remodeling, violence prevention equipment, and facility security modifications. School districts must now include these safety projects in their required ten-year facility plans, which also address health/safety programs and gender-neutral restrooms. The change takes effect for fiscal year 2026 funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $750,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $750,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to the Minnesota Grocers Association Foundation. It funds the "Carts to Careers" initiative, which provides job skills training, outreach, and scholarships for people seeking careers in the food retail industry. The grant supports workforce development activities like certifications and training to strengthen the food industry job pipeline. This one-time funding directly benefits job seekers in Minnesota's grocery sector and the Minnesota Grocers Association Foundation as the recipient.

Maddy summarySF 670 appropriates $2.5 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund evidence-based employment support programs for people with mental illness. The funds, drawn from the general state budget, are allocated to programs that help individuals with mental illness secure and maintain jobs. These grants are specifically intended to sustain existing programs, expand services to areas without current offerings, and support programs that currently lack state funding. The bill directly affects people with mental illness seeking employment assistance through these supported services.

Maddy summaryThis bill gives residential tenants in Minnesota the right to host a youth (25 years or younger) for up to 60 days without landlord retaliation. Tenants must notify landlords within 7 days of the youth's arrival, providing basic details like the youth's name and age. Landlords cannot evict tenants, raise rent, or require the youth to sign a lease during this 60-day period. Tenants remain responsible for all standard rental obligations, including rent payments and property damage. The bill also requires courts to dismiss eviction cases filed in violation of these rules and holds landlords liable for damages.