This bill appropriates $2 million from the state's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to support the Build Wealth MN program. The funds will be used to expand a special credit loan program that provides affordable mortgages to underserved borrowers, particularly in communities of color. The money is designated as a one-time grant to the Housing Finance Agency commissioner for administering the program. This legislation directly affects the state's housing finance operations and the specific group of borrowers targeted by the loan pool.
This bill creates a new state funding program to support the expansion and maintenance of Minnesota's public safety radio network, known as ARMER. It removes the requirement for counties to pay for this network using local taxes while allowing them to voluntarily contribute up to 25% of specific project costs through a new state-managed account. The legislation also establishes a framework for different agencies, such as police and fire departments, to communicate with each other effectively during emergencies. Additionally, the bill mandates annual reports on how the state funds are used and gives officials the authority to create rules for managing these communications systems.
This bill updates the rules for calculating property tax levy limits for local governmental units in Minnesota, taking effect for taxes payable in 2027 and later. It changes how the base amount for these limits is determined by using the final tax levy from the previous year instead of the prior year's levy aid base. Additionally, the bill modifies how the base is adjusted to account for inflation and population changes, removing previous caps on inflation adjustments and eliminating the factor for new construction growth. These changes aim to provide a more flexible framework for local governments to set their future property tax collections.
This bill expands and clarifies the procedures for the Minnesota Clemency Review Commission and Board of Pardons to improve how clemency applications are processed. It establishes new panels of three members to prescreen applications, allowing them to recommend denial or referral for a hearing without requiring the applicant to attend the initial review. The legislation also modifies eligibility rules for pardons and introduces a mechanism for waiving waiting periods in cases of unusual circumstances, while granting governors the authority to waive hearing requirements for specific petitions. Additionally, the bill sets a minimum frequency for board meetings and outlines how victims, law enforcement, and prosecutors may provide input during the review process.
This bill creates a new type of special license plate in Minnesota called "survivor support" plates, which are available to owners of cars, trucks, motorcycles, or recreational vehicles. To obtain these plates, applicants must pay standard registration fees and contribute an additional $30 each year to a state crime victims fund, with no refunds allowed for these contributions. The design for the plates will be developed in consultation with local anti-violence organizations, and the plates can be transferred to another vehicle only if it is registered to the same person. All money collected from the annual contributions will go directly to the crime victims account, and the program is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027.
This bill authorizes the state to issue up to $3.15 million in bonds to fund the St. Cloud Mississippi Riverwalk Connection Project. The money will be given to the city of St. Cloud to design, build, and equip a public walkway along the river, including trails, lighting, and shoreline improvements. The funds are intended for construction and related infrastructure work, and the law takes effect immediately upon passage.
This bill authorizes the issuance of state bonds to raise up to $5,250,000 for the rehabilitation of the Willard Munger State Trail in Pine County. The funds will be used to design and construct necessary improvements on the trail system between the cities of Hinckley and Finlayson. The bill directs the commissioner of natural resources to manage the project and requires the commissioner of management and budget to handle the bond sale. It takes effect immediately upon final enactment.
This bill appropriates $5 million from the state's general fund to support the construction of a community center on the White Earth Reservation. The funds are designated for the White Earth Band of Ojibwe to cover costs related to design, site preparation, construction, and equipping the facility. Once built, the center will offer spaces for health services, wellness activities, and community gatherings open to both Tribal and non-Tribal residents. This is a one-time allocation that remains available until the project is finished or discontinued.
This bill expands and refines the procedures for Minnesota's Clemency Review Commission and Board of Pardons to improve how clemency requests are evaluated. It establishes new panels of three members to prescreen applications, allowing these panels to recommend denial or refer cases for a full hearing without requiring the applicant to attend. The legislation also clarifies rules for victim participation, permitting them to speak in closed sessions or submit confidential statements under specific circumstances, while maintaining requirements for applicants to appear unless granted a waiver by the governor. Additionally, the bill sets a minimum frequency for board meetings and authorizes the creation of rules to streamline expedited processing for certain pardon applications.
This bill requires the Minnesota Department of Human Services to implement consistent policies for managing grants and mandates training for its staff who handle grant-related tasks. Employees involved in reviewing applications, awarding funds, or disbursing payments must complete comprehensive, in-person training at no cost to them during work hours before performing these duties. The legislation also obligates the department to train grant recipients on compliance requirements, such as reporting and payment procedures, as a condition for receiving funding. Additionally, the department must keep detailed records of all training sessions for three years and ensure that training materials are interactive and led by qualified instructors.
This bill authorizes the state to issue up to $3.4 million in bonds to fund infrastructure improvements for the 5th Avenue South Campus and Downtown Connection project in St. Cloud. The funds will be used to acquire land rights and to design, build, and equip public infrastructure for the project. The money will be distributed as a grant to the city of St. Cloud through the commissioner of employment and economic development. This legislation takes effect immediately upon final passage.
This bill requires individuals who own firearms in Minnesota to purchase and maintain liability insurance that covers damages from accidental or negligent discharges. The insurance must provide a minimum coverage of $250,000 per occurrence, and owners currently holding firearms must secure this coverage by February 15, 2027. Failure to obtain or keep this insurance is classified as a misdemeanor, with repeat offenses punishable as a gross misdemeanor and mandatory fines. Additionally, the bill mandates that insurers collect a surcharge on these policies, which will be deposited into a state fund designated for gun harm reduction. Law enforcement and active-duty military personnel acting in their official capacities are exempt from these requirements.
