Sen. Ron Latz

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $250,000 from the state's general fund for fiscal year 2027 to support victims of human trafficking in Minnesota. The money will be given to the Office of Justice Programs, which must award a grant to the International Institute of Minnesota to provide essential services such as housing, medical care, food, and employment assistance to up to 25 identified survivors. The grantee is required to partner with local law enforcement, shelters, healthcare providers, and other community organizations to help victims become safe and economically self-sufficient. Additionally, the bill mandates that the organization collect data on all clients to measure the impact of the funding and ensure accountability. This is a one-time appropriation designed to aid survivors in the seven-county metropolitan area.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million from the state's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to support law enforcement training through the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board. The money is designated as the Philando Castile Memorial Training Fund and can only be used to reimburse costs for specific courses covering use of force, crisis response, cultural diversity, and autism awareness. To receive funding, training sponsors must submit detailed applications outlining course goals, instructor qualifications, and assessment plans, while instructors are required to provide student evaluations upon completion. The board will review all continuing education courses annually to ensure they meet approved learning outcomes, and any remaining funds after reimbursing eligible requests may be used for other board-approved training. This is a one-time appropriation intended to strengthen training programs and maintain records of completed courses for chief law enforcement officers.

Maddy summarySF 5066 is a legislative package that combines specific policy changes with funding allocations for the judiciary and public safety sectors in Minnesota. The bill appropriates money for the Supreme Court's security detail, staffing for a judicial security unit, and a grant program to improve courthouse safety. Additionally, it modifies existing laws related to crimes such as theft of public funds, school safety, and impersonating peace officers, while also adjusting statutes concerning emergency vehicles and firearms.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how the City of Edina can spend local sales tax revenues by updating the authorized funding amounts for several public projects. It increases the designated funds for Fred Richards Park and Braemar Park improvements while also allocating money for new public safety facilities, tenant upgrades at the Edina Art Center, and renovations to the Edina Aquatic Center. The legislation allows the city to issue bonds to pay for these projects and requires a voter approval election in November 2026 specifically for the public safety facilities, art center, and aquatic center improvements.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases funding for the Bring It Home rental assistance program in Minnesota, raising the total appropriation from $82.8 million to $132.8 million. The specific allocation for rent assistance grows from $23 million to $73 million, with a new base funding level of $48 million established for fiscal year 2028 and beyond. These changes directly affect the state housing development fund and the programs administered under Minnesota Statutes section 462A.2095, which provide rental support to eligible residents. The legislation amends existing statutes to reflect these updated budget figures and long-term funding commitments.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Greenhouse Gas Pollution Superfund in Minnesota that would charge fossil fuel companies for emissions produced between 1995 and 2026. The program targets businesses that extracted or refined fossil fuels and are responsible for more than one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions during that period. Money collected from these charges would be placed in a dedicated account to fund climate change adaptation projects for state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as disadvantaged communities. The state commissioner would determine how much each company must pay based on their emissions and distribute funds according to adopted rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's extreme risk protection order (ERPO) laws to update how these orders are applied for, secured, and enforced. It expands who can petition for an ERPO to include attorneys' offices and allows respondents to petition on their own behalf, while clarifying definitions for family members and mental health professionals. The legislation requires courts to provide simplified forms, waives all filing and service fees, and mandates that orders be shared with law enforcement and the national background check system within specific timeframes. Additionally, it updates procedures for emergency relief petitions and clarifies the role of law enforcement in considering such requests.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's school crisis management policy requirements for all public school districts and charter schools. It adds a specific requirement that crisis plans must address the unique needs of students with disabilities, including mobility restrictions, sensory needs, developmental or physical disabilities, mental health needs, and visual or auditory limitations. The policy must still include five lockdown drills, five fire drills, and one tornado drill, but now must incorporate inclusive planning for students with disabilities. This change directly affects how schools develop and implement their emergency response protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Minnesota to permit residents to consume and display alcoholic beverages under specific conditions. The law requires that alcohol be used only during resident-focused activities, served by staff aged 18 or older, and never offered for sale or given to anyone under 21. Facilities must ensure all alcohol consumption remains within the facility and is limited to adult residents participating in approved events.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new specific crime called theft of public funds in Minnesota, targeting individuals who steal or defraud money held by government entities or third parties administering public programs. The law defines public funds as all money held or administered by government entities and outlines three main ways someone can commit this crime: intentionally taking public funds without consent, deceiving officials to obtain funds through false claims or promises, or using tricks or schemes to secure public money. Penalties depend on the amount stolen, with sentences ranging from up to six years and fines up to $10,000 for smaller amounts to up to 24 years and fines up to $100,000 for larger thefts, and multiple offenses within six months can be combined for sentencing. The new crime would only apply to actions committed on or after August 1, 2026.