Sen. Lindsey Port

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota bill requires the state health commissioner to prepare and submit a report by January 15, 2027, examining the health effects of lead-containing bullets that remain inside people's bodies. The report must analyze existing scientific research, review current state laws addressing lead exposure from retained bullets, and offer recommendations for reducing public health risks. The document will specifically focus on how retained bullets affect the mental, emotional, and physical development of children and youth. Once completed, the commissioner will send the report to relevant legislative health committee leaders.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 3695 requires a study of the economic impact of the federal Operation Metro Surge immigration enforcement operation. It appropriates funds to contract a nonpartisan entity to analyze effects on state agencies, businesses (including child care providers), counties, cities, school districts, and other local entities. The study must be completed and submitted to legislative committees by February 1, 2027. This is a procedural bill focused on gathering data, not implementing new policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 3599) updates Minnesota's eviction rules for nonpayment of rent by expanding how tenants can avoid eviction through "redemption." It allows tenants to pay overdue rent plus interest, court costs, and a limited $5 attorney fee to regain possession, using new payment options: funds from government agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofit rental assistance programs, or third parties with verified funds. The bill also clarifies that rental payments must first cover past-due rent from prior periods before applying to current rent. It directly affects tenants facing eviction for unpaid rent and landlords in these cases, effective for actions filed after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's rules for using "social work" or "social worker" titles in public settings. It requires county, city, and state agency social workers who use these titles to be licensed under state law, effective July 1, 2026, unless they were hired before July 1, 2027. The bill also mandates that licensed social workers must display specific designations (like LSW or LISW) when using their titles professionally. These changes directly affect government social workers in public-facing roles, ensuring title usage aligns with licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support Minnesota's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Outreach Program. The funds will be administered by the commissioner of children, youth, and families to help connect eligible Minnesotans with food assistance programs. It directly affects low-income residents who may qualify for nutrition benefits but need help navigating the application process. The bill provides concrete funding for an existing outreach program under Minnesota Statutes § 142F.12, without changing eligibility rules or benefit amounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota cities and towns to temporarily stop landlords from filing eviction cases when tenants cannot pay rent. The measure permits local governments to pass rules blocking eviction filings for up to 90 days during public safety emergencies, natural disasters, or humanitarian situations. These restrictions apply specifically to nonpayment of rent cases and would take effect immediately after the bill is passed. The law does not prevent other types of evictions or address rent amounts owed.

Maddy summarySF 3839 authorizes Minnesota to issue $200 million in housing infrastructure bonds to fund housing projects. It establishes annual transfers from the state general fund to a housing bond account, with specific amounts and timeframes: up to $6.4 million yearly from 2015-2037 for one bond series, $800,000 annually from 2017-2038 for another, and smaller amounts for additional series through 2049. The bill directly affects the state budget process and future housing infrastructure projects by creating a dedicated funding mechanism. It does not specify particular housing projects but provides a structured way to finance them through bond issuance and state payments. The bill is currently in committee referral stage and not yet enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the zoning authority of local governments in Minnesota by requiring them to allow specific housing types in certain areas. It directly affects municipalities with populations over 1,000 in the metropolitan area and all municipalities for certain provisions, while excluding smaller towns with fewer than 5,000 residents. The law requires local governments to permit duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, townhouses, and multifamily developments in designated zones and apply standardized administrative review processes for these housing requests. Additionally, the bill defines key terms like accessory dwelling units and affordable housing to ensure consistent application of these requirements across different communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the required heating season for landlords in Minnesota from October 1 to September 1, requiring them to maintain a minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit in habitable spaces until May 31. The change directly affects residential landlords and tenants by lengthening the period during which landlords must provide adequate heat under state law. The provision applies to all residential leases and licenses and cannot be waived or modified by agreement between parties. Landlords must maintain this temperature unless a utility company specifically instructs them to reduce heat due to operational requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Minnesota Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (MCFPB), a new state agency to enforce consumer financial laws and protect residents. The bureau, led by a governor-appointed commissioner, will investigate unfair practices, handle consumer complaints, enforce anti-discrimination laws, and monitor financial markets. It requires the commissioner to recruit staff with federal CFPB experience in areas like mortgages and student loans. The bill appropriates funding for the bureau's operation in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This directly affects Minnesota consumers and financial institutions operating in the state by creating a dedicated enforcement agency.