Sen. Sandy Pappas

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota counties to establish administrative penalties (like fines) for certain park ordinance violations instead of treating them as criminal misdemeanors. It directly affects county governments, which can create their own penalty systems through local ordinances, and park users who might face these fines. The key provision amends Minnesota law to clarify that counties may impose administrative penalties for park rule violations, with all collected fines deposited into the county park fund. This change gives counties flexibility in enforcing park rules without requiring criminal prosecution for minor violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies access rules for census workers and political candidates in apartment buildings. It adds a requirement for property owners or managers to *encourage* notifying residents in advance about days when census workers or candidates plan to visit. The change applies specifically to multiple-unit dwellings (like apartment complexes) and does not alter existing access hours or denial rules. It focuses on improving communication with residents about scheduled visits.

Maddy summarySF 3056 authorizes Minnesota to issue bonds for capital improvement projects, appropriating nearly $400 million in bond proceeds to state agencies and institutions. It directly affects public universities (University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges), state academies, the Perpich Center for Arts Education, and natural resources programs. Key provisions include $103 million for university building preservation, $1.95 million for Minnesota State Academies' facility upgrades, $1.53 million for arts center improvements, and $98 million for natural resources capital projects. The bill specifies that funds must be used for acquiring, improving, or replacing public land and buildings, with strict accounting rules for staff costs and project completion timelines. All appropriations are one-time funding for fiscal year 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $150,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities. The funds are specifically for planning, predesign, and design activities to build a new club location at the Nicollet Redevelopment site in south Minneapolis. This new facility will expand out-of-school-time programs and serve as the organization's administrative headquarters. The bill directly affects Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities by providing capital for facility development.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 from state bonds to fund the construction of a new environmental multicultural visitors center and related outdoor improvements at Faribault's River Bend Nature Center. The funds will cover site preparation, design, building construction, trail enhancements, and public facilities for educational and visitor use. The city of Faribault will receive the grant from the commissioner of natural resources, with the state issuing bonds to finance the project under Minnesota's bond laws. The project directly serves Faribault residents and the general public who will use the new center and trails.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Program" through the University of Minnesota's Board of Regents. It allocates $2.5 million annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to provide direct support to small local governments (populations under 15,000) or collaborative groups of such communities. The program funds infrastructure project analysis, planning, and design assistance - prioritizing communities lacking capacity to apply for state or federal grants - and requires incorporating climate resilience and cross-sector project coordination. Funds must be used for activities like scoping, predesign, and sustainability planning through university partnerships, with program details and financials published online.

Maddy summarySF 3021 proposes a constitutional amendment to Minnesota's Constitution, prohibiting any law that requires individuals or entities to waive free speech rights as a condition for receiving government contracts, employment, or benefits (including those related to political boycotts). If approved by voters in 2026, this amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, and would directly affect government contractors, employees, and beneficiaries who might otherwise be forced to surrender free speech protections. The bill does not create new laws but would amend the state constitution to block future laws from conditioning government benefits on speech waivers. The amendment must be voted on by Minnesota residents in the 2026 general election.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies restrictions on Minnesota optometrists' ability to prescribe and administer certain medications. It specifically changes time limits for prescribing oral steroids (currently limited to 14 days without physician consultation), oral antivirals (10 days), and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (7 days). The amendment would allow optometrists to prescribe these medications for longer durations under specified conditions, without requiring physician consultation for the extended periods. This directly affects licensed optometrists in Minnesota who provide eye care and prescribe medications related to eye conditions. The change is made to Minnesota Statutes section 148.56, subdivision 1, which defines optometry practice.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $8.5 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to improve accessibility in the Minnesota State Capitol tunnel system. The funds will cover design, construction, and equipment to bring a section of the tunnel under Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and east toward the Capitol into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These improvements will directly affect people with disabilities who use the tunnel for access to the Capitol, ensuring the space meets current accessibility standards. The funding is a one-time appropriation available until the project is completed.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1.5 million for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to provide a one-time grant to the Rondo Community Land Trust. The funds will support culinary skills training for local workers in the Rondo neighborhood, with allowable uses including capacity building, technical assistance, and training programs. Up to 10% of the total amount may cover the nonprofit's administrative costs. This is a direct funding mechanism for workforce development in a specific Minneapolis community.