Sen. Foung Hawj

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1.2 million from state funds for fiscal year 2026 to the Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA). The grant supports AEDA and its partners, including the coalition of Minnesota Asian Building Trades Entrepreneurs (MABTE), in providing business training, hiring assistance, and capacity building to Asian-owned businesses. The funding is a one-time allocation available until June 30, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office. The funding must be used to provide security at cultural events within Ramsey County and support sheriff's officers participating in culturally informed community engagement. It is a one-time appropriation specifically for these purposes, directly affecting Ramsey County events and community safety initiatives. The bill does not create new requirements but allocates existing state funds for targeted security and engagement activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $250,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 to support youth outdoor programs. The funds will be granted through the Minnesota Humanities Center to the Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA), directly benefiting AEDA's youth-focused outdoor programming initiatives. The legislation authorizes a specific grant for these programs, with no additional policy changes or requirements outlined in the bill text. As a funding measure, it does not alter existing laws or create new obligations beyond the appropriation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 20 is a commemorative measure that honors the life and legacy of Richard "Paaj Yeeb" Her, a Hmong veteran and community leader. The resolution acknowledges his service in the Royal Lao Army, his role in refugee rescue efforts, and his contributions to the Hmong community in Oregon after immigrating to the United States. It formally recognizes his sacrifice and dedication to freedom, justice, and democracy. The bill directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare an official copy of the resolution for transmission to Mr. Her's family.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes special Minnesota license plates featuring "Colorectal Cancer Awareness" to promote early detection and screening. Vehicle owners who pay a $30 annual contribution to a dedicated account (in addition to standard plate fees) can obtain these plates for passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, or recreational vehicles. Funds collected through this contribution are deposited into a special account, with annual distributions by August 15th to the Colon Cancer Coalition for public education and awareness programs. The plates become available for issuance starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2 million from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games organization. The funding supports celebrating Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage during the 2026 event, including the design and construction of the Special Olympics Cauldron. It directly affects the Special Olympics USA Games organization by providing grant money for specific event-related activities. The bill is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes beyond the allocation.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for Hmong Town Connections to renovate the Maplewood Sears complex into an arts space. The funding directly supports Hmong Town Connections, a community organization, to create a dedicated venue for local artists and cultural activities. The key provision is the allocation of state funds specifically for building renovations at that location. This is a concrete funding measure with no additional policy changes beyond the renovation project.

Maddy summarySF 2782 removes two outdated sections from Minnesota law. It repeals Minnesota Statutes 116C.04, subdivision 11 (which required the Environmental Quality Board to report on lead regulations by January 1992) and 116C.991 (which governed environmental reviews for silica sand projects under repealed 2013 rules). These provisions are obsolete and no longer relevant to current environmental regulations. The bill cleans up the legal code without creating new policy or affecting any current programs or entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to the city of St. Paul. The funds are specifically for expanding the Right Track youth internship program, which connects young people from families struggling with housing costs to paid internships. The program develops work readiness skills, provides mentorship, and helps youth explore career paths. This is a one-time funding allocation to support the city's existing initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $200,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 to the Minnesota Humanities Center, which will distribute it as a grant to the nonprofit organization 30,000 Feet. The funds are designated to support youth and community artists in developing artistic skills, creating community art projects, and promoting African American history and culture through artistic performances. The grant directly affects 30,000 Feet and the artists and communities they serve in Minnesota. The bill does not change existing laws but allocates specific funding for these arts and cultural heritage activities.