Rep. Ron Kresha

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts state education funding forecasts for Minnesota's prekindergarten through grade 12 programs for the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years. It directly affects school districts by modifying the amounts of various state aid categories, including general education aid, abatement aid, and career and technical education funding. The legislation updates specific dollar amounts in existing state laws to reflect revised financial projections, with some categories seeing increases while others experience decreases. These changes are administrative adjustments to the state's education finance formula rather than new programs or policy initiatives.

Maddy summaryHF 3602 requires all Minnesota public schools (K-12) to develop and adopt evidence-based school safety plans by May 2028, with the Minnesota School Safety Center reviewing and approving these plans. The bill establishes a School Safety Advisory Council, appropriates funding for the Center to create a model safety plan, and mandates that schools include mental health support and positive climate efforts in their plans. Schools failing to adopt approved plans must notify parents and staff by August 2028, and the Center must publicly report on compliance by December 2028. The law defines "evidence-based" using research standards like experimental studies or strong research rationale, and requires the Center to employ at least two mental health professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Minnesota commissioner to create rules mandating that schools implement comprehensive, multilayered security systems to protect students from armed attacks. The law directs that specific security measures be finalized through a rulemaking process and may include bullet-resistant doors and windows, ballistic wall panels, remote lock-down systems, unified emergency communication networks, and access control systems for first responders. Schools would also need classroom duress alarms, staff training on emergency protocols, and secure electronic access controls for building entrances and distribution rooms. The bill directly affects school districts and the Minnesota commissioner responsible for state fire code regulations.

Maddy summaryHF 2923 requires the Minnesota State High School League (MSHL) to contract for catastrophic injury insurance covering student athletes, managers, trainers, and cheerleaders participating in league-sponsored activities. The insurance must provide at least $10 million in lifetime coverage per injury (with a $50,000 deductible) for medical care, medications, and related expenses. The bill also mandates MSHL to make final payments to two specific athletes - those injured in a 2011 hockey game and a 2022 football game - to cover costs not paid by insurance, treating these payments as a tax subtraction. This directly affects all student participants in Minnesota high school athletic programs under the MSHL.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents state officials from imposing rules that limit how airports in Minnesota distribute fuel to local communities. It specifically bars the commissioner from creating restrictions on fuel purchasing, storage, or facility management at municipal airports. The law allows the state to still provide financial assistance for fuel facilities while removing barriers to local fuel distribution. This change takes effect immediately after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all schools in Minnesota to implement wearable panic alert systems by the 2026-2027 school year. The law mandates that every staff member at each school facility receive a device capable of transmitting emergency alerts to 911 and triggering campus-wide lockdowns. Schools must provide annual training on using these devices and grant local law enforcement access to security information like camera feeds and building maps. The legislation also authorizes a one-time appropriation from the general fund to reimburse schools for the costs of purchasing and installing these systems.

Maddy summaryHF 957 allows Minnesota school districts and charter schools to transfer unassigned funds between operating accounts during fiscal years 2025-2029 without increasing state aid or property tax authority, requiring written resolutions and public posting. It also permits school boards to formally opt out of complying with specific new state education laws or rules enacted between July 2023 and 2024 (including provisions from 2023-2024 legislative sessions), for the 2025-2026 through 2028-2029 school years. School boards must document and publicly post each opt-out decision and notify the education commissioner. This bill directly affects school districts and charter schools by providing temporary flexibility in fund management and compliance with certain state mandates. The provisions expire after the 2028-2029 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $100,000 from the state's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to support maintenance and repairs for courtesy vehicles and shuttles at small airports in Minnesota. The funding is designated for airports located outside metropolitan counties that are classified as intermediate airports or landing strips. The commissioner of transportation must distribute these grants with a focus on supporting small airports and ensuring regional balance across the state. This is a one-time appropriation intended to help these specific airports maintain their transportation services for passengers and staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new type of special license plate in Minnesota for aviation enthusiasts, allowing vehicle owners to display plates marked with the word "Aviation." To qualify, applicants must own a passenger car, pickup truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle and pay the required registration fees and taxes. The plates can be transferred to another eligible vehicle registered to the same owner for a $5 transfer fee, and they are exempt from certain surcharges. The commissioner will work with aviation associations to design the plates, and the program will begin on January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates how utility companies must interact with railroad rights-of-way in Minnesota by clarifying definitions and establishing application requirements for new crossings. It directly affects utility providers such as electric, gas, water, and telecommunications companies, as well as railroad operators. The bill requires utilities to submit detailed engineering designs and pay standard fees before constructing facilities that cross or run alongside railroad tracks, while also limiting when railroads can require flagging services for safety reasons. Additionally, the bill mandates that railroads update their websites within 30 days of changes to contact information or application procedures. These changes aim to standardize the permitting process and ensure safety while reducing unnecessary delays for utility projects.