Sen. Erin Maye Quade

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new advisory board in Minnesota to study the impacts of commercial autonomous vehicle operations on workers and small businesses. It creates a permit requirement that must be approved by the commissioner before any commercial autonomous vehicles can operate in the state, with the permit process requiring individual evaluations by the advisory board. The advisory board includes representatives from driver workforces, consumer advocacy groups, municipal governments, and autonomous vehicle companies, along with state agency officials. The board must hire an independent research institution to conduct a comprehensive study on economic impacts, workforce displacement, and reemployment pathways before permits can be issued.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state program in Minnesota that provides financial assistance to families with newborns, including both prenatal and ongoing monthly payments. The program would offer a one-time prenatal benefit of $1,500 and monthly payments of $750 for up to 24 months, with no requirements for income, assets, or employment status. Eligible recipients must be Minnesota residents with a legal relationship to a newborn born on or after January 1, 2028, and can include biological parents, adoptive parents, or legal guardians. The commissioner of employment and economic development would administer the program, which requires documentation from health care providers, adoption agencies, or other approved sources to verify eligibility and parentage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota firearm transfer laws to explicitly include ammunition when regulating the transfer of pistols and semiautomatic military-style assault weapons. It requires applicants for transferee permits to provide detailed personal information and authorize the release of relevant mental health records to local police authorities. The legislation also establishes clearer procedures for denying permits, including written explanations for denials, opportunities for applicants to submit additional documentation, and restrictions on reapplying within six months of a denial. These changes apply to permits issued on or after August 1, 2026, and affect individuals seeking to transfer firearms and ammunition in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill redefines the powers that business organizations and other legal entities in Minnesota can exercise, specifically by removing their ability to engage in political spending. It directly affects corporations, nonprofits, and other entities operating under state law by clarifying that their authorized powers are limited to those necessary for their lawful business or organizational purposes. The bill explicitly prohibits legal entities from using money to support or oppose candidates, political parties, or ballot measures, while allowing them to distribute news and editorial content through media outlets. If an entity violates these rules, the attorney general can seek administrative dissolution, and any political spending acts by the entity are automatically void and unenforceable. The legislation also establishes civil penalties and provides a process for reinstating entities that have been dissolved for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a one-time $300,000 grant program in fiscal year 2027 to help children in Minnesota's foster care system who are noncitizen immigrants. The funds will support partnerships between social services agencies and qualified nonprofit organizations to help these children obtain legal documentation and permanent immigration status. To receive funding, applicants must show a partnership between a social services agency and a nonprofit with specific expertise in immigration law and experience working with diverse communities. The grant money must be used to screen foster children for legal documentation needs and provide legal assessments and representation to help them attain legal status. The bill also includes data privacy protections that limit how personal information about children receiving services can be shared.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the toboggan as Minnesota's official state sled, formally naming it in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 1. It directly affects state symbolism by establishing a ceremonial designation for a specific type of sled. The bill contains no substantive policy changes or funding mechanisms - its sole purpose is to recognize the toboggan as the state's official sled through a symbolic legislative act. As a procedural resolution, it has no practical impact on state operations or constituent services.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 3880 is a legislative resolution urging the President and Congress to reject S. 2967 (the "Border Lands Conservation Act"). It opposes provisions in S. 2967 that would allow border security infrastructure - like roads, surveillance systems, and motorized equipment - within the protected Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The resolution argues this would violate the Wilderness Act of 1964 by altering the pristine, untrammeled character of the 1-million-acre wilderness area visited by over 200,000 people annually. Minnesota’s legislature directs the Secretary of State to send this resolution to federal officials and Minnesota’s congressional delegation.

Maddy summarySF 2972 amends Minnesota law to clarify who counts as a "controlling person" or "controlling individual" when for-profit entities acquire nursing homes or assisted living facilities. It specifically defines these terms to include private equity firms and other entities that collect capital investments from investors, even if no single person holds 5% ownership. The bill excludes banks, government entities, and small shareholders (under 5% ownership) from these definitions. This change ensures regulatory oversight targets actual controlling owners rather than passive investors, directly affecting for-profit facility operators and their ownership structures.

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 requires school districts, charter schools, and other defined education employers (like service cooperatives and intermediate districts) to join Minnesota's public employees insurance program. It establishes a mandatory health insurance pool for all school employees, replacing their previous option to offer separate coverage. School employers must participate in this program, which provides standardized coverage tiers and high-deductible plan options. The bill amends existing law to implement this requirement without creating new funding.