Sen. Clare Oumou Verbeten

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates unspecified funds from the general fund for the Hunger-Free Campus grant program during fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It directly provides funding to Minnesota public colleges and universities to support campus food security initiatives, such as meal programs or food pantries. The bill authorizes the commissioner of the Office of Higher Education to distribute these grants under existing law (Minnesota Statutes, section 135A.137). This is a funding measure, not a new policy, aimed at expanding existing hunger prevention efforts at educational institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires venues hosting entertainment events (like concerts or festivals) to provide attendees with access to drinkable water during the event. Specifically, it mandates that venues must either offer free bottled water, allow attendees to bring their own bottled water, or provide water refill stations for attendees to fill empty bottles. The requirement applies to all "places of entertainment" as defined in Minnesota law during active entertainment. This policy directly affects event venues across Minnesota, ensuring basic hydration access for attendees without imposing cost on them.

Maddy summarySF 472 exempts the Office of Ombudsperson for American Indian Families and federally recognized tribes (or their representatives) from paying court fees for specific family-related legal actions. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to add these entities to existing exemptions covering child support enforcement, medical assistance enforcement, parentage establishment, civil commitment, conservatorship/guardianship appointments, and certain family court proceedings. This change removes a financial barrier for tribal and tribal-affiliated entities when navigating court systems for these matters. The policy directly affects tribal organizations and the Office of Ombudsperson in their legal interactions with Minnesota courts. It does not alter substantive law but ensures these entities are not charged fees for specified court services.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $20 million from state bond proceeds to fund new habitats for lions, tigers, cougars, snow leopards, and wolves at St. Paul's Como Zoo. The funds will cover designing, constructing, furnishing, and equipping the habitats, including required training, enrichment, off-exhibit housing, and veterinary care spaces. The state will sell up to $20 million in bonds to finance this project, with the Metropolitan Council administering the grant to the City of St. Paul. The bill directly affects Como Zoo's animal facilities and the City of St. Paul's management of the zoo.

Maddy summarySF 2098 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to The Redemption Project. The bill funds programming for justice-impacted individuals and inmates, including virtue-based education, mentoring, support services, and employment assistance to reduce recidivism and improve community reentry. This appropriation directly supports individuals transitioning from incarceration to community life through structured, practical services. The funding is added to the commissioner of corrections' base budget and becomes effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 3346 authorizes cities of the first class (like Minneapolis) to create designated "social districts" where people can consume alcohol purchased from nearby licensed establishments. The bill requires cities to formally designate district boundaries, hours, and safety plans via ordinance, and mandates special non-glass containers with clear labeling (including "Drink Responsibly - Be 21" and a 16-ounce limit). It prohibits alcohol consumption outside designated areas, requires disposal before exiting the district (except when re-entering the purchase location), and mandates a city report to legislators within 24 months evaluating community impact and safety. This directly affects city governments, licensed bars, and residents/businesses near designated zones.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota state correctional facilities and certain human services programs (like treatment facilities) to provide free voice communication services (phone calls) and other communication options (like video calls or messaging) to people under their care. It prohibits charging incarcerated or confined individuals for these services and bans facilities from profiting through communication contracts. The bill also mandates that facilities maintain in-person visitation programs, ensuring video calls cannot replace face-to-face visits unless during declared emergencies. Facilities must report annually on communication contracts, spending, and service usage to the Department of Corrections.

Maddy summaryHF 1998 clarifies and updates victim notification procedures for law enforcement and prosecutors when cases involving domestic assault, criminal sexual conduct, harassment, stalking, or violations of protection orders are not prosecuted. The bill requires prosecutors to notify victims via phone first, then email or mail, and to document dismissal reasons - especially if a witness is unavailable - while also informing victims about obtaining protection orders without fees. It updates the model notices that must be provided to victims at initial contact and after charges, including current information on victim services, reparations, and support resources. These changes standardize and improve communication to ensure victims consistently understand their rights and available assistance.

Maddy summarySF 1035 amends Minnesota's campus sexual misconduct policies by clarifying key definitions in statute 135A.15. It defines terms like "advisor" (a support person, potentially an attorney, for parties during investigations), "incident" (one report covering all related misconduct), and expands "sexual misconduct" to explicitly include nonconsensual deepfakes, stalking, and intimate partner violence. This bill directly affects Minnesota's public and private colleges/universities that handle sexual misconduct complaints under state law. The changes focus solely on terminology to ensure consistent application of existing procedures, without altering investigation or disciplinary processes.

Maddy summarySF 1598 repeals a Minnesota statute (471.9998) that currently prohibits local governments from banning paper, plastic, or reusable bags provided by merchants. If enacted, this bill would allow cities and counties to implement their own bag bans, directly affecting local governments and businesses that provide bags to customers. The key mechanism is removing the state-level prohibition, enabling municipalities to regulate bag use without state interference. This change would apply to all localities within Minnesota, shifting authority from the state to local jurisdictions. The bill does not create new bag rules but removes a barrier to local action.