Sen. Bobby Joe Champion

Maddy summarySF 3112 extends the deadline for filing discrimination claims under Minnesota's Human Rights Act from 10 years to 11 years after the discriminatory act occurs. It also suspends the statute of limitations during voluntary dispute resolution processes like mediation or arbitration, provided the respondent notifies the relevant authorities in writing. If the respondent fails to provide this notice, they cannot later claim the deadline has passed unless 11 years plus the suspension period has elapsed. This bill directly affects individuals filing discrimination claims and the organizations or entities they accuse.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $350,000 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the workforce development fund to the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers (MABL) to create a program supporting Black Minnesota undergraduate students interested in law careers. The program provides $4,000 annual academic scholarships, free LSAT test preparation materials, mentoring, and career events for full-time Black Minnesota residents enrolled in undergraduate programs at Minnesota colleges. MABL must use the funds for student scholarships, program events (including transportation), LSAT support, and staff costs. The program requires annual reports detailing outcomes, expenses, and use of state funds to the commissioner of employment and relevant legislative committees.

Maddy summarySF 3211 appropriates $2.57 million from the renewable development account to fund Macalester College in St. Paul for constructing an aquifer-based geothermal energy system. The system will provide space heating and cooling for a new campus residence hall and welcome center, with design capacity to later expand as a district plant serving all north campus buildings. This grant, available until expended, directly affects Macalester College as the recipient of state funds for this specific infrastructure project. The bill describes the technical components as wells accessing underground aquifers, heat pumps, and distribution infrastructure, but does not create new policy or regulations.

Maddy summarySF 2183 appropriates $5 million from Minnesota's general fund for fiscal year 2026 to create a Black veterans support program. The bill directs the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs to award a grant to an organization to develop and run a comprehensive program specifically for Black veterans in Minnesota. Key provisions include $1.5 million for mental health services, $1 million for job training and employment support, $700,000 for homeownership assistance, $500,000 for educational support, and $1 million for administration. This one-time funding establishes a targeted support system addressing mental health, employment, healthcare access, financial literacy, and housing needs for Black veterans.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for the University of Minnesota Board of Regents to complete a required study of St. Anthony Falls. The study, funded with $1 million from the general fund, examines geophysical risks, infrastructure safety, and emergency planning related to the falls area and a cutoff wall. The original due date of July 1, 2025, is moved to July 1, 2026. The bill does not change the study's scope or requirements, only the submission timeline. This affects the Board of Regents, which must submit the final report to relevant legislative committees by the new date.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts state funding for special education and English learner programs in Minnesota to account for inflation. Starting in fiscal year 2028, the amount districts receive will increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), replacing fixed percentage formulas. Specifically, it amends Minnesota Statutes sections 124D.65 (English learner funding) and 125A.76 (special education cross subsidy aid) to tie funding adjustments to inflation rates. School districts receiving these funds will see their aid automatically increase each year to maintain purchasing power, with caps preventing the cross subsidy factor from exceeding 80% in any year.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $250,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 to support ethnic media organizations. It funds video content created in languages other than English, with recipients required to make this content available on public, educational, and government access television. The grant program is administered by the Minnesota Humanities Center Board of Directors. This directly affects ethnic media organizations producing non-English language content seeking funding for public access distribution.

Maddy summarySF 1615 allocates $1 million from the general fund for a one-time fiscal year 2026 appropriation to establish an agricultural training program for Black youth at historical Black-owned farms in rural Minnesota. The program requires the commissioner of agriculture to provide training in traditional and modern farming, sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, along with mentorship opportunities. This bill directly affects Black youth in rural Minnesota by creating structured educational and career pathways in agriculture through existing historical Black-owned farm sites.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $4.7 million from the general fund for a nonprofit organization in Roseville (a 501(c)(3) under IRS rules) to acquire property, plan, design, construct, and equip a regional emergency disaster services center in Ramsey County. The center must support stockpiling supplies, multiagency emergency response, and training for disasters like pandemics, natural events, or mass casualties. The state funds are contingent on the nonprofit securing at least 67% of project costs from nonstate sources before disbursement. It directly affects emergency response capabilities for Ramsey County residents and regional disaster management operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a refundable sales and use tax exemption for construction materials used at Minneapolis's Upper Harbor Terminal Amphitheater. It directly affects contractors, subcontractors, and the amphitheater operator who purchase qualifying materials between July 2025 and December 2028. The exemption works by requiring tax to be collected upfront, then refunded through a general fund appropriation, mirroring existing procedures for similar public infrastructure projects. The exemption applies only to materials incorporated into this specific amphitheater project, not other developments.