Sen. Paul Utke

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota private colleges and universities receiving state student aid to disclose job placement rates and median earnings for each specific field of study in their catalogs and on websites. It mandates annual reporting of this employment data to the Office of Higher Education, using metrics developed by the office. Institutions failing to comply may face audits, and noncompliance could lead to termination of state aid eligibility. The bill directly affects private higher education institutions seeking state financial aid by adding transparency requirements about graduate employment outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota's Commissioner of Human Services from changing current policies that limit access to day services or special minimum wage options for people receiving disability waivers. It specifically blocks the commissioner from adopting rules or policies that would reduce or eliminate available day services or restrict participation in special minimum wage programs (like federal 14(c) certificates or state permits). The law ensures waiver recipients aged 18-65 continue to have the option to work for competitive wages before being directed solely to day services. It directly affects individuals receiving disability waiver services under Minnesota's human services system.

Maddy summaryThis bill revokes specific rule changes to Minnesota's teaching standards that were previously published in the State Register (volume 47, page 988). It directly affects educators and school districts in Minnesota by reinstating the prior teaching standards of effective practice. The key mechanism is a simple declaration that the amendments to Minnesota Rules, part 8710.2000, are void and do not take effect. The bill makes no new policy provisions, only reversing a prior administrative rule change. It is effective the day after final enactment.

Maddy summarySF 2304, the Minnesota Elections Integrity Act, requires voters to present photo identification to register and to cast a ballot in person. It creates a free voter identification card program (with no fee for those needing it for voting) and mandates ID verification for individuals assisting with absentee ballots or providing help at polling places. The bill also establishes provisional ballots for voters who can't provide ID at the polls and increases criminal penalties for certain election violations. These changes apply to all Minnesota voters participating in elections, with the new ID card system and related provisions effective June 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3 million for fiscal year 2026 and $3 million for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to the commissioner of children, youth, and families. The funds are designated for existing youth intervention programs under Minnesota Statutes section 142A.43, which focus on supporting at-risk youth. The appropriation adds to the base funding for these programs, making the total amount ongoing. It directly affects the state agency administering the programs and the youth served by those specific interventions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's commissioner of commerce to reimburse health plan companies for increased costs when state-mandated health benefits raise per-member monthly expenses. It applies specifically to companies offering coverage in individual, small group, and large group markets. The commissioner must pay affected companies within 60 days of receiving their cost statements, using funds from a designated state account. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, for all new mandated health benefit proposals enacted after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill corrects a funding error for Pequot Lakes Independent School District #186 related to Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) programs. It reimburses the district for lost state education aid caused by incorrect PSEO enrollment data in fiscal years 2024 and 2025, where students took combined high school and college course loads exceeding limits. The Minnesota Department of Education must calculate the exact amount of lost aid and pay 100% of it to the district in fiscal year 2026. The bill directly affects only Pequot Lakes School District and resolves a specific administrative error in PSEO funding calculations.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $150,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $150,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of veterans affairs. It creates a grant program for Independent Lifestyles, Inc., to operate retreats at Camp Bliss in Walker for eligible veterans and their family members. The grant covers therapy, transportation, activities, and camp maintenance, with the commissioner reimbursing the grant recipient at least $850 per eligible attendee per visit (up to two visits yearly). Eligible veterans include those with a DD-214 or current military members, and family members include spouses, domestic partners, or children.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $3.15 million grant program to support training for court reporters and closed captioners (real-time stenographic writers) at Minnesota colleges and universities. It allocates $300,000 annually to two institutions - one in the seven-county metro area and one outside it - to expand training programs and job placement. Grants require institutions to report on program effectiveness and must fund direct training (not AI or digital recording), with scholarship recipients agreeing to work in the field for six months per semester received. The funding is available through 2029 to address workforce needs in transcription services.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's requirements for mortuary science professionals seeking reciprocal licensure from another state. It requires applicants to pass both the Minnesota state licensing exam and the National Board Examination (or an equivalent), provide documentation of either educational credentials or three years of practice in another jurisdiction, and submit affidavits confirming no pending investigations, minimum service experience (25 funeral arrangements/embalming cases), and recent continuing education. The changes apply specifically to out-of-state mortuary science license holders aiming to practice in Minnesota. The bill clarifies and updates the administrative process for reciprocal licensure under Minnesota Statutes §149A.30.