Sen. Julia Coleman

Maddy summarySF 1147 appropriates $7.5 million for fiscal year 2026 and $7.5 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Metropolitan Council. The funds are specifically for hiring additional sworn officers and covering their staff and equipment costs within the Metro Transit Police Department. This bill directly affects Metro Transit Police operations by providing dedicated funding to expand their staffing capacity. The measure focuses solely on allocating state funds for this purpose, with no additional policy provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's motor vehicle sales tax exemptions to add 12 new categories of exempt purchases. It specifically exempts vehicles used by veterans with total service-connected disabilities (section 16), mobile medical units operated by federally qualified health centers (section 15), vehicles in job opportunity building zones (section 13), lease-to-own purchases from 501(c)(3) charities (section 14), and certain nonprofit educational vehicles (section 6). These changes directly affect veterans, healthcare providers, businesses in designated zones, and charitable organizations. The bill modifies existing law without removing current exemptions, focusing solely on expanding who qualifies for tax relief on vehicle purchases.

Maddy summarySF 1231 would amend Minnesota's tax code to allow taxpayers to subtract the full amount of their Social Security benefits from their state taxable income, removing current income-based phaseout limits and maximum subtraction amounts. This change directly affects Minnesota residents who receive Social Security benefits (including retirement, survivor, or disability payments) and file state income tax returns. The bill eliminates previous caps (e.g., $5,840 for joint filers) and phaseout thresholds, making the subtraction "unlimited" for all qualifying benefit recipients. It becomes effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a requirement that the word "incumbent" be printed next to judicial candidates' names on Minnesota ballots. It specifically removes Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.36, subdivision 5, which currently mandates this designation for judges running for re-election. The change would affect all judicial candidates in Minnesota elections who are currently serving in their positions. The bill does not alter voting procedures or eligibility - it only modifies how candidates are listed on ballots.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate Bill SF 1215 prohibits the sale of flavored nitrous oxide to consumers within Minnesota. The bill defines "flavored nitrous oxide" as containers that impart taste or smell and are sold by retailers, and it bans retailers from selling or offering these products to consumers in the state. Violating this prohibition is classified as a misdemeanor. The law directly affects retailers who currently sell flavored nitrous oxide canisters in Minnesota, including out-of-state retailers targeting Minnesota consumers. The bill does not include exceptions for medical or industrial use.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Minnesota's annual funding for public schools by raising the general education basic formula allowance by an additional 3% each year starting in fiscal year 2026. It directly affects all public school districts in Minnesota that receive state education funding under the basic formula. The key mechanism requires the state to calculate the annual increase as the greater of 3% or the inflation rate (based on the Consumer Price Index), but capped at 3%. This change amends existing statute to ensure schools receive predictable, inflation-adjusted funding while maintaining the state's constitutional obligation to fund public education. The bill takes effect for fiscal year 2026 and later.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that Minnesota's Commissioner of Health must conduct maternal death studies, changing the requirement from optional ("may") to mandatory ("must"). It directly affects the Minnesota Department of Health, requiring them to use these studies to improve medical, health, and welfare systems. The key provision is the explicit mandate for these studies to help reduce preventable maternal deaths in the state. The bill does not create new programs but ensures existing requirements are clear and actionable.

Maddy summarySF 1003 would abolish Minnesota's motor fuel taxes by repealing all tax-related statutes in the motor fuel tax law. It directly affects fuel distributors, special fuel dealers, and bulk purchasers who currently handle taxed fuel. The bill removes all tax collection requirements and licensing obligations tied to motor fuel taxes, amending statutes to eliminate references to tax payments, returns, and fees. Key provisions include repealing sections governing tax payments (like 296A.07 and 296A.08) and modifying license rules to reflect that no tax is due. This would end the state's collection of motor fuel taxes for all affected entities.

Maddy summarySF 1123 requires state agency employees to immediately report suspected fraud to law enforcement and legislative committees overseeing the agency. It mandates agencies to post detailed organizational charts online with leadership contact information. The bill strengthens grants management by requiring unannounced monitoring visits for grants over $50,000 (annual for over $250,000), financial reconciliations before payments, and withholding funds for missing progress reports. Violating these grant oversight requirements is a misdemeanor. The law directly affects state agencies administering grants and their employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary sales tax holiday for school supplies in Minnesota. It exempts qualifying items from sales tax during a seven-day period each August (July 31-August 6), specifically for book bags priced at $60 or less and school supplies like notebooks, pencils, paper, and binders priced at $15 or less per item. The tax exemption applies to purchases made after June 30, 2025, directly benefiting families buying these items for the upcoming school year. The provision amends Minnesota Statutes to add this annual tax holiday to existing sales tax rules.