Sen. Julia Coleman

Maddy summarySF 1394 updates Minnesota's process for scheduling and administering the road skills test required for class D driver's licenses. It mandates that the state website display real-time appointment availability, including next available dates sorted by distance from the user's address, with appointments released three months in advance at set times (8 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m.). The bill also authorizes approved third-party testing programs and certified testers to conduct the road test, requiring state approval, regular audits, and an appeals process for applicants. These changes directly affect class D license applicants, the Department of Public Safety, and new third-party testing organizations.

Maddy summarySF 534 authorizes the city of Chaska to establish social districts - public areas adjacent to licensed alcohol venues where consumption (but not sales) is permitted. It requires Chaska to formally designate district boundaries, hours, and days via ordinance, with clear signage showing consumption rules and disposal requirements for alcohol containers. The bill mandates specific container rules (non-glass, 16oz max, "Drink Responsibly" labels) and requires the city to report on the district's impact to the legislature within 24 months. This directly affects Chaska residents, businesses near designated districts, and on-sale licensees operating in those areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million for fiscal year 2026 and $10 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support regional food banks and federally recognized American Indian Tribes in Minnesota. The commissioner of children, youth, and families must distribute these funds using the federal TEFAP formula, prioritizing food banks and tribes that comply with U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations. Funds may be used to purchase, transport, and distribute food to those in need, including personal hygiene items like diapers. Recipients must report spending and retain records, with ineligible expenditures requiring repayment to the general fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals Minnesota's 0.25% metropolitan region sales and use tax, which applied to retail purchases in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area (specifically the 8-county region). The tax, established under Minnesota Statutes 297A.9925, funded housing assistance programs by distributing proceeds to state rent assistance and county housing accounts. The repeal takes effect July 1, 2025, removing this dedicated revenue source for housing aid in the metropolitan area. This is a direct policy change eliminating a specific local tax and its funding mechanism.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 1295) amends Minnesota law to require the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Shakopee to house only biological female inmates. It specifies that the facility can only accept inmates committed by courts who are biological females, and the commissioner must transfer any non-biological female inmates there within seven days of the bill's enactment. The requirement expires on January 1, 2026, and applies only to this specific facility. The bill directly affects inmates housed at Shakopee and the commissioner of corrections, who must implement the policy change.

Maddy summarySF 1182 would allow Minnesota cities to authorize "social districts" where people can consume alcohol purchased from nearby licensed venues, but not buy or sell it in those areas. The bill requires cities to define district boundaries, hours, and safety signs, and mandates that all consumed alcohol must be in non-glass containers (max 16 oz) with specific labeling. It directly affects cities that adopt the program, on-sale liquor license holders (like bars), and the public who can consume alcohol in designated zones. Cities must also report on the program's impact to legislators within two years, including community feedback and safety concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3,264,000 from state bond proceeds to fund park improvements at Lake Waconia Regional Park in Carver County. The funds will cover planning, construction, and equipment for amenities including picnic shelters, playgrounds, parking lots, trails, and lighting. The state will issue bonds to finance this project under Minnesota's bond authorization laws. The funding directly benefits Carver County residents and park visitors by enhancing recreational facilities at this regional park.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota Statutes to require the commissioner (likely the Department of Public Safety) to gather and compile annual statistics on human trafficking in Minnesota, replacing the previous biennial requirement. The commissioner must publish this data every two years, making it publicly available and including details on trafficking patterns and relevant information. The change directly affects the commissioner's reporting duties, streamlining the frequency of data collection and public access. It does not alter the type of data collected but ensures more frequent updates on trafficking trends for public awareness and policy review.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public safety officers in Minnesota to accept certain gifts after a colleague dies while performing their duties. It permits gifts like money, property, plaques, or services given within 24 months of the death, provided they honor the deceased officer or boost team morale. The law overrides existing restrictions in statutes 10A.071 and 471.895 for these specific circumstances. It directly affects public safety officers whose colleagues died in the line of duty and the communities or organizations giving such gifts. The policy change takes effect after final enactment for gifts given on or after that date.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 1219 establishes a centralized Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for the state, replacing agency-specific inspector general offices. The bill requires all state agencies to halt payments when fraud is suspected and mandates a public fraud hotline for reporting misconduct. It defines "fraud" as intentional deception to obtain state funds or benefits, and specifies that the OIG’s work must complement (not duplicate) the Legislative Auditor’s responsibilities. This bill directly affects state agencies, contractors receiving state funds, and any entity managing public resources, with funding appropriated for the new OIG operations.