Sen. Jordan Rasmusson

Maddy summarySF 2608 would create Minnesota's participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/VNs) licensed in Minnesota (their "home state") to practice in other participating states without needing separate licenses. The bill establishes mutual recognition of licenses across states that join the compact, requiring nurses to meet Minnesota's licensing standards and pass the NCLEX exam. It directly affects Minnesota nurses seeking to work in other compact states and healthcare facilities in those states. The compact does not change Minnesota's own licensing rules but enables cross-state practice through standardized mutual recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits counties and municipalities from requiring or incentivizing the creation of homeowners associations (HOAs) as a condition for residential permits or developments. It also bans local governments from mandating HOA documents to include terms not already required by state law or from requiring HOAs to adopt, revoke, or amend such terms. The law directly affects homeowners and HOAs by preventing local authorities from imposing these requirements or incentives. It amends Minnesota Statutes to clarify that counties and municipalities cannot condition residential approvals on HOA membership or additional governance rules beyond state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates funds from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to improve water quality at Lake Alice. It provides a two-year grant to the city of Fergus Falls to address water-quality concerns using nonchemical, flow-through methods. The city must use the funds for services like water testing, infrastructure upgrades, training, and maintenance. The grant is administered through the Pollution Control Agency and specifically targets Lake Alice in Fergus Falls.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded reimbursement program for postsecondary schools that provide certified in-service use-of-force training to peace officers in Minnesota. It appropriates $2.5 million from the general fund to reimburse schools $450 per officer for training that meets specific requirements, including scenario-based exercises with nonlethal ammunition, stress management instruction, de-escalation techniques, and bias training. The training must be free for peace officers and law enforcement agencies, and schools must submit officer details to the Office of Higher Education for reimbursement. The program directly affects certified peace officers and the educational institutions delivering their required training.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota's requirements for assessments in assisted living facilities. It requires facilities to conduct a nursing assessment by a registered nurse before a resident moves in or signs a contract, allowing telehealth assessments when distance or urgent circumstances prevent in-person visits. The bill sets specific timelines: initial assessments must occur within 14 days of service start, ongoing assessments must happen as needed but no more than every 90 days, and annual assessments are required. Additionally, facilities must inform prospective residents about available long-term care consultation services under state law.

Maddy summarySF 2304, the Minnesota Elections Integrity Act, requires voters to present photo identification to register and to cast a ballot in person. It creates a free voter identification card program (with no fee for those needing it for voting) and mandates ID verification for individuals assisting with absentee ballots or providing help at polling places. The bill also establishes provisional ballots for voters who can't provide ID at the polls and increases criminal penalties for certain election violations. These changes apply to all Minnesota voters participating in elections, with the new ID card system and related provisions effective June 1, 2026.

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 summaryThe Minnesota Starter Home Act (SF 2229) allows municipalities to permit single-family homes, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units in most residential zones without requiring new comprehensive plan amendments until 2029. It directly affects local governments (which must adopt these zoning changes), homeowners (who can build or rent these units), and developers (who can construct these housing types). Key provisions include exempting these housing types from complex planning processes, defining "affordable housing" as units with income restrictions for 10+ years, and requiring only a simple majority vote for affordable housing amendments. The bill aims to increase housing options by streamlining local zoning rules for starter homes.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for individuals who engage in prostitution with minors or hire minors for sexual acts in Minnesota. It establishes tiered penalties based on the minor's age: up to 30 years in prison or $40,000 fine for offenses involving minors under 14, up to 20 years/$40,000 for those aged 14-15, and up to 15 years/$30,000 for those aged 16-17. The bill also increases penalties for hiring or agreeing to hire minors in all age groups, with fines up to $20,000 and prison terms up to 10 years for 14-17 year olds. These changes apply to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum annual employer contribution limit for the higher education supplemental retirement plan from $2,700 to $4,300 per employee. It directly affects employees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities covered by the supplemental retirement plan under chapter 354C. The key change amends Minnesota Statutes section 356.24 to allow matching employer contributions up to $4,300 yearly, replacing the previous $2,700 cap. The change applies to plans established in collective bargaining agreements or personnel policies for these employees.