Sen. Bonnie Westlin

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes periodic design competitions to update the "I VOTED" sticker used in Minnesota elections. It affects election officials including the secretary of state, county auditors, municipal clerks, school district clerks, and election judges who distribute these stickers to voters. The key provision allows officials to run competitions for new sticker designs that must include only the words "I VOTED" without any political messaging, party endorsements, or additional text. The bill also permits multiple winning designs from a single competition and amends Minnesota Statutes section 204B.49 to reflect these changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires candidates and elected officials for the Three Rivers Park District in Minnesota to file economic interest disclosures with Hennepin County. Candidates must submit an original statement within 14 days after the candidate filing period ends, while current officials must file annual statements for each year they serve. The required disclosures must include the same information as other Minnesota campaign finance statements under section 10A.09, subdivision 5, and follow related filing procedures. This change applies specifically to the Three Rivers Park District and does not affect other local government officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands legal options for prosecuting child sexual abuse material cases by allowing prosecutors to choose from multiple counties for venue, including where the accused or victim lives or where the material was found. It also permits law enforcement to conduct immediate on-scene previews of digital devices to identify child sexual abuse material without needing a separate warrant, speeding up investigations while preserving data integrity. Additionally, the law prohibits the possession, sale, creation, and distribution of child-like sex dolls and strengthens legal protections for trafficking victims by modifying the defense of duress. These changes directly affect law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and individuals involved in child sexual abuse material investigations and related activities.

Maddy summarySF 3607 requires employers to post accessible printed materials outlining workers' rights under Minnesota's Human Rights Act, including how to file complaints or sue for violations. It also mandates school districts to post annual website notices about student rights, coordinator contact details, and civil rights education resources for parents and students. Both provisions emphasize using plain language and encourage proactive efforts to prevent discrimination. The bill directly affects all Minnesota employers and public school districts, adding specific notice obligations to existing human rights protections. It does not change substantive rights but standardizes how rights information is communicated to workers and students.

Maddy summarySF 3847 amends Minnesota's legal definition of "crime of violence" to include specific animal cruelty offenses under statute 609.343 (prevention of cruelty to animals). This change means convictions for severe animal cruelty will now be classified as violent crimes under state law. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of these specific animal cruelty offenses, potentially influencing sentencing or eligibility for certain programs. The amendment takes effect August 1, 2026, applying to crimes committed on or after that date.

Maddy summarySF 3548 requires all high school and middle school athletic coaches and assistant coaches in Minnesota school districts and charter schools to complete current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training starting in the 2027-2028 school year. Coaches must maintain this training by renewing it at least once every two years, following nationally recognized emergency cardiovascular care guidelines. The bill also provides legal protection for coaches who perform CPR or use an AED in their coaching duties, shielding them from civil liability except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. This policy directly affects school athletic staff by mandating specific life-saving training to enhance emergency response preparedness.

Maddy summarySF 4021 repeals a provision requiring a $250 million automatic reduction in special education aid appropriations for Minnesota's 2027-2028 biennium and each subsequent biennium, unless the legislature enacts a new education budget. This repeal prevents the state from applying this planned cut without new legislative action, ensuring full special education funding remains available. The bill directly affects Minnesota school districts and students receiving special education services by eliminating a scheduled funding reduction. It does not change current funding levels but removes a future reduction that was part of existing law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Minnesota State High School League to add cricket as an official sport by July 2025. It mandates the League to establish a spring season if possible, form an advisory group, run pilot programs in at least three schools during 2025-2026, and expand to more schools by 2026-2027. By the 2027-2028 school year, the League must finalize rules and have a regular cricket season available for all Minnesota high schools participating in the League. The bill directly affects Minnesota high schools that compete under the League's jurisdiction, enabling them to offer cricket as a sanctioned athletic activity.

Maddy summarySF 3154 establishes a "Foster Youth Bill of Rights" in Minnesota, directly affecting youth in foster care under 18 (or up to 21 in extended care). It codifies specific rights, including the right to receive care at least as good as non-foster peers, protection from abuse (including verbal harassment and hate speech), clean living spaces free from pests, and culturally appropriate services. The bill prohibits excessive medication, physical discipline, group punishment, and neglect of basic needs like medical diets or belongings. It also clarifies that these rights complement existing laws like the Indian Child Welfare Act, without replacing other protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school employees in Minnesota to deny entry to immigration enforcement officials unless they present a valid judicial warrant, limiting access to only the areas specified in that warrant. It mandates that school staff immediately notify their district superintendent or legal representative whenever an immigration enforcement official is granted access to a school site. The law applies to all federal, state, and local officials conducting immigration enforcement but explicitly allows entry by officials administering state or federally supported educational programs. The provision takes effect the day after final enactment and includes a severability clause to ensure remaining parts of the law stay valid if any section is found unconstitutional.