Sen. Eric Pratt

Maddy summarySF 3887 allows watershed districts, watershed management organizations, and towns with over 100 employees to self-insure for employee health benefits like long-term disability (but not life insurance). The bill requires self-insurance plans to meet legal benefit standards and be certified by the Department of Commerce before use. It also mandates that employers consult with employee representatives before adopting or dissolving self-insurance plans and provides options for employees to enroll in external insurance at their own expense. This expands existing self-insurance options previously limited to cities and counties.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies training requirements for child care providers in Minnesota to better address abusive head trauma prevention. It directly affects directors, staff, substitutes, volunteers, and caregivers working with children under school age in licensed child care programs. The key changes require interactive training sessions of at least 30 minutes that cover shaking risks, prevention methods, and parent communication, rather than passive learning methods like reading or watching videos alone. The bill also establishes a video presentation resource for training and sets an effective date of January 1, 2027, for these new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of state bonds to fund road improvements along Marked Trunk Highway 13 in Savage and Burnsville, Minnesota. The legislation allocates $18.4 million for intersection upgrades at specific local streets and an additional $50.1 million for broader highway improvements in the area. Funds will be used for property acquisition, engineering design, and construction work, with the state transportation commissioner responsible for distributing the money. The bill requires the sale of state bonds to raise the necessary capital and takes effect immediately upon final passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to direct $2 million annually from electronic pull-tab gambling revenue to support the Minnesota-bred Thoroughbred industry starting in fiscal year 2027. The funds would be given to the Minnesota Racing Commission to increase race purses for local horse races and provide financial incentives to breeders and owners. Additionally, the bill maintains existing rules that allocate a portion of pull-tab revenue to problem gambling treatment and awareness programs. Although the legislation was introduced in April 2026, it was withdrawn and not passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the sale of up to $4.1 million in state bonds to fund trail improvements along Trunk Highway 13 in Prior Lake. The funds will be used to design and build three sections of a multiuse path on the highway's west side, aiming to create a safer route to schools and better access for pedestrians and cyclists. The legislation requires the state to issue these bonds and deposit the proceeds into a dedicated account for the project's construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill terminates the prior appropriation funding for the PROMISE grant program in Minnesota. It directly affects the state's budget for economic development by removing a specific funding line item. The legislation amends existing laws to adjust financial allocations for various business and community development initiatives, such as grants for small business centers and contaminated site cleanup. By ending the previous funding method, the bill shifts how these programs receive financial support, though it does not eliminate the programs themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program in Minnesota to fund safety improvements at public and private schools, including day care centers. The program will provide money for both large capital projects like building upgrades and smaller noncapital items such as security equipment and software. Schools must apply through the Minnesota School Safety Center, which will maintain a list of approved vendors to ensure quality and experience. Grant funds can be used for specific security features like bullet-resistant doors, remote lock-down systems, emergency communication tools, and staff training on safety protocols. The bill also requires applicants to submit detailed project descriptions, cost estimates, and explanations of why the improvements are needed based on the school's student population.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of up to $3.5 million in state bonds to fund improvements for the City of Belle Plaine's public safety facility. The funds will be used to prepare the site and renovate, expand, furnish, and equip the existing building to address safety, security, and operational needs. The legislation directs the state commissioner of management and budget to sell these bonds and provide the money to the commissioner of public safety for distribution as a grant. Once enacted, the bill becomes effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that cement, concrete, and steel used in state-funded infrastructure, transportation, housing, and public facility projects be manufactured in the United States. The law applies to all procurement contracts authorized after its enactment and defines "made in the United States" as materials where foreign components cost less than five percent of the total. Agencies may grant waivers if such materials are unavailable, would increase project costs by more than 25 percent, or are needed for an emergency, with all waivers published online within 30 days. Additionally, the bill directs state officials to provide guidance on these requirements and update policies to offer a bid preference to projects committing to using products made in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how child care providers in Minnesota can challenge correction orders issued by the state's Department of Children, Youth, and Families. It allows licensed family child care providers to request a review of an order within 20 days if they believe it contains errors, requiring them to explain the mistake and provide supporting evidence. The legislation also introduces a new process for providers to ask for official guidance on ambiguous rules before formally appealing an order. Additionally, the bill restricts when the department can publicly post these correction orders online, delaying publication until after the review period or any appeal is resolved. These changes are intended to give providers more clarity and time to address compliance issues, with the new rules taking effect on January 1, 2027.