Sen. Mary Kunesh-Podein

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a one-time School Safety Aid and Grant Program for the 2027 fiscal year to provide funding to public school districts, charter schools, intermediate districts, and tribal contract schools. The program allocates money based on the number of students in each institution, with a specific portion of the funds designated for nonpublic schools that have lower financial resources. These funds can be used for general school safety purposes as well as specific initiatives to improve student attendance and address absenteeism through support services and outreach. The legislation appropriates money from the state's general fund for these grants and aid, marking the program as a single-year financial measure.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes and commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America on July 4, 2026. The bill directly affects the Minnesota Legislature by establishing an official record of this historical milestone and highlighting the Declaration of Independence's principles. It serves as a symbolic gesture to honor the nation's heritage and encourage civic reflection rather than implementing new laws or funding. The measure does not change existing policies or allocate resources but instead serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the event.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Minnesota Foraging Act, authorizes individuals to harvest edible plants like mushrooms, berries, and nuts on state-owned lands for personal, household, or cultural use without profit. It creates a legal framework that recognizes foraging as a legitimate recreational and cultural activity while giving the commissioner of natural resources authority to establish rules about where and how much can be harvested. The commissioner may designate certain plants as prohibited, restrict foraging in specific areas, or require permits with quantity limits when necessary to protect natural resources, human health, or federal funding requirements. The bill also mandates that any permitting process be clear, accessible, and available electronically, and it requires the commissioner to report on foraging activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Minnesota Department of Education to strengthen the Office of the Inspector General, which is responsible for detecting and preventing fraud, theft, waste, and abuse in state education programs. It grants the office expanded authority to access confidential records and defines specific actions, such as submitting false information or causing unnecessary costs, as fraud or abuse. The legislation also establishes rules for protecting investigative data, outlines procedures for reporting misconduct, and clarifies the inspector general's role in cooperating with law enforcement. These changes directly affect the department's internal oversight structure and the individuals involved in managing or receiving state education funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Minnesota commissioner of natural resources to hold a design contest for a new state park license plate. The contest must result in a plate design that celebrates the North Shore and the Lake Superior Agate. It directly affects the state's natural resources department and vehicle license plate program. The amendment updates existing law to specify these design requirements for the upcoming license plate.

Maddy summarySF 5108 allocates $1.2 million from the arts and cultural heritage fund in fiscal year 2027 to the Minnesota Museum of American Art in St. Paul. The funds are designated for grants that support the creation of exhibitions and programs, as well as open access education and community initiatives featuring Minnesota artists. This bill directly affects the museum and the artists participating in its funded programs by providing financial resources for these specific activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15 million in fiscal year 2027 to provide a grant for the Lower Sioux Indian Community to plan, develop, and build renewable energy projects. The funding, drawn from the state's renewable development account, can be used for solar facilities, battery storage, microgrids, and related electrical equipment to enhance the community's energy reliability and affordability. The commissioner of commerce is tasked with managing the grant and signing a contract with the tribe, while the community must submit a detailed project plan and regular progress reports to state officials. Any unused funds after the project concludes will return to the state's renewable development account.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens penalties for violating domestic violence protection orders in Minnesota by categorizing repeat offenses and those involving weapons as more serious crimes. It directly affects individuals who break court orders restraining them from contacting or approaching victims, as well as law enforcement officers who enforce these orders. Key provisions include raising minimum jail sentences for repeat violators, allowing for longer prison terms if a dangerous weapon is used, and requiring mandatory counseling for all convicted offenders. Additionally, the legislation clarifies arrest procedures, mandates holding violators in custody for at least 36 hours, and grants peace officers immunity from civil lawsuits when making good-faith arrests.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mining applicants to disclose if they or their key personnel (including ownership details and leadership) have had environmental violations or corruption charges in the last 15 years. It prohibits state agencies from issuing permits, conducting environmental reviews, or renewing approvals for applicants with such records. The disclosure must include specific details about past violations of environmental laws, bribery, or related settlements. It directly affects companies seeking permits for nonferrous sulfide ore mining, which poses significant environmental risks like acid mine drainage. The law blocks permits for entities with recent regulatory misconduct, focusing on transparency and accountability.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $20 million in state bonds to fund the design and construction of a public space over Shepard Road in St. Paul, including adjacent rail lines and related infrastructure. The funds will be provided to Ramsey County through a grant administered by the commissioner of employment and economic development. The project covers predesign, engineering, construction, and equipment for the public realm. This directly affects St. Paul residents by creating new public space and impacts Ramsey County as the recipient of the grant funds. The bill enables the state to issue bonds under existing statutes to finance this specific capital improvement.