Sen. Zach Duckworth

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3.4 million from the general fund for one-time funding in fiscal year 2026 to support mental health crisis services in Dakota County. The funds will directly support mobile crisis response teams, crisis follow-up and stabilization services, and social workers embedded with local public safety agencies. It affects Dakota County residents requiring immediate mental health crisis assistance by expanding access to these specific on-the-ground services. The appropriation is limited to fiscal year 2026 and does not establish new policy or alter existing programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Minnesota state universities' authority to offer applied doctoral degrees in specific professional fields. It directly affects state universities (like Minnesota State universities) and students seeking doctoral-level education in high-demand workforce areas. Key provisions add cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other emerging fields to the list of approved programs, alongside existing fields like nursing and business. The Board of Trustees may also designate additional areas as needed to address workforce needs. The change modifies Minnesota Statutes section 135A.052, updating the mission statement for state universities.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue $22.25 million in general obligation bonds and $22.25 million in trunk highway bonds to fund the reconstruction of the interchange at Trunk Highway 13 and Nicollet Avenue in Burnsville. The funds will cover predesign, right-of-way acquisition, engineering, and construction of grade separation and safety improvements at this specific intersection. The project directly affects Burnsville residents, commuters, and local traffic flow by addressing capacity and safety needs at a major intersection. The legislation creates a funding mechanism through bond sales to finance the project, with proceeds deposited into designated state funds. It does not change existing laws or policies but provides specific budgetary authorization for this infrastructure project.

Maddy summarySF 2816 requires Minnesota colleges and universities to refund unused balances from student meal plans within 45 days after the spring term ends or if a student withdraws. It directly affects students who have unused meal plan funds and all Minnesota higher education institutions offering meal plans. The bill mandates that institutions must refund cash values of unused meal credits or apply them to future terms at a student's request, and prohibits requiring students to forfeit these funds. Institutions must also provide regular balance updates to students and annually report their compliance to the Office of Higher Education. This policy change ensures unused meal plan funds are returned to students rather than retained by institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies several school bus-related regulations in Minnesota. It increases penalties for drivers who violate school bus stop-signal laws, requires annual school bus inspection reports with specific content, and allows public transit operators to perform third-party safety testing. The bill also expands eligibility for electric school bus grants to include propane-powered buses. These changes primarily affect school bus operators, transit companies, and local school districts responsible for school transportation safety and fleet management.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution directs the joint legislative committee responsible for nominating university regents to hold a meeting on March 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The measure affects the specific committee members tasked with selecting candidates for these high-level academic leadership positions. By setting a precise date and time, the bill establishes the procedural schedule for the committee to begin its work in accordance with state statutes. This action is administrative in nature and does not alter any laws or policies regarding the regents' duties or qualifications.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts veterans with a total service-connected disability from specific vehicle-related fees in Minnesota, including registration taxes, license plate fees, title fees, driver's license fees, and motor vehicle sales taxes. It applies to passenger cars, pickup trucks, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles registered by qualifying veterans, allowing them to claim exemptions for up to two vehicles. The exemption covers all standard fees under Minnesota law but excludes personalized plate fees and required donations for special plates. The changes take effect January 1, 2026, applying to taxes payable for registration periods starting on or after that date.

Maddy summarySF 2812 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to support Minnesota's thoroughbred racing culture. The funding is directed to the commissioner of administration for grants to a licensed Class A racetrack that primarily conducts thoroughbred and quarter horse racing under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 240. The bill requires these grants to expand opportunities for Minnesota racehorses at the racetrack. This directly affects licensed racetracks meeting specific criteria, with no broader public impact specified.

Maddy summarySF 2822 modifies Minnesota's requirements for conventional mortgage documents. It mandates that lenders print promissory notes and mortgages in at least 8-point type, provide borrowers with conformed copies at signing or shortly after, and give detailed written notice of defaults before foreclosure (including a 30-day cure period and specific consequences). The bill directly affects lenders making conventional loans and borrowers in Minnesota. Compliance is optional for mortgages dated between August 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025, with retroactive effect from July 31, 2024.

Maddy summarySF 2191 appropriates $553,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $553,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support Minnesota's diaper distribution program. The funds will be granted to the Diaper Bank of Minnesota through the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. This program provides diapers to low-income families across the state, directly aiding households facing financial barriers to essential hygiene products. The bill ensures continued funding for an existing service without creating new requirements or eligibility rules.