Sen. Sandy Pappas

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state of Minnesota to create a centralized online portal and database for collecting certified payroll information from all contractors working on state projects that are subject to prevailing wage laws. The system will allow the public to search and view details about workers, including their job classifications, hours worked, and hourly wages, starting in 2026. Contractors must submit their payroll data through this new electronic system, which will also serve as their official record for meeting existing reporting requirements. The legislation includes funding for the technology and administrative costs needed to establish and maintain the portal.

Maddy summarySF 4064 modifies several court procedures in Minnesota. It raises the mandatory arbitration threshold for small claims from $10,000 to $20,000 and increases conciliation court jurisdiction limits to $20,000 (or $4,000 for consumer credit cases). The bill also requires the Department of Revenue to share tax data with courts for jury lists and allows district courts to publish notices online. Additionally, it clarifies how driver's license data - including race/ethnicity - may be shared with the judicial branch for jury sourcing purposes. These changes primarily affect courts, plaintiffs, defendants in small claims, and jury administrators.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how the City of St. Paul can spend money collected from its local sales tax. It directs that tax revenues be used to pay for street and bridge improvements totaling $738 million, as well as capital upgrades to parks and recreation facilities worth $246 million. To proceed with the park and recreation funding, the city must pass a specific resolution and submit it to the state auditor by August 31 of the election year; if this step is missed, that portion of the funding cannot be used. The changes apply retroactively to May 24, 2023, allowing the city to use the funds for these projects without needing new voter approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Minnesota's conditional medical release program to include geriatric release for older incarcerated individuals and family caregiver release for those caring for incapacitated relatives. It establishes specific eligibility criteria, such as age and time served requirements for geriatric release, and mandates medical reviews and supervision conditions for those granted release. The legislation also creates a new category for extraordinary and compelling circumstances, requiring written decisions within 30 days and allowing applicants to seek court review if denied. Additionally, the bill requires the commissioner to maintain a public database of release requests and submit annual reports on outcomes and cost savings, with all provisions taking effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 3479 clarifies a homeowner's right to postpone a mortgage foreclosure sale for properties classified as homestead (one to four dwelling units). Homeowners facing foreclosure can file a sworn affidavit at least 15 days before the sale date to delay the sale to the next non-weekend, non-holiday date - five months later if the redemption period is six months, or 11 months later if it's 12 months. This postponement automatically shortens the homeowner's redemption period to five weeks and requires recording the affidavit with county offices and providing copies to the sheriff and foreclosing attorney. The bill applies to foreclosures under Minnesota Statutes chapters 580 and 581, effective upon enactment for notices recorded after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $800,000 from existing state funds to create a memorial statue of Melissa Hortman on the State Office Building site. The money will be used to design and cast a statue that honors Hortman's contributions to Minnesota, and the funds may also cover additional landscaping for a memorial garden. The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board must select the artist through a competitive process and work with Hortman's family throughout the project, with the statue design required to include likenesses of her deceased family members. Any remaining funds after the statue is cast can be used for further landscaping elements, and the money is available until June 30, 2029.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $3 million from the state's general fund to the Rondo Community Land Trust to help small businesses in St. Paul's University Avenue and Selby Avenue corridors. The funds will be distributed as grants and forgivable loans to cover essential costs such as rent, utilities, payroll, and equipment, with a specific focus on locally owned businesses owned by entrepreneurs from historically underserved communities that have suffered financial disruption. The legislation requires the trust to prioritize aid for businesses impacted by recent corridor disruptions while excluding the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board from receiving funds. Additionally, the trust is permitted to use up to 10% of the appropriation for administrative expenses and must submit a detailed report on the program's impact by February 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local governments receiving state funding for capital projects (like schools, parks, or infrastructure) to establish special accounts to maintain and replace those projects once they reach their useful life. Local governments must set annual deposit amounts based on depreciation and inflation, create written policies for fund use (including safety and sustainability), and maintain balances no higher than the state funding received. Failure to comply results in a penalty fee equal to 1% of the state appropriation per year, paid to the state general fund. The requirement applies to new projects with agreements signed on or after July 1, 2025, and does not affect state agencies or existing replacement funds meeting minimum deposit standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies homeowners' ability to postpone mortgage foreclosure sales for homestead properties (one to four dwelling units) in Minnesota. Homeowners can file a sworn affidavit 15 days before the sale date to delay the sale until the next non-weekend, non-holiday date, automatically reducing their redemption period from six or twelve months to five weeks. The affidavit must be recorded with county offices and filed with the sheriff, and this postponement right applies only once per foreclosure case. The policy change affects homeowners facing foreclosure under Minnesota Statutes chapters 580 or 581, with the law applying to foreclosures with notices recorded after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for using certain grant funds allocated to the Office of Justice Programs in Minnesota, specifically updating the expiration date for the Crossover and Dual-Status Youth Model Grants to December 31, 2026. The legislation amends existing statutes to allow these funds, which support programs for youth involved in both child welfare and juvenile justice systems, to remain available for a longer period than originally set. By adjusting the timeline, the bill ensures that local governments can continue to utilize the money for these specific youth services without interruption. The text also lists various other appropriations for domestic violence housing, victim services, and restorative practices, though the primary function of this specific act is to modify the usage period for the youth-related grants.