Sen. Foung Hawj

Maddy summarySF 4000 appropriates $50,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to create a voluntary registry for historic barns built before 1959. It directly affects landowners of qualifying barns, allowing them to register their structures and share historical and location details. The key mechanism is funding the Minnesota Historical Society to operate this registry, documenting barns across Minnesota. This bill establishes a formal system for preserving and mapping these historic agricultural structures without imposing requirements on landowners.

Maddy summarySF 4004 appropriates $160,000 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2027 to Lao Culture Dance and Traditional Fashion Show LLC. The grant supports the organization's work teaching traditional Lao dance and fashion arts through education and public programming for Minnesota youth and families. This bill directly funds specific cultural activities by a nonprofit focused on preserving and sharing Lao heritage. The funding mechanism is a one-time appropriation for designated programming, not a broad policy change.

Maddy summarySF 3999 repeals a requirement that recipients of Minnesota's natural resources trust fund must obtain written approval from the commissioner of natural resources before acquiring land or property interests using that funding. This bill directly affects state agencies and organizations receiving trust fund appropriations for land purchases, removing a step that previously required submitting acquisition details to the commissioner at least 10 business days in advance. The key change eliminates the commissioner's approval process for these land acquisitions, streamlining the purchase procedure. The repeal applies to all land acquisitions funded by the trust fund, except for specific cases already exempted under existing law, such as conservation easements held by the Board of Water and Soil Resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $300,000 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2027 to the Cambodian American Partnership of Minnesota. The grant will fund a cultural preservation project and public education initiative focused on documenting, preserving, and sharing the history, traditions, and lived experiences of Cambodian Minnesotans. The funds directly support the nonprofit organization's efforts to maintain and share this community's heritage through documented storytelling and educational programming. This is a straightforward funding measure with no additional regulatory requirements or policy changes beyond the grant allocation.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3 million from the general fund for a one-time grant to the Immigrant Development Center, a nonprofit organization in Moorhead. The funds will support acquiring, renovating, and reconstructing a building to create a cultural mall housing 75 businesses and creating 140 jobs. The grant covers specific uses including building acquisition, demolition, system improvements, and interior renovations. The project directly affects the Immigrant Development Center and Moorhead businesses by enabling this economic development initiative.

Maddy summaryThis is a resolution (not a bill with legal effect), not a law. It condemns U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) actions during "Operation Metro Surge" in Minnesota, citing specific incidents including the deaths of two Minnesotans (Renee Good and Alex Pretti) and widespread reports of unlawful detentions, harassment, and constitutional rights violations. The resolution calls for a full investigation and accountability for federal officials involved. It directly affects Minnesotans who experienced these enforcement actions and their communities, which reported trauma, economic disruption, and safety concerns. The resolution is symbolic, urging federal officials to address these issues but not creating new legal requirements.

Maddy summarySF 3 is an omnibus appropriations bill that allocates state funding for various environment and natural resources programs. It would provide budget authority to state agencies managing parks, wildlife conservation, water quality initiatives, and environmental protection efforts. The bill does not change existing laws but sets specific financial resources for these programs during the upcoming fiscal year. This funding would directly support how these agencies operate and deliver services to the public.

Maddy summaryHF 2563 appropriates $23,000 in fiscal year 2026 to maintain the Legislative Coordinating Commission's dedicated website for legacy funding. The funds come from four existing Minnesota legacy funds: $7,000 from the outdoor heritage fund, $7,000 from the clean water fund, $5,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund, and $4,000 from the parks and trails fund. This bill directly affects the Legislative Coordinating Commission, which is required by law to operate this website under Minnesota Statutes section 3.303, subdivision 10. The legislation ensures ongoing maintenance of this resource without creating new programs or altering funding allocation mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3 million in state bond funds to the Sanneh Foundation (a nonprofit) for renovating and expanding St. Paul's Conway Recreation Center. The funding will create a permanent food distribution center, senior center, health clinic, and women's athletic center at the facility. The state will issue up to $3 million in bonds under Minnesota law to finance these improvements. The project directly benefits St. Paul residents through enhanced community services and facilities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes Kevin Cher Chai Vang for his significant contributions to the Hmong community and his advocacy for Hmong culture. The document highlights his personal history as a refugee from Laos who established multiple businesses and served in leadership roles for over thirty years, including as a traditional funeral rites master. It also honors his wife, Mai Yee Yang Vang, acknowledging her support and leadership within their family and community enterprises. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to create an official copy of the document to be presented to the Vang couple as a tribute to their achievements.