Sen. Susan Pha

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $700,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $700,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide a one-time grant to Restoration for All, Inc. The funds must be used to enhance culturally relevant mental health, substance use disorder, and suicide prevention services for Minnesota's African immigrant refugee community. The grant also covers physical and mental wellness support for the elderly and mental health/suicide prevention resources for underrepresented students in higher education. This is a funding measure with no policy changes, directly affecting the specified community groups through the designated grant recipient.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 463 increases criminal penalties for creating, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit materials involving children under Minnesota law. The bill amends statutes 617.246 and 617.247 to impose harsher sentences, including longer prison terms (up to 25 years) and higher fines ($40,000 max) for these offenses. Enhanced penalties apply if the offender has a prior sex offense conviction, is a registered predatory offender, or the material involves children under 14. The law directly affects individuals who engage in these activities, with the strongest penalties triggered by aggravating factors like prior criminal history or victim age.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that current members of Minnesota's state legislature (both Senate and House) are explicitly authorized to perform civil marriages. It amends Minnesota Statutes section 517.04 by adding legislators to the list of individuals permitted to solemnize weddings, alongside judges, ministers, and other existing officiants. The change directly affects Minnesota legislators who may choose to officiate weddings, ensuring their authority is formally recognized in statute. This is a procedural clarification with no new policy changes, simply updating the legal list of authorized marriage officiants.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.6 million from state bonds to fund specific capital projects in Osseo, Minnesota. It directly affects the City of Osseo by providing funds for renovating and building Sipe Park, completing streetscape improvements on Central Avenue, and upgrading the Osseo Public Works building. The key mechanism is authorizing the state to issue bonds up to $1.6 million under existing bond statutes to cover these costs. The funds are designated for physical improvements, not general operations or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $200,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $200,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to support Oromo youth programs. The funds will be granted to HIRPHA International for youth initiatives in the metropolitan area that celebrate Oromo cultural heritage and arts. The legislation directly affects Oromo youth in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area by providing funding for culturally specific programs. It establishes a concrete funding mechanism through the commissioner of administration without altering existing laws or creating new obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $250,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $250,000 for fiscal year 2027. The funds are directed to the Minnesota Humanities Center Board of Directors to provide a grant to the Minnesota Urban Debate League. The grant will support improved professional development for staff and expand debate services to more youth in urban areas across Minnesota. This directly affects the Minnesota Urban Debate League and the young people it serves through expanded program access.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $150,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 to support youth boxing programs. The funds will be granted by the Minnesota Humanities Center to SIR Boxing, a nonprofit organization, to preserve Minnesota's boxing culture through youth initiatives. The bill directly affects SIR Boxing and youth participants in its boxing programs, providing dedicated funding for program operations. It does not create new policies but allocates existing state funds for a specific cultural preservation purpose.

Maddy summarySF 2336 appropriates $8 million from the state general fund for WomenVenture, a nonprofit, to support women-owned businesses in Minnesota. The funds will directly assist women child care providers (through business training and materials to expand in underserved areas) and women food entrepreneurs (through business expansion support, technical assistance, and workforce development). Eligible uses include business equipment, lease improvements, inventory, and working capital - funding can be grants, loans, or forgivable loans, with up to 5% for administrative costs. WomenVenture must report by December 2028 on how funds were distributed, including county-level breakdowns and repayment details.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1.2 million from state funds for fiscal year 2026 to the Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA). The grant supports AEDA and its partners, including the coalition of Minnesota Asian Building Trades Entrepreneurs (MABTE), in providing business training, hiring assistance, and capacity building to Asian-owned businesses. The funding is a one-time allocation available until June 30, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office. The funding must be used to provide security at cultural events within Ramsey County and support sheriff's officers participating in culturally informed community engagement. It is a one-time appropriation specifically for these purposes, directly affecting Ramsey County events and community safety initiatives. The bill does not create new requirements but allocates existing state funds for targeted security and engagement activities.