Sen. Steve Cwodzinski

Maddy summarySF 3210 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities by public or private entities receiving state funding in Minnesota. The bill requires these organizations to provide reasonable accommodations and ensures people with disabilities cannot be excluded from services or denied benefits due to their disability. It specifically bans the denial of access to service animals in public places like restaurants and hotels, and prohibits charging extra fees for service animals. This law directly affects state-funded organizations and individuals with disabilities across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permanent Commanders Task Force to advise Minnesota's governor, legislature, and Department of Veterans Affairs on issues affecting veterans and their families. The task force will be made up of elected leaders from eight specific veteran service organizations operating in Minnesota, including the American Legion, VFW, and Disabled American Veterans. Members will meet regularly, elect their own leadership, and serve as a communication bridge between state government and veteran organizations without receiving state compensation. The group will focus on providing recommendations related to veterans' services and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Maddy summaryHF 2433 is a comprehensive education finance bill that amends multiple statutes governing K-12 education funding in Minnesota. It directly affects public school districts, nonpublic schools, and students by modifying transportation provisions, including how districts provide and fund transportation for both public and nonpublic school students. Key mechanisms include requiring school boards to provide equal transportation within districts, allowing written agreements between public districts and nonpublic schools for shared transportation services, and establishing rules for retaining transportation aid. The bill also adjusts funding formulas and requires reporting on nonpublic transportation expenditures. It applies to all Minnesota school districts serving kindergarten through grade 12.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permanent Commanders Task Force to advise Minnesota's governor, legislature, and Department of Veterans Affairs on issues affecting veterans and their families. The task force will be composed of elected leaders from eight major veteran service organizations operating in the state, including the American Legion, VFW, and Disabled American Veterans. Members will meet regularly to discuss policy matters and act as a communication bridge between state government and veteran groups, but they will not receive any payment or expense reimbursement for their service.

Maddy summarySF 2255 is an appropriations bill that adjusts funding for Minnesota's K-12 education system, primarily focusing on transportation aid for public and nonpublic schools. It amends statutes to clarify how school districts can transport students from nonpublic schools, including rules for sharing transportation costs and retaining state aid for these services. The bill requires school districts to report on nonpublic student transportation usage and expenditures to the state education commissioner. This directly affects school districts, public school students, and nonpublic schools participating in shared transportation arrangements. The key change streamlines transportation funding mechanisms while maintaining equal access for all students.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally congratulates David Davis, a music teacher in St. Louis Park, on being named the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. The document highlights his specific achievements, noting that he is the first music educator to receive this state honor since 1999 and detailing his recognition for promoting equity and arts education. By passing this resolution, the Senate acknowledges his contributions to public education and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send an official copy of the document to him.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Minnesota calculates and allocates compensatory education funding for school buildings in fiscal years 2027 and 2028. It changes the revenue formula to use a building compensatory allowance multiplied by the number of compensatory pupils, while also setting minimum funding floors to ensure schools receive at least a certain amount. The legislation allows districts to reallocate up to 40 percent of compensatory funds to different school sites based on board-approved plans, up from the usual 20 percent limit, and appropriates $55.6 million in state funding to support these changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Minnesota Historical Society to enter into contracts with counties, municipalities, or local historical societies to manage and operate state historic sites. The key provision permits these contracted organizations to keep admission fees collected at the sites and receive grants-in-aid for operational and maintenance costs. This change expands the types of entities that can directly manage state historic sites beyond the current restrictions. The bill takes effect immediately upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill corrects a technical error in Minnesota's education funding law by updating a reference to outdated statutes. It modifies how school districts calculate deductions from general education aid by removing obsolete references to sections 127A.34 and 272.029. The change directly affects school districts receiving state education funding, ensuring their deductions align with current law. This is a procedural fix with no impact on actual funding amounts or policy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 175th anniversary of the Young Men's Christian Association, recognizing its long history of service in Minnesota and across the nation. The bill formally acknowledges the YMCA's contributions to youth development, health programs, and community support, highlighting specific achievements such as the invention of basketball and the establishment of Father's Day. By passing this resolution, the Senate expresses appreciation for the organization's ongoing work with employees and volunteers to strengthen families and foster well-being.