Sen. Mary Kunesh-Podein

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the Metropolitan Council. The funds will be distributed as grants to agencies managing the Metropolitan Council's regional parks system to prevent, contain, control, and enforce measures against aquatic invasive species. These species include harmful plants and animals that threaten Minnesota's waterways and ecosystems. The appropriation is available until June 30, 2027, and directly affects regional park management agencies responsible for protecting local water bodies.

Maddy summarySF 2189 appropriates funds to Minnesota's Commissioner of Agriculture to create an anonymous reporting system for potential violations of the corporate farm law (Minn. Stat. §500.221) and alien farm law (Minn. Stat. §500.24). The bill allocates specific funding for fiscal years 2026-2028, with a base amount continuing annually thereafter, to establish and maintain this accessible, confidential channel. It directly affects individuals who observe suspected violations of these land ownership laws, such as unauthorized foreign ownership or corporate control of agricultural land. The key provision is creating a secure method for the public to report concerns without revealing their identity, rather than changing the underlying laws. This is a funding measure to support enforcement of existing statutes.

Maddy summarySF 1703 requires the Minnesota Department of Education to actively promote library services for blind and print disabled residents. The bill mandates the department to develop and maintain an online, fully accessible website with current resources, services, and information about available support. It also obligates the department to consult with state agencies like Employment and Economic Development, Health, and Human Services to coordinate awareness efforts. This amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024 updates existing requirements for the Department of Education and its advisory committee to enhance accessibility for this community.

Maddy summarySF 2188 appropriates $105 million from the general fund to the Minnesota Department of Education for school unemployment aid under Minnesota Statutes §124D.995, specifically for the 2026 fiscal year. This is a one-time funding allocation, not a new program, and must comply with existing requirements in §124D.995. The bill directly affects school districts and employees eligible for unemployment aid through the state's established program. It does not create new eligibility criteria or alter current benefit structures.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a two-year pause on approving new charter schools in Minnesota, effective July 1, 2025, through July 1, 2027. It directly affects school authorizers and organizations seeking to establish new charter schools or expand existing ones by prohibiting the commissioner from approving new charters or additions to grades/sites during this period. Existing charter school plans approved before July 1, 2025, may continue as planned. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to create this temporary moratorium on new charter school authorizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's livestock investment grant program to change how grant amounts are calculated. Instead of offering 10% of the first $500,000 in eligible costs, it now provides 50% of the first $20,000 plus 20% of the next $220,000 in qualifying expenditures. The program supports Minnesota livestock producers raising animals listed in the bill (including cattle, swine, poultry, and bison) who make eligible investments in farm facilities, pasture improvements, or equipment. To qualify, applicants must be Minnesota residents or tribal government representatives operating farms that meet specific registration and documentation requirements. The changes aim to adjust financial incentives for livestock operations under the existing grant framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's rent increase rules for manufactured home park residents. It requires park owners to provide 60 days' written notice for rent increases (previously 30 days), including the reason for the increase, and limits owners to two rent increases per year. Owners must prove increases are reasonable, shifting the burden of proof to them. The bill directly affects manufactured home park residents and owners, with changes taking effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 1206 requires manufactured housing park owners in Minnesota to provide residents with separate, itemized utility bills. The bill directly affects park owners and their residents by mandating that each utility charge be clearly labeled as a distinct line item. Key provisions amend Minnesota Statutes to require park owners to itemize all services or charges, replacing vague bundled bills with transparent billing. This policy change ensures residents can see exactly what they are being charged for each utility service. The bill focuses on improving billing transparency without altering other housing regulations.

Maddy summarySF 2007 modifies Minnesota's full-service community schools program by establishing new funding levels and requirements. It appropriates $100,000 per eligible school for one year to cover planning activities (like community engagement and baseline analysis) and $200,000 annually per school for up to three years to implement community school programming. Eligible schools must meet specific criteria, such as being on a continuous improvement plan or in a district with an approved achievement plan, and must hire site coordinators to manage services. The bill prioritizes schools with high needs (e.g., significant free/reduced lunch enrollment, homelessness) and requires school leadership teams with at least 30% parent/student representation.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $11.05 million for fiscal year 2026 and $21.5 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Metropolitan Council. The funds are designated for grants to operate and maintain metropolitan area regional parks under Minnesota Statutes section 473.351. The bill directly affects the Metropolitan Council and regional parks in the metropolitan area by providing specific annual funding for their operations and upkeep.