Sen. Steve Cwodzinski

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes and commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America on July 4, 2026. The bill directly affects the Minnesota Legislature by establishing an official record of this historical milestone and highlighting the Declaration of Independence's principles. It serves as a symbolic gesture to honor the nation's heritage and encourage civic reflection rather than implementing new laws or funding. The measure does not change existing policies or allocate resources but instead serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the event.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an "outdoor recreation endorsement" sticker for Minnesota license plates, allowing motor vehicles to access state parks and recreation areas over 50 acres. Vehicle owners would need this endorsement (or a dedicated state parks plate) to enter these areas, with fees collected funding park maintenance. The endorsement would be added to standard plates, and revenue would go to the natural resources fund. Veterans with service-connected disabilities would be exempt from the endorsement fee, as specified in existing law. The provision takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mining applicants to disclose if they or their key personnel (including ownership details and leadership) have had environmental violations or corruption charges in the last 15 years. It prohibits state agencies from issuing permits, conducting environmental reviews, or renewing approvals for applicants with such records. The disclosure must include specific details about past violations of environmental laws, bribery, or related settlements. It directly affects companies seeking permits for nonferrous sulfide ore mining, which poses significant environmental risks like acid mine drainage. The law blocks permits for entities with recent regulatory misconduct, focusing on transparency and accountability.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires sellers of emotional support dogs in Minnesota to provide written notice to buyers that the dog is not a service animal and does not have the special training required for service dogs. The notice must be printed in bold 12-point type and included on the purchase receipt or a separate document. Violations of this requirement are classified as misdemeanors, with repeat offenses carrying harsher penalties. The attorney general is authorized to enforce these provisions, and the law takes effect on August 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySF 3803 prohibits Minnesota public schools from denying free K-12 education based on a student’s or their parent’s immigration status, aligning with the U.S. Supreme Court’s *Plyler v. Doe* ruling. It bans schools from collecting unnecessary immigration status information, threatening to disclose such details to authorities, or creating policies that effectively exclude students due to immigration concerns. The bill also establishes a civil cause of action, allowing students or families to sue if denied educational access for these reasons. It directly affects all K-12 students and families in Minnesota public schools, charter schools, and districts.

Maddy summarySF 3870 modifies Minnesota education laws to better support students experiencing homelessness. It defines "child experiencing homelessness" broadly to include those in motels, cars, shelters, or sharing housing due to hardship, and requires schools to immediately enroll these students without standard documentation like proof of residency. The bill mandates schools to provide comparable educational services, transportation to their school of origin when beneficial, and remove enrollment barriers like lack of medical records. It also requires school districts to designate a homeless liaison to coordinate housing and support services, ensuring students remain in their school of origin unless it conflicts with their best interests.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota school boards to establish a process for including student representation on their advisory teams. It changes the current language that merely encourages student involvement to a mandatory requirement for all school boards. The new provision applies starting with the 2026-2027 school year and affects public school districts across the state. School boards will need to create specific methods for students to participate in advising their board members on educational matters.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how Minnesota school districts and charter schools receive library funding. It specifies that for fiscal year 2024 and later, independent/special school districts get aid equal to the greater of $16.11 per adjusted pupil unit or $40,000, while charter schools get the greater of $16.11 per unit or $20,000. The change applies retroactively to fiscal year 2024. The bill directly affects school districts and charter schools by defining their library aid calculations under existing funding rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases funding for student support personnel in Minnesota schools by adjusting the per-student allowance and minimum funding thresholds for independent, special, and charter school districts. It raises the base student support personnel allowance from $30.05 to $48.73 for fiscal year 2026 and establishes a minimum funding floor of $40,000 for most districts, while charter schools receive a $20,000 minimum. The legislation also appropriates specific state funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to cover these increased costs and requires districts to reserve aid in fund balances to prevent future reductions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Minnesota Historical Society to enter into contracts with counties, municipalities, or local historical societies to manage and operate state historic sites. The legislation permits these contracts to include provisions for keeping admission fees and receiving grants-in-aid to support site operations and maintenance. It amends existing state law to clarify these contracting options and takes effect immediately upon final passage. The change directly affects how state historic sites are administered and funded through partnerships with local entities.