Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's requirements for site-governed schools, giving school boards more flexibility in approving and managing these educational models. The legislation requires school boards to review proposals that include agreements and memoranda of understanding, with proposals needing support from at least 60 percent of teachers at a site to be submitted. Key provisions allow site-governed schools to create their own governing councils, determine leadership models, set budgets, develop curricula, establish policies, and select staff through mutual consent between the site council and staff members. The agreement between the district and site council must include clear performance expectations, reporting mechanisms, and dispute resolution processes, with an initial three-year term that can automatically renew for five years if performance expectations are met. Any powers or duties not specifically delegated to the school site remain with the school board.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the City of Eden Prairie to establish special rules for tax increment financing, a funding mechanism that uses increases in property tax revenue to finance local development projects. The legislation extends the expiration date for approving tax increment financing plans in the city from December 31, 2026, to December 31, 2028. The bill becomes effective only after the city's governing body and chief clerical officer comply with specific state requirements for local government actions. This change directly affects Eden Prairie's ability to secure funding for infrastructure and development initiatives within designated districts.
Maddy summarySF 3694 authorizes the City of Minnetonka to impose a local 0.5% sales and use tax, subject to voter approval, to fund specific public projects. The revenue must be used exclusively for: new fire stations (Fire Station 2 and 3), trail construction, renovations to The Marsh health center, and a community park. The city may also issue bonds up to $116.1 million to finance these projects, with repayment secured by the tax revenue. This tax would expire after 30 years or once project costs are fully covered, whichever comes first.
Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 2970 requires all Minnesota public schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer at least one plant-based meal option daily upon written request from students or their representatives. Plant-based meals must exclude all animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, fish) and meet federal nutrition standards, while schools must make the request process accessible to students and families. The requirement begins for the 2026-2027 school year, with schools reporting annually on implementation, including request volumes and challenges. The Minnesota Department of Education will develop implementation guidelines and monitor compliance.
Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 4052 prohibits the sale or distribution of certain crop seeds (like corn, soybeans, and wheat) coated with systemic insecticides after January 1, 2029, unless a commissioner-approved waiver is obtained. It also bans the use of neonicotinoid insecticides on outdoor ornamental plants and turf, except in specific environmental emergencies where the commissioner determines it's necessary and no safer alternatives exist. The bill requires farmers seeking waivers to complete integrated pest management training and provide third-party pest risk assessments proving the need for treated seeds. Violations could result in civil penalties, and the commissioner must issue annual orders for emergency uses with strict geographic and duration limits.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends the sales tax exemption for Minnesota State High School League event tickets and admissions through 2037. It requires the League to annually transfer the sales tax savings from this exemption to a charitable foundation. The foundation must use these funds to provide grants - prioritizing athletic fee scholarships - to support student participation in high school extracurricular activities, with equitable distribution based on gender balance, school size, and location. The extension applies to all existing provisions under sections 128C.24 and 297A.70, which previously expired July 1, 2037.
Maddy summarySF 933 establishes the Minnesota Health Plan, a state-run health care program guaranteeing universal coverage for all Minnesota residents. It requires the plan to cover all medically necessary care - including medical, dental, vision, mental health, and long-term services - without patient co-pays, with premiums based on income. The bill mandates cost reduction through provider price negotiations and administrative efficiency, not by restricting care, and ensures access to providers through simplified funding. Key provisions include eligibility for all residents (including temporary out-of-state residents and border communities), retention of retiree benefits, and a two-page enrollment process. The plan would operate under a new Minnesota Health Board and Fund, with funding appropriated through state budget.
Maddy summarySF 2540 creates the Minnesota Young Readers Club program to provide monthly book deliveries to pre-K through 5th grade students reading below grade level. Eligible students include those identified through universal screening, scoring below proficiency on state assessments, or recommended by educators. The program requires the Department of Education to partner with an organization to distribute culturally relevant, age-appropriate books monthly to students' homes or schools, along with family support materials offering home literacy strategies in accessible formats. It also mandates a report on program implementation and outcomes, aligning with Minnesota's Read Well by Third Grade initiative.
Maddy summarySF 4011 requires teacher preparation programs in Minnesota to include a supervised early literacy field experience for candidates preparing to teach early reading. This applies to programs enrolling students in the 2027-2028 school year or later, mandating integration with evidence-based reading instruction and opportunities to apply proven literacy practices. The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board must create rules defining which licensure areas require this experience, setting scope and outcomes, ensuring school-based placements during instructional hours (with limited waivers), and requiring actionable feedback. The bill appropriates funds for the board's rulemaking process and takes effect July 1, 2026. It directly affects teacher candidates, preparation programs, and the state's educator licensing standards.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Minnesota calculates compensatory aid for public school districts in fiscal year 2027. It requires districts to use the greater of their actual FY 2027 calculation or their FY 2024 calculation for determining aid amounts, protecting districts from potential funding decreases. The bill also sets a new statewide funding target of $857,152,000 for FY 2027 and later, up from previous levels. This directly affects school districts receiving compensatory aid, particularly those serving students from low-income households (based on free/reduced-price meal eligibility data).