Sen. Julia Coleman

Maddy summarySF 1002 requires voter approval for Minnesota's regional transportation sales tax to continue after 2026. It defines the "authorized area" as specific counties (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington) where a majority of voters approved the tax in the 2026 election. The bill sets a 0.75% tax rate on retail sales and services within the metropolitan area until December 2026, after which it would only apply to the "authorized area" determined by voter approval. This directly affects residents and businesses in those seven counties, as the tax's geographic scope depends on future voter decisions. The legislation ensures ongoing tax authorization through direct voter input rather than automatic continuation.

Maddy summarySF 1056 requires all Minnesota school district advisory committees to comply with Chapter 13D (the state's open meeting law) and provide public notice of all regular and special meetings. This bill directly affects school district advisory committees, which are responsible for community input on curriculum, academic standards, and equity initiatives. The key provision mandates that these committees, including any subcommittees, must follow public meeting procedures and publicly announce meeting times and locations in advance. The bill does not change the committees' composition or duties, only their meeting transparency requirements.

Maddy summarySF 1099 appropriates $1.5 million from the general fund for a one-time grant to Camp Fire Minnesota, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The funds will restore a historic mansion to expand year-round programming space and complete a waterfront erosion project. This appropriation is available until project completion or abandonment in fiscal year 2026, subject to state statute. The bill directly affects Camp Fire Minnesota by providing capital funding for specific facility improvements.

Maddy summarySF 750 creates a temporary sales tax holiday in Minnesota for specific school supplies. During the period from August 12-18, 2025, the sale of book bags priced at $60 or less and individual school supplies priced at $15 or less will be exempt from state sales tax. This directly affects consumers purchasing qualifying items during that week, including common classroom items like notebooks, pens, pencils, and paper. The exemption applies only to retail purchases within the specified price limits and timeframe, with no tax collected on these items during the holiday period.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 35 miles per hour speed limit on Carver County State-Aid Highway 43 between its intersections with Highway 10 and Highway 11 in the city of Victoria. It directly affects drivers traveling on this specific segment of road by requiring the commissioner to install appropriate speed limit signs. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, overriding any existing speed limit rules for this segment under Minnesota Statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15 million in state bond funds to install suicide prevention barriers on the Washington Avenue Pedestrian Bridge at the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus. It directly affects the university, bridge users, and suicide prevention efforts at this specific location. The key mechanism is authorizing the sale of $15 million in state bonds to cover the design and construction costs, with requirements for the university to consult with suicide prevention experts and impacted individuals during planning. The project aims to replace existing pedestrian enclosures with barriers designed to prevent suicide attempts.

Maddy summarySF 887 appropriates $15 million from state bond proceeds to fund rehabilitation of railroad tracks between Winthrop and Hanley Falls for the Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority. The funds cover track repairs, environmental work, bridge replacements, and federal matching requirements. The state would sell up to $15 million in bonds to finance this project, which is in addition to prior state appropriations for the same rail corridor. This bill directly affects the Rail Authority's ability to upgrade infrastructure on this specific segment of rail line.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Minnesota's "Success Incentive Aid Program," which provides extra state funding to public schools based on two performance metrics: graduation rates and college enrollment success. Schools receive funding if their graduation rate exceeds 90% (with points for each percentage point above 90%) and if over 90% of recent graduates enroll in in-state colleges without needing remedial courses. The amount each school receives is calculated by multiplying its combined metric scores by its total enrollment, then dividing by the total available program funds. The program begins funding for the 2026-2027 school year with specific appropriations for 2026 and 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows firefighters who are also certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs), advanced EMTs, or paramedics to obtain special license plates for their personal vehicles. To qualify, applicants must provide certification from the Office of Emergency Medical Services, a letter from their fire chief confirming department membership, and pay applicable fees. The special plates can only be used while the owner maintains both qualifications, and must be removed if they lose either certification or fire department membership. Fees collected go to the state's driver and vehicle services account, and plates may be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same qualified individual. The policy applies to passenger cars, one-ton pickup trucks, and motorcycles owned by qualifying individuals.

Maddy summarySF 954 would create a sales tax refund program for Minnesotans with qualifying disabilities or terminal illnesses. To qualify, an individual must have a serious medical condition expected to last 12+ months or result in death, a disability determination from Social Security or a state medical review team, and receive disability financial assistance. The bill allows eligible individuals to apply annually for a refund equal to their previous year's sales tax payments. The program requires annual state funding and takes effect on January 1, 2026. (SF 954, Section 1)