Sen. Bobby Joe Champion

Maddy summarySF 2724 modifies Minnesota's voter registration rules to allow eligible individuals in jail to register to vote on election day using the address listed on their jail intake form. The bill requires the secretary of state to provide grants to county sheriffs for implementing these changes, with funding allocated based on the number of jail beds in each county. It also amends election law to explicitly include county jails as a "residential facility" for voter registration purposes. These changes aim to simplify the process for incarcerated people to register without needing traditional proof of residence.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $924,000 from the state general fund for a one-time grant to Parents in Community Action, Inc. (PICA), a child care provider. The funds are specifically for purchasing and installing fire sprinkler systems at PICA's facilities to meet fire safety regulations. This allows PICA to expand its infant child care services, directly supporting families seeking infant care in Minnesota. The appropriation is for fiscal year 2026 only.

Maddy summarySF 2423 establishes a grant program to create affordable homeownership opportunities for African Americans in Minnesota. The bill authorizes funding for cities, tribes, nonprofits, and community land trusts to develop affordable housing projects that specifically use African American workers in construction and workforce development. Grant funds must cover land acquisition, rehabilitation, construction training, and job placement programs while requiring projects to serve African American households earning 80% or less of the state median income for African Americans. The program also mandates that funds support expanding African American-run business, job training, and housing organization capacity. The bill appropriates funds for fiscal year 2026 but is currently in committee referral.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $400,000 from the general fund for a one-time grant to MAD DADS of Minneapolis. The funds will support a youth workforce development program for residents aged 16-24 in underserved communities. The program must provide career exploration, hands-on job training, mentorships, and certifications in high-demand fields like HVAC, energy efficiency, and solar installation. It is specifically designed to create pathways for young people in these industries through an "earn-to-learn" approach.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1,000,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 to the Stairstep Foundation. The funds are specifically for supporting African American cultural festivals and events, with allowable uses including infrastructure, permits, staffing, programming, and safety costs. The appropriation is one-time and directs the funds through Explore Minnesota's director to the foundation. It directly affects the Stairstep Foundation as the recipient and the African American cultural events it organizes. The bill creates a concrete funding mechanism without altering broader policy or law.

Maddy summarySF 2569 appropriates $75,000 from the workforce development fund for a one-time grant to InspireMSP. The funding supports programming for middle and high school students in Minneapolis and St. Paul, with a focus on historically excluded youth, to connect them with Minnesota's creative industry. Key provisions include developing career exploration opportunities, providing access to resources and networks, and offering hands-on experience through creative industry-focused activities. The grant is limited to program development and does not create new ongoing state obligations.

Maddy summarySF 993 appropriates $250,000 for each of the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years to the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation. The funds support the ProStart program in Minnesota high schools, which provides culinary and hospitality management education to address workforce shortages in the industry. The grant must be used for student curriculum, tools, skills training, professional development, and scholarships within hospitality. This is a one-time appropriation targeting high school students participating in the ProStart program.

Maddy summarySF 2428 modifies Minnesota's cosmetology licensing requirements to ensure training on textured hair for cosmetologists and hair technicians. The bill defines "textured hair" as coiled, curly, or wavy hair and mandates that training programs include 900 hours of coursework, with the first 300 hours specifically covering all hair types and textures - such as coil, curl, wave patterns, strand thicknesses, and volume. Applicants must also demonstrate experience providing services to clients with all hair textures. These changes apply to cosmetology schools and individuals seeking or renewing licenses in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates funds from the arts and cultural heritage fund to the Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts for specific after-school programs. It allocates money for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support educational programming focused on dance, voice, and drama. Up to a specified percentage of the funds may also be used for capital improvements at the center. The bill directly affects the Lundstrum Center by providing dedicated funding for its youth arts education initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $250,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for the Capri Theater in North Minneapolis. The funds, managed by the commissioner of administration through PCYC, will directly support the theater’s youth and adult arts programming and its role as a community hub. The grant aims to expand arts offerings for over 20,000 annual visitors while strengthening the theater’s position as a catalyst for economic development in North Minneapolis. The funding specifically targets enriching arts access for youth, families, and local artists.