Sen. Jordan Rasmusson

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $100,000 from the general fund for the Direct Care and Treatment executive board to plan a new locked psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) operated by Direct Care and Treatment. It requires the board to submit a detailed report by March 1, 2026, covering location risks/benefits, build-out costs, ongoing maintenance expenses, and potential revenue from medical assistance programs. The funding is a one-time appropriation available until June 30, 2027, and applies specifically to planning the facility's construction, not the building itself. The bill directly affects the Direct Care and Treatment executive board and the state's mental health service delivery system.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends funding for Minnesota's supported-decision-making programs, which help people with disabilities make their own choices with support instead of relying on guardianship. It requires the state commissioner to submit two reports (by December 2024 and 2025) tracking how grant money increased the use of supported decision-making and reduced guardianship/conservatorship. The bill transfers unspent fiscal year 2024 funds to fiscal year 2026 for these programs. It directly affects people with disabilities who use these support services and the organizations providing them.

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 summaryThis bill establishes a supplemental monthly payment rate of up to $750 for long-term residential facilities in Blue Earth County that serve 20 beds specifically for chemically dependent women requiring 24-hour supervision and support services. It amends Minnesota Statutes by adding a new subdivision to Section 256I.05, creating this separate payment rate effective July 1, 2026. The rate applies only to facilities meeting these precise criteria within Blue Earth County and excludes standard housing support rates. It directly affects providers operating such facilities by providing additional funding for this targeted population.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $55,000 annually from the general fund to the Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs for its STARS program. The funds support students in alternative education programs (such as alternative schools or non-traditional settings) by helping them develop employment, academic, and social skills through trainings and conferences. The appropriation applies to fiscal years 2026, 2027, and establishes a $55,000 base amount for 2028 and later. It directly affects students in alternative programs by providing resources for skill-building activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $600,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to Metropolitan State University. The funds will allow the university to contract with a cyber range vendor to create a simulated environment for cybersecurity training. This training will be available to enrolled students and state/local government agencies to develop skills for countering cyberattacks. The funding is a one-time appropriation, available until June 30, 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's tax classification for "homestead resort properties" (Class 1c), clarifying which resort properties qualify for a special tax rate. To qualify, properties must have at least three rental units (e.g., cabins, condos, or RV sites), limit commercial rentals to 250 days per year, and include owner-occupancy (where owners live in the property as homesteads via corporate or partnership ownership). Qualifying properties receive a reduced tax rate of 0.45% on the first $50,000 of value, with the remainder taxed at standard rates. This directly affects resort owners seeking tax benefits for properties blending owner residence with seasonal rentals, such as lakeside resorts.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally acknowledges the strong historical and cultural ties between Norway and Minnesota, recognizing the significant contributions of Norwegian immigrants to the state's communities and traditions. The bill highlights shared values such as democratic governance and resilience in cold weather, while celebrating specific cultural events and organizations that preserve Norwegian heritage. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to create an official copy of the resolution and send it to the Norwegian Parliament delegation as a gesture of welcome and partnership. Because this is a ceremonial measure rather than a law with enforceable rules, it does not alter existing statutes or create new legal obligations for citizens or government agencies.

Maddy summarySF 1501 increases penalties for intentionally obstructing traffic on freeways or airport roadways by elevating the offense to a gross misdemeanor. It directly affects individuals who block traffic entering, exiting, or moving on these specific routes with the intent to disrupt flow, excluding law enforcement, emergency responders, airport authorities, and utility workers performing official duties. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes § 609.74 to clarify that such obstruction on "freeways" (divided highways with ramp access) or "airport property" constitutes a gross misdemeanor, effective August 1, 2025. This change specifically targets deliberate traffic disruptions at critical transportation access points.

Maddy summarySF 1901 appropriates $1.525 million annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to support children's museums across Minnesota. The bill allocates specific annual amounts to 12 designated museums (including The Works in Bloomington and the Duluth Children's Museum) for interactive exhibits and outreach programs focused on arts and cultural heritage. Eligible museums must meet IRS criteria for children's museums. This funding directly supports these institutions' educational programming for children and families statewide.