Sen. Foung Hawj

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $250,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 to support ethnic media organizations. It funds video content created in languages other than English, with recipients required to make this content available on public, educational, and government access television. The grant program is administered by the Minnesota Humanities Center Board of Directors. This directly affects ethnic media organizations producing non-English language content seeking funding for public access distribution.

Maddy summarySF 2509 establishes Minnesota's Headwaters Community Food and Water Economic Resiliency Program to support local sustainable food systems. The bill provides financial and technical assistance to urban and rural producers in regenerative food systems, including funding for infrastructure like storage facilities, neighborhood food commons, weather-resilient water systems, and culturally relevant food access programs. It specifically requires support for Black, Indigenous, and people of color food producers and creates a fund to make fruits and vegetables affordable across all income levels. The program will be administered by the commissioner of employment and economic development with guidance from an advisory committee representing diverse community stakeholders.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that current members of Minnesota's state legislature (both Senate and House) are explicitly authorized to perform civil marriages. It amends Minnesota Statutes section 517.04 by adding legislators to the list of individuals permitted to solemnize weddings, alongside judges, ministers, and other existing officiants. The change directly affects Minnesota legislators who may choose to officiate weddings, ensuring their authority is formally recognized in statute. This is a procedural clarification with no new policy changes, simply updating the legal list of authorized marriage officiants.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $300,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund civic education programs through the YMCA Center for Youth Voice. It directly supports youth under 18 and teachers by requiring programs to teach constitutional principles, democratic foundations, and government structures. The funds cover teacher professional development, educational resources, and program support. The bill creates a specific funding mechanism for civic education without altering existing laws or regulations.

Maddy summarySF 2930 appropriates $5 million from the arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 to build a cultural center for the White Earth Tribal Community. The bill directly provides funding to the White Earth Nation tribal government for construction of the facility. This is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions or requirements beyond the grant allocation. The bill focuses solely on authorizing the expenditure for this specific cultural infrastructure project.

Maddy summarySF 1082 increases the percentage of solid waste management fees allocated to Minnesota's resource management account over time. Starting in 2026, 7% of these fees will go to the account, rising to 20% in 2027, and 30% annually from 2028 onward. This change shifts funds previously directed to the general fund toward environmental programs, with the money distributed to counties via the Pollution Control Agency under existing rules. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3 million from the general fund for community tree-planting grants administered by the Metropolitan Council. The funding is for one-time use in fiscal year 2026, available until June 30, 2028, to support tree-planting projects in local communities within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. It directly affects municipalities and community groups in the region through the Metropolitan Council's grant program under Minnesota Statutes § 473.355. The bill does not create new policy but provides specific funding for existing tree-planting initiatives.

Maddy summarySF 2874 appropriates $450,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $450,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to the YMCA of the North. The grant will fund career exploration, job training, and a workforce development partnership with Beacons Community College, specifically targeting underserved youth and young adults. This is a one-time funding allocation with no ongoing budgetary requirements.

Maddy summarySF 2961 appropriates $5 million for fiscal year 2026 to address emerald ash borer infestations and support community tree planting. The first portion funds local governments to manage ash borer response efforts, including waste facility planning, wood transportation, and tree disposal. The second portion provides grants to communities for planting new trees under Minnesota Statutes § 84.705. Both funds are one-time appropriations available until June 30, 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $150,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for the city of Delano to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026. The funds will support specific arts, music, and cultural heritage programming during the sesquicentennial celebration. The appropriation is designated for fiscal year 2026 and is directed to the city of Delano through the commissioner of administration. This is a targeted funding measure for a local anniversary event, not a broad policy change.