Sen. Julia Coleman

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicle batteries sold in Minnesota to certify that no child labor was used in producing these items, following International Labor Organization standards. It applies to solar energy systems and wind energy conversion systems seeking permits in Minnesota, as well as the products themselves when offered for sale. Manufacturers must provide this certification to comply with the law, or face penalties under existing consumer protection statutes. The law directly affects energy equipment manufacturers and retailers selling these products within Minnesota.

Maddy summarySF 1650 establishes a grant program to fund nonprofit women's pregnancy centers and maternity homes that support pregnant women and new mothers. Eligible organizations must provide free housing and services (like medical care, mental health support, and parenting education) without promoting or referring for abortions - except in life-threatening cases. The commissioner of health will administer the program, requiring strict privacy protections for client information and monitoring to ensure compliance with eligibility rules. This program directly affects community-based organizations serving pregnant women facing crisis situations, such as homelessness.

Maddy summarySF 2171 creates a refundable sales tax exemption for construction materials used in new single-family homes built for first-time homebuyers in Minnesota. It directly affects first-time homebuyers who own and occupy the home, covering taxes paid on the first $460,000 of construction costs. The exemption works by requiring sellers to collect the tax upfront and then refund it to the homebuyer through a standard process. The provision expires on July 1, 2033, and applies to construction completed after June 30, 2025. This bill modifies Minnesota Statutes sections 297A.71 and 297A.75 to establish this specific tax relief.

Maddy summarySF 2178 creates a refundable tax exemption for construction materials used in new duplexes and triplexes intended for first-time homebuyers. Developers pay sales tax upfront on construction costs but receive a refund for taxes paid on the first $460,000 of qualifying construction expenses. To qualify, the first-time homebuyer must own and occupy at least one unit in the building. The exemption applies to sales/purchases after June 30, 2025, and expires July 1, 2033. It directly affects developers building qualifying multifamily housing and first-time homebuyers who occupy the units.

Maddy summaryThis bill, if enacted, would restrict participation in girls' high school and middle school sports teams to students assigned female at birth. It requires students to provide a physician's statement confirming their sex based solely on reproductive anatomy, natural testosterone levels, and chromosomes if a dispute arises. The law would apply to all public and private K-12 schools in Minnesota offering sex-restricted athletic teams. Currently pending in the Education Policy committee, it is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2025, if passed. The bill does not change existing team eligibility rules but establishes specific medical criteria for determining eligibility.

Maddy summarySF 1175 creates a presumptive disability process for Minnesotans under 65 who need medical assistance but haven't been formally determined disabled by Social Security. It requires state agencies to refer applicants meeting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) criteria but not yet classified as disabled to a state medical review team for a disability determination. This allows faster access to medical assistance while awaiting formal disability verification, directly affecting disabled Minnesotans under 65 who face delays in eligibility. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to establish this process, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 802 requires Minnesota public schools and charter schools to designate restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, and showers for exclusive use based on biological sex, defined as a person's chromosomes and anatomy. It specifically prohibits students with a Y chromosome from using facilities designated for females. The bill also sets rules for athletic teams, allowing sex-segregated teams only if athletic opportunities for that sex were previously limited, while requiring equal resources for comparable teams. These provisions apply to all public schools in Minnesota, directly affecting student access to facilities and sports programs.

Maddy summarySF 749 exempts all school supplies from Minnesota's sales tax, effective after June 30, 2025. It directly affects students, families, and schools by removing sales tax on items like notebooks, pencils, binders, calculators, and book bags priced under $60. The bill defines "school supplies" broadly to include common classroom items but excludes non-school items like stationery, wrapping paper, or hiking backpacks. This change simplifies tax treatment for these purchases, ensuring no sales tax applies to qualifying items at the point of sale.

Maddy summarySF 1703 requires the Minnesota Department of Education to actively promote library services for blind and print disabled residents. The bill mandates the department to develop and maintain an online, fully accessible website with current resources, services, and information about available support. It also obligates the department to consult with state agencies like Employment and Economic Development, Health, and Human Services to coordinate awareness efforts. This amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024 updates existing requirements for the Department of Education and its advisory committee to enhance accessibility for this community.

Maddy summarySF 2284 amends Minnesota's tax code to allow taxpayers to subtract their full Social Security benefits from taxable income, up to specific maximum amounts ($5,840 for joint filers, $4,560 for singles), without income-based phaseouts that previously reduced the subtraction. It replaces Minnesota Statutes § 290.0132, subdivision 26, by removing the 10% reduction for income above phaseout thresholds and eliminating the 20% reduction for provisional income over certain limits. This change directly affects Minnesota taxpayers who receive Social Security benefits and file individual income tax returns. The bill takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.