Sen. Zach Duckworth

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to borrow money through bonds and allocate specific funds for construction and improvements on Interstate 35 and Scott County State-Aid Highway 2. It would provide dedicated funding for physical work on these roads, such as repairs, widening, or safety upgrades. The state government would issue the bonds to secure the capital, with repayment coming from state revenues over time. This directly affects state taxpayers through the bond financing mechanism and beneficiaries using these highways.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Lakeville to issue bonds for purchasing property needed for a new water treatment facility and fire station. It directly affects Lakeville's local government and residents by providing funding for critical infrastructure through municipal bonds. The key mechanism involves borrowing money via bond sales, with the funds specifically designated for acquiring land for these two facilities. The bill does not change existing laws but creates a new funding source for these specific projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1 million from the general fund for Dakota County's Community Development Agency to support the Expo 2031 host organization. The funds can cover licensing fees, development planning, and reimbursements for expenses incurred by the agency or host organization. The appropriation is contingent on approval by two international bodies (the International Association of Horticultural Producers and the Bureau International des Expositions); if denied, the money transfers to the Minnesota Investment Fund. This is a one-time allocation with unused funds carrying over to the second year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota public colleges to replace traditional uncredited developmental English courses with a corequisite model, where students take college-level English courses alongside academic support. It mandates clear disclosures to students about the difference between uncredited remedial courses and credit-bearing classes, requiring written acknowledgment of understanding. Institutions must also refer students who don't qualify for corequisite courses to adult basic education programs for foundational skills before reenrolling in credit courses. The commissioner must establish implementation guidelines and annually report on student placements, completion rates, and transitions to credit-bearing courses. These changes directly affect public college students in developmental education and their institutions.

Maddy summaryHF 124 allows living public safety officers (including police, firefighters, and emergency responders) to accept certain gifts, such as money, property, plaques, or services, when a fellow officer is killed in the line of duty. The bill requires that gifts be given within 24 months of the death, honor or commemorate the fallen officer, and support team morale. This applies to officers employed by the same agency or political subdivision as the deceased officer. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to permit these gifts without violating existing gift acceptance rules.

Maddy summarySF 3340 requires state employees who handle grants management tasks - such as reviewing applications, monitoring compliance, or processing grant closeouts - to complete training and obtain certification from the commissioner. Granting agencies must assign these duties only to certified employees, with a temporary 30-day exception allowed if no certified staff is available. The commissioner will develop training programs, administer exams, and require certified employees to renew their credentials every three years through continuing education. This bill directly affects state employees working with grants and agencies managing grant programs across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $150,000 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund for the city of Little Falls to support the "Dreams Take Flight" celebration. The event commemorates 100 years since Charles Lindbergh (a Minnesota native) completed the first solo transatlantic flight. The funds will directly support the city's planning and execution of this historical aviation-themed celebration. The bill contains no policy changes - only a specific funding allocation for a commemorative event.

Maddy summarySF 1346 requires companies with permits to harvest or destroy aquatic plants in Minnesota's public waters to follow new safety rules when using scuba diving equipment. It mandates annual third-party hazard surveys by qualified safety professionals, requires divers to hold nationally certified training, and blocks permits for businesses with recent scuba-related safety violations. The bill directly affects commercial aquatic plant management companies operating in Minnesota, adding safety documentation and certification requirements to their permit process. These provisions aim to reduce diving-related injuries by ensuring proper equipment, training, and risk assessments.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's school residency rules to allow students to use a relative's address (such as a grandparent's, aunt's, or uncle's) for enrollment purposes, even if they don't physically live there. It directly affects students seeking to enroll in a school district and school districts that must now accept a parent's written statement as proof of residency. The key change adds a new form of "documentary evidence": a parent's written confirmation that the relative's address is the student's residency address. This policy change applies starting with the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summarySF 3358 creates a new criminal offense for "illegal remuneration" in Minnesota. It prohibits individuals from intentionally soliciting, receiving, offering, or providing money or anything of value in exchange for specific actions related to federal health care programs (like Medicare/Medicaid), behavioral health programs under Chapter 254B, family programs under Chapter 142E, or grant programs. This applies to actions such as referring patients, purchasing services, applying for benefits, awarding grants, or providing false information in grant applications. The law establishes criminal penalties for violations, with limited exceptions for payments already exempt under federal law.