Sen. Erin Maye Quade

Maddy summarySF 2757 establishes a $10 million grant account to reimburse Minnesota local governments (counties, cities, townships, and school districts) for legal costs related to specific federal executive orders issued after January 19, 2025. The funds cover expenses like continuing special education services, reducing disparities, challenging federal censorship/segregation orders, or upholding state law against conflicting federal actions. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis with a $500,000 maximum per local government, and any unused funds must return to the budget reserve by July 1, 2026. The bill directs the commissioner of revenue to administer the program and transfer funds from the budget reserve starting July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Minnesota that would explicitly exclude artificial intelligence from the state's free speech protections. If passed, it would modify Article I, Section 3 of the Minnesota Constitution to state that the right to freely speak, write, and publish sentiments does not apply to artificial intelligence systems. The amendment would be placed on the ballot for voter approval at the 2026 general election, where citizens would vote "Yes" or "No" on whether to add this exclusion to the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the Minnesota Digital Choice Act, establishes new data rights for users of social media platforms and requires companies to allow data interoperability between platforms. It directly affects social media companies operating in Minnesota and the users of those services. The law grants users the right to delete their personal data and obtain copies of their information in a portable format, while also requiring platforms to share user data with other services using open protocols. Social media companies must respond to data requests within five business days and implement interfaces that let users move their social connections and content between platforms. The bill also mandates reasonable security measures for any personal data companies receive and allows fees only for requests that exceed established thresholds.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue $21.475 million in bonds to fund capital improvements at the Minnesota Zoo. Specifically, $17.675 million will build a new animal hospital (including design, construction, and equipment), while $3.8 million will preserve assets by updating infrastructure, replacing outdated buildings, and improving trails and roads. The Minnesota Zoological Board will manage these funds for the zoo's property under Minnesota law. The bond proceeds will cover all costs for these projects, with no additional state funding required beyond the bond issuance.

Maddy summarySF 2240 prohibits websites, apps, software, or programs from allowing users to access, download, or use "nudification technology" - defined as altering images or videos to reveal intimate body parts without consent or making such depictions appear realistic. It directly affects platform operators and users who might employ this technology, with penalties including civil fines of at least $500,000 per violation. Victims of violations can seek compensatory damages (up to three times actual harm), punitive damages, injunctions, and attorney fees. The law takes effect August 1, 2025, and applies to violations occurring after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota Statutes to expand eligibility for school-age care programs. It allows these programs to serve prekindergarten students who qualify under specific criteria: children with disabilities (per Minn. Stat. §125A.02), children facing temporary family challenges, or kindergarten-aged children already enrolled in school. The change directly affects school districts and community providers offering school-age care, enabling them to include these pre-K students in their services. The policy update modifies the existing definition of "eligible children" in statute §124D.19, subdivision 11, without altering program structure or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summarySF 3030 amends Minnesota Statutes section 299A.41 to expand line-of-duty death benefits to include part-time, paid on-call, and volunteer firefighters. The bill specifically adds these firefighter categories to the definition of "public safety officer" under existing law, covering those working for governmental fire departments or independent nonprofit firefighting corporations. It clarifies that qualifying duties include nonroutine physical firefighting, training, emergency vehicle operation, fire investigations, emergency medical services, and hazardous material response. This policy change directly extends existing death benefit coverage to these firefighters, who were previously excluded under the statute's definition.

Maddy summarySF 1277 amends Minnesota Statutes section 513.075 to update terminology in cohabitation agreements from "man and woman" to gender-neutral language. This change directly affects couples in Minnesota who live together without marriage and have written contracts governing property and finances. The bill modifies the statute's language in section 513.075, which currently specifies "a contract between a man and a woman," to remove gender-specific terms. It does not alter the legal requirements for enforceability (written, signed, and filed after relationship termination) but updates the descriptive language to be inclusive. The bill focuses solely on terminology, not new policy or eligibility.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 1052 prohibits employers from paying subminimum wages to people with disabilities under any circumstances. Effective August 1, 2025, new hires cannot be paid below the state minimum wage regardless of special certificates, and by August 1, 2027, all current employees must receive at least the state minimum wage. The bill requires home and community-based service providers to report data on individuals previously paid subminimum wages (including name, disability type, and employment status) annually, with privacy protections. It also appropriates $38,000 in 2026 and $75,000 in 2027 to update the MnCHOICES system for employment-related features. This directly affects employers providing services under Minnesota's disability support programs.