Sen. Erin Maye Quade

Maddy summarySF 3154 establishes a "Foster Youth Bill of Rights" in Minnesota, directly affecting youth in foster care under 18 (or up to 21 in extended care). It codifies specific rights, including the right to receive care at least as good as non-foster peers, protection from abuse (including verbal harassment and hate speech), clean living spaces free from pests, and culturally appropriate services. The bill prohibits excessive medication, physical discipline, group punishment, and neglect of basic needs like medical diets or belongings. It also clarifies that these rights complement existing laws like the Indian Child Welfare Act, without replacing other protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota teacher licensure laws to improve how educator misconduct is reported and investigated. It requires school districts and charter schools to notify licensing boards within ten days when teachers or administrators are fired, suspended, or resign following allegations of misconduct, and mandates sharing relevant documentation with licensing boards upon request. The bill also classifies certain license denial orders as public data and establishes procedures for the licensing board to work with the Attorney General's Office and law enforcement when serious offenses like sexual misconduct with minors are involved. These changes directly affect school boards, charter schools, educators, and the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits Minnesota state and local government participation in federal civil immigration enforcement efforts, directing public resources toward local public safety priorities instead. It prohibits state agencies from using resources to investigate, detain, or arrest individuals for civil immigration violations and restricts where certain immigration-related arrests can occur. The legislation requires hospitals to create policies for interactions with law enforcement agents and ensures education cannot be denied based on immigration status. Additionally, it creates a civil cause of action for constitutional rights violations related to immigration enforcement and includes funding provisions to support these changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new provision to Minnesota's employment laws that prohibits employers from using artificial intelligence systems in ways that discriminate against job applicants or employees based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation. It defines artificial intelligence as machine-based systems that generate predictions, content, or decisions that can influence employment environments. The law requires employers to notify applicants and employees when AI is being used for hiring, promotion, or other employment decisions, and it classifies discriminatory AI use as an unfair employment practice. This change directly affects employers in Minnesota who use AI tools in their recruitment and personnel management processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota government entities from using generative artificial intelligence to create official government records or drafts of such records. It defines official records as any information created or maintained by government agencies that documents official actions, policies, or decisions. The law requires that any drafts generated by AI be kept for as long as the final official record is retained. Enforcement is handled through the Attorney General, and individuals can file civil lawsuits against government entities for violations, though they must provide 90 days of written notice before filing suit. The bill would be added to Minnesota Statutes chapter 13E.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota municipalities to hold at least two public hearings before approving the construction of new data centers. The legislation mandates that specific information about the proposed facility be disclosed to the public at least 48 hours before each hearing, including details about the applicant, the end user, the site location and size, security guard arrangements, and utility requirements. These disclosure rules apply regardless of any private agreements that might otherwise restrict information sharing. The law takes effect on August 1, 2026, and applies to data center agreements entered into on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Minnesota Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, which requires businesses that create online products accessible to children to prioritize children's privacy, safety, and well-being over commercial interests. The law applies to any business developing online services that children are reasonably likely to access, including those targeting specific age groups from infancy through late adolescence. Companies must conduct data protection impact assessments and design products that avoid foreseeable physical, financial, or psychological harm to children, while also preventing discriminatory practices. The attorney general will enforce these requirements, and the bill includes specific definitions for terms like "child," "consumer," and "dark patterns" to guide compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new team within Minnesota's Department of Human Services to help people starting home and community-based care programs. The team will provide guidance to applicants during their application process and offer support to new program operators during their first year of operation. Staff on the team will have expertise in licensing rules and medical assistance requirements, and they will conduct scheduled and unscheduled visits to help license holders comply with laws and regulations. The bill clarifies that this support team does not limit the commissioner's existing authority to take enforcement actions like suspending licenses or issuing fines when serious violations occur.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new support team within Minnesota's Department of Human Services to assist home and community-based services providers. The team will serve as a contact point for providers' questions, develop training materials, gather data on provider challenges, and coordinate various department functions to clarify requirements and support compliance. The commissioner must ensure the team has adequate staff and resources to perform these duties and may recommend changes to improve service delivery and program integrity.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts to include specific details on ballot questions for capital projects, such as the project description, estimated cost, commissioner review status (positive or negative), and tax rate limits. It standardizes ballot language for renewal referendums, mandating that notices clearly state voters are "renewing" an existing project rather than approving a new one. The changes apply to all school district referendums on capital projects or tax levies, ensuring voters receive consistent, clear information about project funding. These provisions amend Minnesota Statutes sections 123B.63 and 126C.17 to improve transparency in school finance referendums.