Sen. Doron Clark

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that funds provided by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to local law enforcement agencies are reimbursements rather than grants, which changes how these agencies must account for and report the money. It updates crime recording requirements to align with federal standards and establishes a new process for determining when certain criminal records cannot be sealed. The legislation also creates a witness and victim protection fund to help individuals involved in criminal prosecutions with relocation, housing, and other support services, while requiring courts to provide law enforcement access to protection orders. Local law enforcement officials will need to submit detailed reports on how they use these funds, including information about arrests, seized items, and expenses.

Maddy summarySF 667 amends Minnesota Statutes section 624.712, subdivision 5, to expand the definition of "crime of violence" for firearms restrictions. It adds specific offenses like aggravated robbery (609.245), domestic assault (609.2242), criminal sexual conduct (609.342-345), and gang-related crimes (609.229) to the list of offenses triggering firearm prohibitions. This directly affects individuals convicted of these specific crimes, as it would now require them to surrender firearms under state law. The change clarifies which existing offenses qualify as "crimes of violence" when determining firearm restrictions under Minnesota law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state program in Minnesota to provide financial assistance to families with newborns and their parents or guardians. The program offers a one-time payment of $1,500 for prenatal expenses and monthly payments of $750 for 24 months after the child's birth, adoption, or placement with a legal guardian. Eligibility is based on Minnesota residency and a legal relationship to the child, with no requirements regarding income, assets, or employment status. To receive benefits, applicants must provide documentation from a health care provider, adoption agency, or other approved source verifying the child's status and their relationship to the child. The bill also authorizes the commissioner of employment and economic development to create rules for administering the program and includes funding for its implementation.

Maddy summarySF 1717 appropriates $68,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the Minnesota Humanities Center, which will provide a one-time grant to Global Synergy Group, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The funds are designated to support the operation of the YouLead2025 program. This bill directly affects the nonprofit organization receiving the grant and the program it administers. It is a funding measure with no policy changes beyond the specified appropriation.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue up to $6.5 million in bonds to fund safety improvements on Washington Avenue in Minneapolis. The funds will be used by the commissioner of transportation to provide a grant to Hennepin County for the design, engineering, and reconstruction of County Road 152 between the I-35W southbound ramps and 3rd Street South. Once enacted, the state will sell the bonds to raise the necessary money, which is then allocated to the state transportation fund for the project. The legislation directly affects Hennepin County and the residents of Minneapolis by initiating infrastructure work on this specific roadway.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state to update its building code by April 1, 2027, to permit apartment buildings with only one stairway exit. The primary mechanism requires the state commissioner to adopt new rules based on the recommendations of a 2025 study specifically focused on single-exit stairway apartment buildings. While the bill does not set specific safety standards itself, it mandates that any future regulations must align with the findings of that study. This change aims to allow more flexible housing designs while ensuring compliance with the upcoming study's conclusions.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how local law enforcement agencies in Minnesota can receive reimbursements from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for specific criminal investigations, including drug crimes, stolen goods cases, gambling violations, juvenile prostitution, missing children investigations, and gang-related crimes. It also creates a new witness and victim protection fund that allows local officials to request reimbursement for services like relocation, housing, identity protection, and basic living expenses for individuals involved in criminal prosecutions who face threats. The legislation updates crime data collection requirements to align with federal standards and establishes rules for determining which criminal records cannot be sealed. Additionally, it mandates that courts provide law enforcement with access to protection orders and repeals an outdated statute regarding crime data collection.

Maddy summarySF 3959 amends Minnesota's Safe at Home program to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. It directly affects eligible participants by requiring clearer application details (including court-ordered guardianship documentation for minors/incapacitated persons) and mandating that all entities accept the program's designated address as the participant's official address - without demanding their real location for services. Key provisions include adding "emancipated minor" to eligibility definitions, clarifying mail delivery rules, and establishing criminal penalties for violating address confidentiality. The bill ensures participants can safely access services like mail and voting without risking exposure to abusers.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new 100% tax on money obtained through fraud by individuals or organizations, regardless of any existing fines or restitution payments. The tax applies not only to those convicted by a court but also to those identified by the state revenue commissioner as having committed fraud, as well as to anyone paid for helping them commit the act. The revenue collected from this tax must be deposited into a special account dedicated solely to providing relief for state income and property taxes. The law takes effect retroactively for fraud cases determined after December 31, 2019, and gives the commissioner authority to investigate suspected fraud and set enforcement rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the responsibilities of Minnesota's Department of Corrections regarding licensed juvenile and adult community-based residential correctional facilities. It defines key terms (like "local correctional facility" and "facility administrator"), requires annual inspections to verify compliance with safety standards, and mandates that inspection reports be published online within 30 days. The bill also specifies licensing procedures, including two-year licenses for facilities meeting standards or making satisfactory progress, and requires facilities to provide data through the department's detention system. It directly affects licensed facilities, their administrators, and the Department of Corrections, streamlining oversight without creating new programs.