Sen. Steve Cwodzinski

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a requirement for social media platforms to report behavioral threat assessments to educational facilities and religious institutions in Minnesota. It defines key terms like social media platforms, user-generated content, and targeted violence to clarify the scope of the reporting requirement. The legislation specifically targets platforms that allow users to create and share content for social interaction, excluding services like search engines and email providers. Social media companies would need to assess and report potential threats related to user behavior that could lead to violence at schools, childcare centers, and religious organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Community Schoolyards Grant Program in Minnesota to help create park-like outdoor spaces at elementary and secondary schools that serve as learning environments and community recreation areas. The program provides funding through two components: planning and design grants of up to $150,000 and construction grants of up to $850,000, available to local governments or school districts. To qualify, applicants must partner with a community-use partner like a local government or school district and demonstrate plans for the space to be accessible to the public outside school hours. The bill also requires applicants to show partnerships with organizations experienced in outdoor education and plans for matching funds or in-kind contributions.

Maddy summarySF 3750 would require Minnesota's commissioner of labor and industry to update state building rules, specifically removing a requirement for Group E schools to construct storm shelters. This change directly affects Minnesota schools classified as Group E under current building codes, meaning those schools would no longer need to build storm shelters per the amended rules. The bill modifies Minnesota Rules part 1305.0423 to exclude Group E schools from the storm shelter mandate, using an existing rulemaking exemption process. The policy change simplifies construction requirements for these specific schools without creating new obligations.

Maddy summarySF 3548 requires all high school and middle school athletic coaches and assistant coaches in Minnesota school districts and charter schools to complete current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training starting in the 2027-2028 school year. Coaches must maintain this training by renewing it at least once every two years, following nationally recognized emergency cardiovascular care guidelines. The bill also provides legal protection for coaches who perform CPR or use an AED in their coaching duties, shielding them from civil liability except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. This policy directly affects school athletic staff by mandating specific life-saving training to enhance emergency response preparedness.

Maddy summarySF 3572 modifies Minnesota law to clarify when authorized firearm carriers (such as permit holders) may have firearms on school property. It requires these individuals to store firearms unloaded in a locked container or trunk when not actively on duty, rather than carrying them openly. The bill defines "school property" broadly to include buildings, grounds, school buses, and facilities with posted notices, while maintaining existing exemptions for active officers and specific activities like gun safety courses. This law does not expand who can carry firearms but adds uniform storage requirements for those already permitted to carry on school grounds.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Minnesota State High School League to add cricket as an official sport by July 2025. It mandates the League to establish a spring season if possible, form an advisory group, run pilot programs in at least three schools during 2025-2026, and expand to more schools by 2026-2027. By the 2027-2028 school year, the League must finalize rules and have a regular cricket season available for all Minnesota high schools participating in the League. The bill directly affects Minnesota high schools that compete under the League's jurisdiction, enabling them to offer cricket as a sanctioned athletic activity.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 2565 establishes a voluntary "Minnesota Civic Seal" for high school students who meet specific civic engagement criteria. To earn the seal, students must complete approved civics coursework, complete a project-based assessment, participate in at least one civic activity outside class (like voting in student elections or community service), and demonstrate civic dispositions like respect for diverse views. Schools may choose to participate, must provide free access to the program, and will affix the seal to diplomas for qualifying students. The program applies to students graduating in 2027 or later, with the Department of Education developing accessible criteria to ensure equitable access across all communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota teacher licensure laws to improve how educator misconduct is reported and investigated. It requires school districts and charter schools to notify licensing boards within ten days when teachers or administrators are fired, suspended, or resign following allegations of misconduct, and mandates sharing relevant documentation with licensing boards upon request. The bill also classifies certain license denial orders as public data and establishes procedures for the licensing board to work with the Attorney General's Office and law enforcement when serious offenses like sexual misconduct with minors are involved. These changes directly affect school boards, charter schools, educators, and the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts to include specific details on ballot questions for capital projects, such as the project description, estimated cost, commissioner review status (positive or negative), and tax rate limits. It standardizes ballot language for renewal referendums, mandating that notices clearly state voters are "renewing" an existing project rather than approving a new one. The changes apply to all school district referendums on capital projects or tax levies, ensuring voters receive consistent, clear information about project funding. These provisions amend Minnesota Statutes sections 123B.63 and 126C.17 to improve transparency in school finance referendums.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Secretary of State to create and distribute a voter information guide before each statewide general election. The guide would be mailed to every household with registered voters at least 53 days before the election, posted online, and made available at public libraries, colleges, and other locations. It must include voting eligibility requirements, registration deadlines, and candidate information, while being offered in English and the three most commonly spoken non-English languages in the state. The bill also establishes a dispute resolution process and gives the Secretary of State authority to create rules for implementing the guide.