Sen. Julia Coleman

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies deadlines for professional development training related to Minnesota's Read Act. It requires school districts to provide evidence-based training to specific educators by July 1, 2026 (including K-3 classroom teachers and reading intervention staff) and by July 1, 2027 (for grades 4-12 reading teachers). The bill also allows districts to reduce elementary students' instructional hours by 5.5 hours during the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years if teachers receive required training on days when other students are learning. This change applies to all public and charter schools meeting the training agreement requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Minnesota law enforcement agencies to hold individuals for up to 48 hours after their arrest if the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has issued an immigration detainer. It applies only to people who are not U.S. citizens or do not have lawful immigration status, and it protects officers from liability if they act in good faith while following these procedures. Under the law, a court's order to release a defendant is paused during this holding period to allow time for a secure transfer to federal authorities, but the person remains under the court's jurisdiction and can still post bail. If federal officials do not take custody within the 48-hour window, the individual must be released immediately provided all other bail conditions are met.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally congratulates David Davis, a music teacher in St. Louis Park, on being named the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. The document highlights his specific achievements, noting that he is the first music educator to receive this state honor since 1999 and detailing his recognition for promoting equity and arts education. By passing this resolution, the Senate acknowledges his contributions to public education and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send an official copy of the document to him.

Maddy summarySF 1750 modifies Minnesota laws governing common interest communities (like homeowners associations). It bans property managers from having financial ties to contractors without written disclosure, prohibits accepting kickbacks from contractors, and stops them from earning fees based on collected fines. The bill also limits automatic contract renewals (requiring 30 days' notice for nonrenewal) and mandates 60 days' notice for termination. These changes directly affect homeowners associations and their property management companies operating under Minnesota Statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement officers to notify petitioners at least 24 hours before serving a harassment restraining order on a respondent, if the petitioner requests this notification. The law applies to temporary and permanent restraining orders issued under Minnesota's harassment statutes and allows officers to use texting, calling, or emailing to make reasonable notification efforts. This change directly affects petitioners who seek protection from harassment and law enforcement officers who serve restraining orders in Minnesota. The provision aims to improve communication between petitioners and law enforcement during the restraining order process.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Department of Transportation to study and implement suicide prevention barriers (like nets or physical structures) for new bridge construction and major reconstructions. It mandates a study by January 2026 to identify high-risk bridges, evaluate barrier options, assess costs, and develop implementation criteria, with input from health, safety, and nonprofit organizations. The department must begin requiring these barriers in bridge projects starting January 2026, report annually on progress, and has $750,000 allocated for study and planning in fiscal year 2026. The policy directly affects all major bridge projects managed by the state transportation department.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the operation of cigar bars in Minnesota and allows these establishments to obtain on-sale liquor licenses. To qualify, a cigar bar must be a retail space for adults 21 and older where cigars are smoked alongside alcohol, features an exterior entrance, derives at least 10% of sales from cigars or humidors, and has ventilation that prevents smoke from entering nonsmoking areas. The law also requires signs stating that cigarettes and vaping products are not permitted and mandates that one percent of gross revenue be directed to youth smoking cessation programs. By adding cigar bars to the list of eligible venues, the legislation enables cities to issue liquor licenses to them alongside existing establishments like hotels, restaurants, and clubs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Minnesota Imagination Library program to provide free age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five who reside in the state. The initiative will be managed through a partnership with the Dollywood Foundation, where the state covers 50 percent of the book and mailing costs while local community partners provide the remaining 50 percent. A statewide nonprofit organization will be selected to coordinate operations and help local affiliates reach enrollment goals for at least half of eligible children by fiscal year 2029. Additionally, the Department of Education must submit annual reports on enrollment numbers and the program's impact on kindergarten readiness data.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants Minnesota townships the authority to regulate lawful gambling within their borders, similar to existing powers held by cities and counties. It allows local governments to charge investigation fees for gambling permits, requiring approval from township boards before new gambling sites can operate. Additionally, the legislation permits townships to impose a local gambling tax to cover regulation costs and mandates that any stricter rules or prohibitions apply equally to all forms of gambling, with the specific exception of paddlewheels.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 1961 requires most health insurance plans covering maternity benefits to provide comprehensive coverage for infertility diagnosis, treatment, and standard fertility preservation services (like egg freezing before cancer treatment). It mandates that cost-sharing (copays, deductibles) for these services cannot exceed the level applied to maternity coverage, and prohibits limits on coverage duration or services. The bill applies to MinnesotaCare and medical assistance programs, with the state reimbursing health plans for the additional costs starting January 1, 2026. This directly affects individuals seeking infertility care or fertility preservation, ensuring they face no greater out-of-pocket costs than for maternity services.