Sen. Bonnie Westlin

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's election judge procedures under statute 204C.09. It requires at least two election judges to verify the count of prepackaged ballots before voting begins and to initial all ballots' backs before voting starts, without marking ballots otherwise. These changes apply directly to election judges at polling places during each election. The bill standardizes existing administrative practices for ballot handling and verification, with no direct impact on voters or election results. (Procedural bill; summary focuses on concrete administrative changes.)

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's corrections and community supervision policies. It clarifies annual reporting requirements for the commissioner of corrections to the legislature (Section 2), exempts federal law enforcement agents transporting individuals from the definition of "protective agent" (Section 1), and repeals obsolete civil commitment laws for incarcerated individuals with mental illness (referenced in Section 1). The bill also references modifying a cultural program for American Indian incarcerated individuals, but the provided text does not detail this specific change. The bill affects correctional agencies, community supervision programs, and federal law enforcement agents operating in Minnesota.

Maddy summarySF 1346 requires companies with permits to harvest or destroy aquatic plants in Minnesota's public waters to follow new safety rules when using scuba diving equipment. It mandates annual third-party hazard surveys by qualified safety professionals, requires divers to hold nationally certified training, and blocks permits for businesses with recent scuba-related safety violations. The bill directly affects commercial aquatic plant management companies operating in Minnesota, adding safety documentation and certification requirements to their permit process. These provisions aim to reduce diving-related injuries by ensuring proper equipment, training, and risk assessments.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers $200,000 from Minnesota's general fund to the Help America Vote Act account for fiscal year 2026. The funds are specifically designated to meet the state's matching requirement under the federal Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-47). It does not create new policies or directly affect voters or election administration, but ensures Minnesota complies with federal funding obligations for election systems. The transfer is procedural and administrative in nature.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 3368) sets new qualification standards for paraprofessionals working in Minnesota public schools starting in the 2025-2026 school year. It requires paraprofessionals to meet one of three paths: earn two years of college credits or an associate degree, pass the ParaPro assessment (score 440+), or demonstrate 17 specific competencies like understanding student safety protocols, following teacher instructions, promoting inclusive learning, and using ethical communication. These standards align with federal requirements under the Code of Federal Regulations. The bill directly affects paraprofessionals employed in Minnesota school districts who must meet these criteria to continue working.

Maddy summarySF 3097 amends Minnesota law to extend the timeframe for scheduling special elections on county ballot questions. It changes the current 74-day deadline to 84 days after a county board adopts a resolution to hold such an election. This directly affects county boards seeking to place questions about spending, debt, or taxes on the ballot, giving them more time to schedule the election. The bill modifies the existing election timing provisions in Minnesota Statutes section 375.20 without altering the substance of what can be voted on.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits employers or associations from retaliating against employees or members by threatening job loss, wage cuts, or other economic penalties because they refused to discuss government actions with officials. It directly affects workers and organizations who may face pressure to engage with public officials about legislative or administrative matters. The law clarifies that this protection does not apply to jobs where political affiliation is a legitimate job requirement. Violations are punishable as gross misdemeanors under Minnesota Statutes §10A.36.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 1851 prohibits individuals or groups from falsely claiming to represent a real, potential, or nonexistent candidate, political party, or organization with the intent to defraud - such as when soliciting money. It creates criminal penalties (a gross misdemeanor) and allows civil lawsuits for damages, including up to $1,000 per violation, for those harmed by such misrepresentations. The law applies to campaign-related activities and takes effect August 1, 2025, targeting deceptive practices that undermine election integrity. It directly affects campaign committees, solicitors, and anyone falsely claiming campaign authority.

Maddy summarySF 2568 amends Minnesota law to allow private attorneys to access electronic court records through the Minnesota Government Access system, which currently provides free access to government attorneys and civil legal services. Private attorneys would need to pay a fee set by the judicial branch to view or print case documents in state district courts. The bill directly affects private attorneys who currently lack automatic access to court records without cost. It establishes a fee-based system for private attorneys while maintaining free access for government-employed legal professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's election administration rules, primarily affecting voters registering on election day and election officials. It expands acceptable proof of residence for same-day registration to include student fee statements and clarifies voter vouching rules (limiting registered voters to vouching for up to eight people per election day). It also requires residential facilities to provide employee lists to county auditors 20 days before elections for use in voter registration. The bill amends multiple statutes covering voter registration, absentee voting, election judge appointments, and election timelines, while repealing the voting equipment grant account.