This bill proposes a tax on plastic bottles sold in Minnesota to raise money for water infrastructure projects. The tax would apply to distributors of sealed plastic bottles containing beverages under three liters, excluding infant formula and regulated drugs. Collected funds would be placed in a dedicated state account managed by the Public Facilities Authority to finance specific water system improvements. The measure is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and would expire on December 31, 2031.
This bill establishes a state program to ensure all pedestrian crossings in Minnesota meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards by December 31, 2035. It requires the Department of Transportation to create an inventory of every crossing, categorize them by compliance status, and maintain a public database tracking these updates. To fund the necessary repairs, the bill authorizes the use of state money and the sale of bonds to provide grants for local road authorities, prioritizing smaller communities and areas with lower-income residents. Local entities can use these funds to inspect crossings, hire contractors for repairs, or pay off debt related to the work. The legislation also mandates the creation of regional contracts to manage the construction of accessible crossings across the state.
This bill adjusts the funding forecast for special transportation services provided by the Metropolitan Council in Minnesota. It increases the allocated budget for these services, which include programs like Metro Mobility and Metro Move, from approximately $112.5 million to $121.4 million. The legislation also raises the total appropriation from the state's general fund to the council from roughly $120.1 million to $131 million. These changes update the financial projections for the upcoming fiscal year to reflect revised spending estimates.
This bill authorizes the issuance of up to $20 million in state bonds to fund construction and upgrades at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center. The funds will be used to improve existing facilities, such as the heating and cooling systems and milking equipment, and to build a new structure for veterinary care, animal feeding, and administrative work. The legislation directs the state's management and budget commissioner to sell these bonds to generate the necessary capital for the project.
This bill creates a new tax in Minnesota that targets individuals and organizations convicted of fraud or those identified by the state revenue commissioner as having obtained money through deceitful means. The tax requires anyone who has successfully defrauded state programs to pay back 100 percent of the stolen amount, regardless of any existing fines or restitution already ordered by courts. The state revenue commissioner is tasked with investigating suspected fraud, setting up a system to collect these payments, and ensuring the recovered funds are used specifically for income and property tax relief. The law applies retroactively to fraud cases determined after December 31, 2019, and also covers people who were paid to help commit the fraud.
This bill authorizes funding to help businesses in Two Harbors cope with disruptions caused by road construction on Trunk Highway 61. It directs the Department of Employment and Economic Development to create a grant program for local companies that face issues like reduced access, parking problems, or visibility loss due to the project. To qualify, a business must be located in the 55616 zip code, have 100 or fewer employees, and demonstrate specific negative impacts from the construction work. The grants can cover payroll and operating costs but cannot be used for bonuses, new equipment, or expanding facilities. Additionally, the bill requires the department to submit a detailed report on all awarded grants to state legislators by January 15, 2029.
This bill limits the implementation of Minnesota's traffic safety camera pilot program by establishing specific rules for red light and speed camera citations. It mandates that first-time offenders receive a warning instead of a fine, while second offenses are eligible for a traffic safety course that avoids a conviction. The penalties apply only to violations occurring between August 1, 2025, and the day following the bill's final enactment, with stricter rules for commercial drivers. Additionally, the law provides exemptions from fines for situations such as stolen vehicles, medical emergencies, and cases where the vehicle owner was not driving at the time of the violation.
This bill modifies the eligibility and funding distribution for Minnesota's Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation Program to better support specific sectors like dairy, organic farming, and biofuels. It allocates money for targeted initiatives such as robotic dairy equipment, hemp fiber processing, and grants to help local businesses transition to organic certification or install biofuel dispensers. The legislation also establishes new funding streams for mental health support for farmers, assistance for school food programs, and incentives for county fairs. By carving out specific portions of the program's budget, the bill directs state resources toward modernization, sustainability, and community-based food systems while maintaining oversight through annual reporting requirements.
This bill eliminates the Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority and transfers its remaining debt obligations to the commissioner of management and budget. The legislation repeals the existing statute that established the authority, which was previously tasked with funding clean energy and emissions reduction projects through grants and loans. All outstanding debt from the authority incurred under this law must be moved to the state budget office by June 30, 2026. The changes take effect immediately upon enactment, while the repeal of the authority's governing statute is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026.
This bill modifies a previous funding allocation to provide $5 million to the city of Winona for completing a specific segment of the Mississippi Riverfront Trail. The funds are designated for final design, engineering, and construction of a trail connection between Levee Park and Lions Park. Any remaining money after this project is finished can be used to extend the trail further within the city. The changes take effect immediately upon the bill's final passage.
This bill increases state funding for the Metropolitan Council's special transportation services, which primarily assist people with disabilities and those who cannot drive. The legislation raises the total appropriation from the general fund by approximately $8.9 million, specifically directing an additional $9 million to programs like Metro Mobility and Metro Move. These financial adjustments are intended to update the budget forecast for these services in the upcoming fiscal year. The bill does not change service eligibility or operational rules, but rather provides more money to support existing transportation initiatives.
This bill authorizes the issuance of up to $20 million in state bonds to fund construction and upgrades at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center. The funds will be used to improve existing facilities, such as the heating and cooling systems and milking equipment, and to build a new research and educational building. These projects aim to support agricultural research and education by providing modern infrastructure for dairy operations and related activities. The legislation requires the sale of state bonds to generate the necessary capital and takes effect immediately upon final passage.