Sen. Zach Duckworth

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program in Minnesota to fund safety improvements at public and private schools, including day care centers. The program will provide money for both large capital projects like building upgrades and smaller noncapital items such as security equipment and software. Schools must apply through the Minnesota School Safety Center, which will maintain a list of approved vendors to ensure quality and experience. Grant funds can be used for specific security features like bullet-resistant doors, remote lock-down systems, emergency communication tools, and staff training on safety protocols. The bill also requires applicants to submit detailed project descriptions, cost estimates, and explanations of why the improvements are needed based on the school's student population.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how residential mortgage loan fees and penalties are applied in Minnesota. It clarifies that the rules only apply to loans made for personal, family, or household purposes, excluding other types of loans. The changes affect mortgage originators both within and outside Minnesota who operate in the state. The new provisions will take effect on August 1, 2026, and apply to loans executed on or after that date.

Maddy summarySF 3956 allows Minnesota's Commissioner of Veterans Affairs to direct available agency resources toward specific veterans' initiatives, including addressing food insecurity, homelessness, and suicide prevention. The bill directly affects veterans by enabling targeted support for these critical issues through state agency funding. Key provisions require the commissioner to annually report by October 15 to the governor and relevant legislative committees, detailing resources used and the specific initiatives supported in the previous year. This creates a formal mechanism for prioritizing veterans' needs while ensuring transparency in how state resources are allocated.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new high school diploma in Minnesota specifically for veterans who did not complete high school before joining the military. It allows the state education commissioner to award a standard diploma to eligible veterans who served in the Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, or left high school to join active duty, provided they were honorably discharged and have a Minnesota connection (current resident, former student, or resident at time of death). The diploma is based on military service knowledge and experience, not traditional coursework. The Department of Education and Veterans Affairs will collaborate to assist veterans with applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the definition of gifted and talented students in Minnesota to explicitly include twice-exceptional learners, who possess high abilities alongside learning disabilities or autism spectrum disorder. It requires school districts to use fair, research-based assessment methods that account for diverse groups, including low-income families, minorities, English learners, and students with disabilities. Additionally, the legislation mandates that districts establish clear procedures for academic acceleration and early school admission, ensuring these opportunities are matched to individual student needs and remain sensitive to underrepresented populations.

Maddy summarySF 2126 establishes January 9 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in Minnesota, requiring the governor to issue an annual proclamation. It encourages school districts to partner with law enforcement agencies to create middle and high school "explorer programs" about law enforcement careers, which can count as course credit. The bill appropriates $6 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2027 to reimburse agencies for mandatory peace officer training, and $1 million for fiscal year 2026 to fund grants covering up to 50% of costs for local "pathway to policing" programs recruiting non-traditional candidates. These provisions directly affect schools, law enforcement agencies, and local governments seeking to support officer training and recruitment.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $1.75 million from the state's general fund to help the City of Lakeville replace two retaining walls along the Klamath Trail. The money will be given as a grant to cover the costs of designing the new walls, preparing the site, and demolishing the existing structures. The funds are designated for fiscal year 2027 and will be released to the commissioner of natural resources to distribute to the city.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a property tax valuation freeze for homesteads owned and occupied by individuals who are 65 years of age or older, effective starting with the 2026 tax assessment. Under this provision, the estimated market value of the home, garage, and surrounding acreage cannot increase from the previous year's value unless the property has been improved or renovated. To qualify, both spouses in a married couple must be at least 65, and owners must apply to their county assessor by July 1 of the assessment year with proof of age. The legislation also requires county assessors to update their annual public notices to inform eligible residents about this new valuation limitation.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends Minnesota's annual assessment on group health insurance companies to fund the state's reinsurance program. It requires these companies to pay an annual fee based on their share of Minnesota health plan premiums, calculated each year to cover reinsurance payments. The fee can be deferred for financially struggling companies under specific conditions, but deferred amounts increase other carriers' assessments proportionally. The funds support the Minnesota Premium Security Plan, which helps stabilize individual health insurance rates by covering high-cost claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits restrictions on displaying specific flags in residential settings. It voids any deed restriction, homeowners association rule, rental agreement, or local ordinance that limits the display of the U.S. flag, Minnesota state flag, POW/MIA flag, U.S. Armed Forces branch flags, or Blue/Gold Star Service flags. The law directly affects homeowners, tenants, and homeowners associations by making such display limitations unenforceable. It applies to all residential property agreements, including HOA documents and rental contracts, regardless of when the restriction was created. The bill takes effect upon final enactment.