Sen. Foung Hawj

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a one-time emergency rental assistance fund for counties and Tribal governments in Minnesota to help low-income households facing financial hardship after August 31, 2025. The program provides financial support for up to two months of prospective rent and utilities, as well as past-due rent and utility bills, with a maximum cap of five times the median rent per household. Funds are distributed to counties based on population and to Tribal governments equally, with priority given to households including minors, and unspent money must be returned to the state within a specified timeframe.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 4052 prohibits the sale or distribution of certain crop seeds (like corn, soybeans, and wheat) coated with systemic insecticides after January 1, 2029, unless a commissioner-approved waiver is obtained. It also bans the use of neonicotinoid insecticides on outdoor ornamental plants and turf, except in specific environmental emergencies where the commissioner determines it's necessary and no safer alternatives exist. The bill requires farmers seeking waivers to complete integrated pest management training and provide third-party pest risk assessments proving the need for treated seeds. Violations could result in civil penalties, and the commissioner must issue annual orders for emergency uses with strict geographic and duration limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Melissa and Mark Hortman Memorial State Park in Ramsey County, St. Paul, by designating a specific parcel of land as a state park. The park will be free for public access with no entry fees or permits required. It amends Minnesota Statutes to include the park in the state park system and allows management for historic and cultural purposes, not just natural features. The bill defines the park's boundaries and outlines management responsibilities for the commissioner of natural resources, including existing buildings and monuments within the area.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota's regulations for motorboat operators, fishing licenses, off-road vehicles, and water use reporting. It establishes penalties for fraud and false information on registration applications, requiring dealers and individuals to provide accurate details when obtaining permits or licenses. The legislation also mandates that off-road vehicle state trail passes be available for inspection by law enforcement and conservation officers, while setting specific fees for resident and nonresident passes. Additionally, the bill removes an expanded assessment harvest for lake trout and modifies reporting requirements for annual water use reports.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts access to licensed child care centers in Minnesota by federal immigration and customs enforcement agents. It requires these agents to present valid identification, a written statement of purpose, and a judicial warrant before entering, with approval needed from the center's license holder. The law also mandates that when access is granted, agents must limit their presence to areas where children are not present. The measure applies to all licensed and license-exempt child care centers, excluding situations where state or federal law requires entry for program administration.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency to identify and report on emerging PFAS chemicals that could harm human health or the environment, with updates submitted every three years. It mandates the development of a management protocol by January 2028 that considers how to regulate these substances and places pollution control costs on the sources that create them. The legislation also directs the agency to establish water quality standards for PFOA and PFOS by the same deadline, specifically covering Class 2 waters. The bill includes provisions for public review and comment on the management protocol before it is finalized.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota counties, cities, and joint government entities from entering contracts with the federal government to provide detention facilities for people held under federal immigration law. It makes any existing or future agreements for this purpose void, regardless of when they were signed. The law directly affects local governments that currently or potentially provide space for federal immigration detention. It does not impact other types of detention or immigration enforcement activities.

Maddy summarySF 3589 extends the expiration date for Hennepin and Ramsey Counties' deed and mortgage taxes from 2028 to 2036. This means property transactions involving deeds or mortgages in these counties will continue to be subject to these local taxes beyond the original 2028 deadline. The extension applies to all deeds and mortgages acknowledged on or after July 1, 2026, ensuring the tax authority remains in effect through 2036.

Maddy summarySF 3660 requires Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) to investigate criminal sexual conduct cases and officer-involved deaths involving federal agents, such as those from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The bill expands the BCA's existing duty - currently covering local peace officers - to include federal agents by amending definitions and investigation requirements in state law. This change ensures incidents involving federal agents operating in Minnesota are handled by the state's Use of Force Investigations Unit rather than federal or local agencies. The bill does not alter current responsibilities for local law enforcement but explicitly adds federal agents to the scope of BCA investigations.

Maddy summarySF 4008 appropriates $1.2 million from the state general fund to the Neighborhood Development Center for a new facility called "The Ruckus," designed to support entrepreneurs moving from startup to substantial revenue growth. The funds will cover developing three specific programs: a technology/business accelerator for scaling ideas, a beauty/wellness production program for compliant product launches, and a retail readiness initiative for consumer brands. Equipment, program design, and partnerships with industry and capital providers will be funded using this one-time appropriation, which expires June 30, 2028. This directly affects the Neighborhood Development Center and local entrepreneurs seeking structured growth support.