Sen. Susan Pha

Maddy summarySF 3896 establishes tax credits for property owners in Brooklyn Center who convert eligible vacant or outdated commercial properties into residential or commercial use. It provides a 20% credit for construction costs and a 30% credit for energy-efficient upgrades like solar panels or geothermal systems. To qualify, properties must be in specific Brooklyn Center census tracts, meet vacancy or structural criteria (e.g., less than 50% occupancy or unsafe buildings), and receive city approval. Property owners must apply for credit certificates through the state tax agency, with credits claimable two years after approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the city of Osseo to impose a 1% local sales and use tax, subject to voter approval, to fund specific public projects. The tax revenues must cover: renovating Boerboom Park ($10 million), upgrading City Hall ($3 million), and improving Sipe Park ($500,000). Osseo can also issue bonds to finance these projects without counting them toward the city's debt limits, with bond payments secured by the new tax. The tax would expire after 20 years or once project costs (including bond interest) are fully covered, whichever comes first.

Maddy summarySF 1564 prohibits Minnesota homeowners' associations (HOAs) from restricting residents' right to display the U.S. flag or Minnesota state flag. It amends Minnesota Statutes § 500.215 to make any HOA rule limiting these displays void, while allowing reasonable exceptions for flag size (customary residential size), display location (on owner's exclusive property), and flag condition (good condition, no permanent damage). The bill directly affects HOA residents and governing documents in Minnesota communities. Exceptions also cover safety-related restrictions and requirements for legal display without causing property damage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state funding program to help Minnesota charter schools cover building lease costs when their regular operating funds are insufficient. It allows charter schools to apply for "building lease aid" to pay for rented facilities, with the commissioner reviewing applications based on market rates, legal compliance, and financial need. The aid is capped at 90% of the lease cost or $1,606 per student unit (whichever is lower), must exclude maintenance/utilities, and requires leases to include a closure clause ending obligations if the school's charter expires. The program directly affects charter schools seeking affordable facilities, with annual adjustments tied to state education funding changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota cities, towns, and home rule charters to provide a copy of the attorney general's landlord-tenant guide when issuing or renewing a rental license. Landlords must receive either a physical copy or a digital link to the guide at the time of license issuance or renewal. The requirement applies directly to local governments that issue rental licenses and affects both landlords (who must provide the guide) and tenants (who receive the guide). The bill mandates this as a standard step during license processing, using the existing attorney general's guide as the resource. It does not change tenant or landlord rights but ensures access to the guide at a key administrative point.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the Minnesota Constitution to guarantee all persons equal rights under state law and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex - including protections related to pregnancy, gender identity/expression, and sexual orientation. It would require state actions denying equal rights to use the "least restrictive means" to achieve a "compelling governmental interest." If approved by voters in 2026, the amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, applying to all state agencies and political subdivisions. The measure does not change existing anti-discrimination laws but codifies these protections directly into the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes Kevin Cher Chai Vang for his significant contributions to the Hmong community and his advocacy for Hmong culture. The document highlights his personal history as a refugee from Laos who established multiple businesses and served in leadership roles for over thirty years, including as a traditional funeral rites master. It also honors his wife, Mai Yee Yang Vang, acknowledging her support and leadership within their family and community enterprises. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to create an official copy of the document to be presented to the Vang couple as a tribute to their achievements.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 40 is a ceremonial measure that honors the 50th anniversary of Hmong American communities in the United States. The resolution acknowledges the historical journey of Hmong people, including their service as proxy soldiers in Laos during the Vietnam War and their subsequent resettlement in America. It formally thanks Hmong veterans for their service and celebrates their progress toward self-sufficiency over the past half-century. The bill directs the Secretary of the Senate to send an official copy of the resolution to the Fresno Center, SGU Veterans and Families of California, and the Lao Veterans of America Institute.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 from the general fund for a one-time pilot project run by the Organization for Liberians in Minnesota. It directly supports elderly African immigrants in Minnesota by funding culturally relevant health education, wellness resources, and preventive care through medical practitioners with similar backgrounds. The project must provide referrals to culturally competent services and submit an evaluation to the commissioner within six months of completion. The bill focuses on addressing health care access gaps for this specific community through targeted outreach and support.

Maddy summarySF 2865 appropriates $23,000 from four dedicated legacy funds ($7,000 from outdoor heritage, $7,000 from clean water, $5,000 from arts and cultural heritage, and $4,000 from parks and trails) to the Legislative Coordinating Commission for maintaining Minnesota's required legacy funding website under Minnesota Statutes § 3.303, subd. 10. This bill directly affects the Legislative Coordinating Commission, which administers the website, and ensures public access to information about how legacy funds are allocated. The funds are specifically designated from existing legacy trust funds, with no new tax or spending authority created. This is a procedural appropriations bill focused solely on website maintenance costs.