Sen. Mary Kunesh-Podein

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's tax credit for teachers by expanding eligibility to include master's degrees in special education. It directly affects licensed teachers pursuing advanced degrees in special education fields, such as those focusing on developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or learning disabilities. The key change adds "special education" to the list of qualifying fields under the existing $2,500 tax credit, which covers tuition and related costs for eligible degrees completed after June 2017. The credit remains capped at the lesser of $2,500 or actual qualified expenses, and can only be claimed once per degree. The change takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summarySF 193 appropriates $40,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to provide supplemental aid to American Indian schools in Minnesota. This funding directly affects schools designated under Minnesota Statutes §124D.73, which serve American Indian students. The amount each school receives is calculated based on its enrollment share relative to all such schools in the state. The bill specifies this is a one-time appropriation with funds to be paid in full during the fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts the state's education funding forecasts and appropriates specific amounts for the 2024 and 2025 school years. It directly affects public school districts, nonpublic schools, and students by updating the financial allocations for general education aid, transportation costs, and support for district consolidations. The legislation increases the general education aid budget for both years while simultaneously reducing funding for consolidation transition aid and abatement aid. Additionally, it modifies the amounts available for transporting students to postsecondary institutions and nonpublic schools, ensuring the state budget reflects updated enrollment and financial projections.

Maddy summaryThis law establishes new standards to protect African American children and those from other disproportionately represented groups within Minnesota's child welfare system. It requires social services agencies to make continuous, rigorous efforts to keep families together and prevent unnecessary removal of children from their homes. The act defines a higher level of care called "active efforts," which mandates that agencies involve families in planning services and respect their cultural values. Additionally, the legislation sets specific criteria for what constitutes a permanent adoptive placement and ensures that these protections apply alongside existing laws for Native American children.

Maddy summaryHF 5237 is a supplemental budget bill that provides additional funding to the state's education system and related human services programs. The legislation directly affects public schools, charter schools, early childhood education providers, and families receiving child welfare or economic support services. Key provisions include allocating money for school operations, teacher salaries, special education, and facilities, while also adjusting funding forecasts for various state agencies. The bill amends existing laws to ensure these resources are distributed and managed according to updated needs, particularly regarding instructional hours and student support services.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Minnesota Constitution to guarantee equal rights and prohibit discrimination for all people. It specifically protects individuals from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, and sex, with the definition of sex explicitly including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation. If voters approve the amendment at the 2026 general election, the change will become effective on January 1, 2027. The text also establishes that any state action denying these rights must be the least restrictive way to achieve a very important government goal.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies state laws to strengthen awareness and support for library services designed for blind and print-disabled individuals in Minnesota. It requires the Department of Education to create an accessible online resource hub and collaborate with other state agencies to inform the public about available services like braille and audio books. Additionally, the legislation establishes an advisory committee composed of library users to guide long-term planning and ensure the library effectively reaches its target community.

Maddy summaryThis omnibus education bill establishes a statewide policy requiring school districts and charter schools to adopt rules governing student cell phone use by March 15, 2025, while directing educational associations to share best practices for managing device-related behavior and learning issues. The legislation also clarifies procedures for high school students to enroll in nonsectarian college courses, mandating that institutions notify schools when students withdraw or miss extended periods of class. Additionally, the bill sets specific limits on online teaching, prohibiting instructors from teaching more than 40 students in a single online course unless a waiver is granted, and ensures that digital instruction remains accessible to students with disabilities.