Sen. Omar Fateh

Maddy summaryThis bill requires food manufacturers and brand owners to test packaged food products for ortho-phthalates (a group of chemicals used in plastics) and report the results to Minnesota's Department of Agriculture. It applies to most packaged foods sold in the state, excluding fresh meat, deli cheese, bakery items, and produce sold at retail locations. Manufacturers must submit detailed reports including the product's UPC code, test results showing detectable levels or absence of ortho-phthalates, lab accreditation details, and testing methodology. The reporting requirement takes effect July 1, 2026, and testing must be conducted by laboratories accredited under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 3611 limits immigration enforcement access to school sites. The bill requires school employees to refuse entry to federal, state, or local immigration officials without a judicial warrant, verify their identification, and only allow access to areas specified in the warrant. School staff must immediately notify school leadership and legal counsel when granting such entry. This applies to all public school districts and charter schools, but does not affect officials administering educational programs. The bill aims to prevent immigration enforcement actions on school property without court authorization.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal pathway for individuals in Minnesota to sue when their civil rights are violated by officials acting under state or federal authority (e.g., police or government employees). It allows victims to seek damages, attorney fees, and other relief for deprivations of rights protected by the U.S. or Minnesota Constitutions, with a six-year statute of limitations. Additionally, it requires state/local law enforcement agencies to obtain written agreements from federal partners ensuring federal officers abide by constitutional standards and can be held liable under this new law. The provisions apply to all pending or future civil cases filed after the bill takes effect.

Maddy summarySF 4008 appropriates $1.2 million from the state general fund to the Neighborhood Development Center for a new facility called "The Ruckus," designed to support entrepreneurs moving from startup to substantial revenue growth. The funds will cover developing three specific programs: a technology/business accelerator for scaling ideas, a beauty/wellness production program for compliant product launches, and a retail readiness initiative for consumer brands. Equipment, program design, and partnerships with industry and capital providers will be funded using this one-time appropriation, which expires June 30, 2028. This directly affects the Neighborhood Development Center and local entrepreneurs seeking structured growth support.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota-based research facilities from conducting certain animal testing procedures that would require reporting to the USDA under federal guidelines (specifically APHIS Form 7023, Column E). It directly affects research facilities in Minnesota that perform these specific types of animal testing, with exceptions for activities required by federal law or conducted at federal facilities. The key mechanism is a $10,000 civil penalty per animal for violations, plus potential reimbursement of state litigation costs for willful violations. The bill does not ban all animal testing but targets procedures subject to federal reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Minnesota Migration Act Account to fund a study and provide reparation grants for American descendants of chattel slavery residing in Minnesota. It creates a dedicated account in the state treasury, appropriates funds to the commissioner of human rights for administering grants, and requires a report on the study's findings. The bill directly affects eligible Black Minnesotans who are descendants of enslaved people, aiming to address historical racial disparities. Key mechanisms include the grant program administration by the commissioner of human rights and the mandatory study to inform future reparations. The bill also includes a formal state apology for historical injustices against Black Minnesotans, as detailed in its findings.

Maddy summarySF 3942 prohibits hotels and health clubs in Minnesota from providing personal care products (like shampoo, soap, lotion, and razors) in single-use plastic containers that guests can take home. The law allows refillable dispensers and non-plastic packaging but bans plastic-wrapped or plastic-container products for these items. It takes effect in 2027 for health clubs and large hotels (50+ rooms), and in 2028 for smaller hotels. Violations after the first warning may result in civil penalties up to $500 per day, capped at $10,000 annually per establishment.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 3941 prohibits state agencies and the commissioner from purchasing single-use plastic food service items (like plates, cups, cutlery, and clamshell containers) and small plastic bottles (under 21 fluid ounces) for state use. This applies to all state procurement contracts and bid specifications starting 30 days after enactment. Exceptions allow purchases if alternatives are unavailable, during emergencies, or to protect health/safety or accommodate disabilities. The bill directly affects state agencies and their vendors by requiring the switch to reusable or non-plastic alternatives for these specific items.

Maddy summarySF 3898 requires Minnesota's human services commissioner to develop and publish clear guidelines explaining disability waiver regulations within 120 days of changes to laws, federal rules, or court decisions affecting these programs. These guidelines help service providers, counties, and people using waiver services understand how to follow new requirements for eligibility, reimbursement, and care standards. The guidelines are not legally binding but provide practical interpretation until updated. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to add this requirement, effective August 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal claim in Minnesota for individuals whose constitutional rights were violated by state or local officials acting under the authority of law. It allows victims to sue officials for damages, attorney fees, and other relief, with claims needing to be filed within six years. The bill also requires written agreements for state/local law enforcement to collaborate with federal agencies, mandating that federal officers under such partnerships can be held liable for constitutional violations. It directly affects people seeking redress for rights violations and law enforcement agencies entering federal partnerships.