Sen. Nicole Mitchell

Maddy summarySF 2598 allows remote reassessments (via video or phone) for Minnesotans receiving specific disability waiver services, replacing some in-person requirements. It directly affects individuals enrolled in developmental disabilities, community access, brain injury, alternative care, and elderly waiver programs under Minnesota Statutes sections 256B.092, 256B.49, 256B.0913, and related programs. Key provisions require informed consent from recipients or their representatives before remote assessments, mandate an in-person reassessment after remote ones (replacing one or two consecutive assessments depending on the program), and require documentation of consent. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, or upon federal approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $4.8 million from state bond proceeds to fund the design and engineering work for expanding the East Metro Public Safety Training Facility in Maplewood. The funds will cover planning for a new main training building, ancillary structures, parking, stormwater systems, infrastructure, and land acquisition. The state will issue bonds to cover this cost, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. The expansion will directly benefit Maplewood's public safety training programs and personnel using the facility.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1,000,000 from the workforce development fund for a one-time grant to Ramsey County (in partnership with St. Paul) for workforce development programming. It directly affects youth and young adults aged 18-30 through specific programs like "Learn and Earn," which includes technology training and a driver's license academy. The funding is available until June 30, 2028, and must be used for approved workforce development initiatives as outlined in the bill. The appropriation is limited to fiscal year 2026 and requires the county to partner with St. Paul.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's child care assistance program to improve access and simplify eligibility reviews. It requires the commissioner to provide direct child care services through grants or contracts for families in underserved areas, those with infants/toddlers, or children with disabilities (Section 1). It also standardizes redetermination timelines to no more than 12 months, with specific extensions for student parents (Section 2), and clarifies the income-based fee structure for families (Section 3). These changes directly affect families receiving child care assistance and county agencies administering the program.

Maddy summarySF 3134 redirects $15 million in transportation tax revenue to fund the design and construction of suicide prevention barriers on the Washington Avenue Pedestrian Bridge at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. The bill modifies how funds from Minnesota's regional transportation sales tax (under Statutes 297A.9915 and 473.4465) are allocated, directing the Metropolitan Council to provide this specific grant to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. The project must include consultation with suicide prevention organizations and individuals affected by suicide at the bridge. This is a targeted funding change for a specific infrastructure safety project, not a broader policy shift.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates a one-time funding allocation from the renewable development account to the commissioner of commerce for geothermal planning grants in fiscal year 2026. It directs the commissioner to award these grants to eligible applicants under Minnesota Statutes section 216C.47, specifically for planning purposes related to geothermal energy projects. The funding is intended to support preliminary work like site assessments and feasibility studies, directly affecting local governments, developers, or organizations seeking to advance geothermal energy initiatives. This is a procedural funding measure with no new policy requirements, solely providing resources for planning activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's health and education departments to develop and post online informational materials about type 1 diabetes for parents by October 1, 2025. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, public school districts and charter schools offering preschool programs must distribute these materials to parents at least once annually. The materials must explain type 1 diabetes, its warning signs, screening processes, and recommendations for medical consultation after diagnosis. It directly affects parents of children enrolled in preschool programs under Minnesota Statutes sections 142D.05 through 142D.08.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires landlords who receive government funds (federal, state, or local) to renovate a rental unit for a tenant's health, safety, or disability to allow that tenant to stay in the unit. It prohibits landlords from nonrenewing the tenant's lease in violation of this rule, making such nonrenewal void and holding landlords liable for tenant costs like attorney fees. The bill also states that unreasonable rent increases may be treated as constructive nonrenewal and violate this provision. It directly affects tenants with specific needs and landlords receiving renovation assistance funds. The law aims to prevent displacement during necessary accommodations.

Maddy summarySF 2690 modifies Minnesota's rules for school access to epinephrine auto-injectors (used for severe allergic reactions). It requires schools to develop individualized written health plans with parents and medical providers for students prescribed epinephrine, specifying whether the student can carry the device or needs it kept nearby during school hours. The bill clarifies that schools must have written parental and medical authorization annually and ensures staff can administer epinephrine per established protocols. This directly affects students with severe allergies, their families, and school staff responsible for health emergencies. The law also provides liability protection for schools acting in good faith to implement these procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota public schools to include age-appropriate physical and sexual abuse prevention education in health curricula for all students. It mandates that school districts develop instruction covering identifying abuse, boundary violations, disclosure strategies, and bystander intervention, using culturally inclusive and developmentally appropriate methods. School staff must receive training on handling disclosures and districts must create response policies. The requirement takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year and applies to all public K-12 schools in Minnesota.