Sen. Doron Clark

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $5 million from the state's general fund to Our Saviour's Community Services, a nonprofit organization in Minneapolis, to support the design, construction, and renovation of their facilities. The funding will be used to build a new multiuse structure containing 40 permanent supportive housing units, establish an English learning center for immigrant adults, create staff offices, and install a geothermal heating system. This one-time appropriation is designated for fiscal year 2027 and will be released to the commissioner of employment and economic development for distribution to the organization. The funds remain available until the project is completed or abandoned, subject to existing state statutes governing such appropriations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal law enforcement officers performing duties in Minnesota to meet the same minimum qualifications as state-licensed peace officers. Specifically, these officers must hold an associate's or bachelor's degree and satisfy the standards set by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board for licensure in Minnesota. The law applies to federal officers from agencies such as the FBI, DEA, Secret Service, and others who are authorized to arrest individuals. Violations of these requirements would be treated as misdemeanors, with investigations handled by designated law enforcement agencies and prosecutions managed by the attorney general.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public colleges and universities in Minnesota to create policies that prohibit visitors from carrying firearms on campus property. Under the new rules, anyone who brings a firearm onto campus against these policies can be asked to leave, and refusing to comply would result in a petty misdemeanor charge with a fine of up to $25 for a first offense. The law also clarifies that firearms carried in violation of these campus policies cannot be confiscated by authorities. Additionally, the bill maintains that employers and institutions cannot ban firearms in parking lots or parking areas, even if they restrict them elsewhere on campus.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Interagency Council on Student Attendance in Minnesota to improve coordination among state agencies, school districts, and charter schools on reducing student absenteeism. The council will include representatives from multiple state departments, county associations, and education organizations, and must meet at least quarterly to develop solutions for chronic absenteeism and submit annual reports to the governor and legislature. Funding will be provided through the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to support the council's administrative needs and operations. The council is set to begin operations on July 1, 2026, and will continue indefinitely without an expiration date.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 2970 requires all Minnesota public schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer at least one plant-based meal option daily upon written request from students or their representatives. Plant-based meals must exclude all animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, fish) and meet federal nutrition standards, while schools must make the request process accessible to students and families. The requirement begins for the 2026-2027 school year, with schools reporting annually on implementation, including request volumes and challenges. The Minnesota Department of Education will develop implementation guidelines and monitor compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's laws regarding when individuals can conceal their identity in public places. It maintains that wearing disguises like masks or robes in public is generally a misdemeanor, with exceptions for religious beliefs, entertainment, weather protection, or medical needs. The legislation specifically exempts law enforcement officers from these restrictions when performing official duties, allowing undercover officers to hide their identity for safety or investigation integrity and permitting tactical team members to wear face masks to prevent serious facial injuries. These changes apply to peace officers and federal law enforcement officers defined under existing Minnesota statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands how Minnesota school districts can use operating capital revenue to include utility service costs, which are currently not covered under existing funding rules. The legislation amends state statutes to allow districts to allocate these funds for paying electricity, water, heating, and other essential utility bills for school buildings. This change directly affects school districts across the state by providing additional flexibility in managing facility-related expenses. The provision becomes effective for the 2027 fiscal year and does not alter other existing uses of operating capital revenue for school infrastructure and equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Council on Central and Eastern European Affairs in Minnesota to serve as a representative body for Minnesotans from Central and Eastern European countries, including recent refugees and immigrants. The 15-member council will consist of 11 public members appointed by the governor and four legislative members appointed by state lawmakers, with requirements for gender diversity and demographic representation. The council will provide administrative support through the commissioner of administration, hire an executive director, and meet to advise state officials on issues affecting these communities while recommending policy changes. The bill also appropriates funding for the council's operations and requires members to complete training on government processes and attend regular meetings.

Maddy summarySF 3596 creates a one-time state-funded emergency rental assistance program for Minnesota counties and Tribal governments to help eligible households facing housing instability. Eligible households must have income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, experienced financial hardship after August 31, 2025, and be at risk of eviction or homelessness. The program covers up to two months of prospective rent, past-due rent, utility costs, or related fees for qualifying households. Counties and Tribal governments must distribute funds within four months of the bill's effective date and return any unspent money to the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's lease termination rules to allow tenants to end their rental agreements early under specific circumstances involving death or severe health conditions. For leases signed before July 1, 2026, landlords and tenants can terminate the agreement upon the death of the tenant or all tenants. For leases signed on or after that date, tenants or their authorized representatives can terminate by providing written notice to the landlord, with the lease ending no sooner than the last day of the month following notice. Additionally, the bill allows tenants to terminate leases if a medical professional determines they need to move into a medical care facility due to disability or illness, provided they submit medical documentation and proof of acceptance or pending application at a facility. The changes maintain tenant liability for rent owed during the notice period and exclude cases where accessible units are available within one month.