Sen. Rob Farnsworth

Maddy summarySF 2683 eliminates Minnesota's North Star Promise scholarship program, which provided need-based aid to low-income students attending public colleges. The bill repeals the program's legal authority (Minnesota Statutes §136A.1465) and transfers any remaining program funds to the state grant program for broader use. This directly affects students who would have received North Star Promise scholarships beginning in the fall 2025 term. The bill also requires annual reporting on student aid programs but does not change current scholarship awards for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Maddy summarySF 2528 requires North Star Promise scholarship recipients in Minnesota to live and work in the state for three years after completing their degree or certificate program (starting within six months of graduation). If they fail to meet this requirement, their scholarship converts to a repayable student loan for the full amount plus interest. The bill applies to students receiving scholarships awarded for fall 2026 and later, directly affecting low-income Minnesota residents pursuing postsecondary education through this program. Limited waivers exist if recipients haven't completed their program, aren't enrolled in college, or face extreme hardship.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $450,000 for fiscal years 2026-2027 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 to fund employment support services for individuals with disabilities in Minnesota. It directs funds to Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI) for two specific programs: (1) grants to create inclusive employment opportunities, and (2) career skills training using virtual reality tools. MDI must report on participant demographics, program hours, employer outreach, and recommendations by January 2028. The funding is one-time and focuses on expanding accessible job training and placement services for people with disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill revokes specific rule changes to Minnesota's teaching standards that were previously published in the State Register (volume 47, page 988). It directly affects educators and school districts in Minnesota by reinstating the prior teaching standards of effective practice. The key mechanism is a simple declaration that the amendments to Minnesota Rules, part 8710.2000, are void and do not take effect. The bill makes no new policy provisions, only reversing a prior administrative rule change. It is effective the day after final enactment.

Maddy summarySF 2497 raises Minnesota's minimum age for juvenile delinquency from 10 to 13 years. It amends statutes to exclude children under 13 from being classified as "delinquent children" for most offenses committed before their 13th birthday, effective August 1, 2026. This change applies to both general delinquency (Minnesota Statutes 260B.007) and juvenile petty offenses (Minnesota Statutes 260B.007, subdivision 16). The bill directly affects children under 13 who commit offenses that would otherwise be handled in juvenile court. It does not apply to serious crimes like murder or sex offenses involving minors.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides state funding to support ambulance services in rural or low-population areas. It authorizes $15 million annually (2026-2027) to pay eligible ambulance providers with 30 or fewer emergency calls per square mile. Aid is calculated in three parts: 20% equally distributed, 40% based on service area size (capped at 1,200 square miles), and 40% based on a tiered point system for emergency responses. Recipients must spend funds within two years on licensed ambulance services within their primary service area and submit annual usage reports.

Maddy summarySF 2382 allows conservation officers in Minnesota to have certified sporting group dogs accompany them during patrols under specific conditions. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 84.0286, requiring dogs to be AKC sporting breeds, fully vaccinated, healthy, and non-aggressive, with officers personally certifying these conditions and assuming liability. Officers must take responsibility for any damage or injury caused by the dog, and the state, commissioner, or department is not liable. This directly affects conservation officers seeking to use trained dogs during patrols. The bill focuses on safety protocols and liability for dog-assisted patrols.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for human trafficking offenses and prohibits employers from knowingly hiring individuals without legal U.S. work authorization. It makes using a fake ID to verify employment status a felony (up to 2 years in prison or $5,000 fine) and requires employers to terminate unauthorized employees. Employers violating these rules face fines up to $10,000 per violation and potential license suspensions for 14 days. State agencies must also report annual spending on assistance to people without legal status by December 15 each year. The bill directly affects employers, individuals seeking work verification, and state agencies providing services to non-citizens.

Maddy summarySF 1983 extends an existing appropriation for the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency to build a regional hub building in Minnesota's Arrowhead region. The bill modifies a 2024 law to extend the timeframe for using $12,207,000 allocated for this specific project, which will provide workforce development services. It does not create new funding but ensures existing resources can be used to complete the hub construction and services. The regional hub will serve local residents and businesses through workforce training and support programs in the Arrowhead area.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $5 million from state bond proceeds to fund capital improvements at Aitkin's wastewater treatment facility. The funds will cover design, construction, and renovation of the facility, including clarifier construction, replacement of electrical/mechanical/plumbing systems, and other site or building upgrades. The Public Facilities Authority will administer the grant to the city of Aitkin for these specific projects. The state will issue up to $5 million in bonds to finance this appropriation under Minnesota's bond laws.