Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state wealth tax in Minnesota that would apply to individuals and trusts with taxable wealth exceeding $10 million. The tax would be calculated as one percent of the amount above that threshold, based on the total value of all property owned within Minnesota minus any debts owed by the taxpayer. Property values would be determined using the same valuation methods used for federal estate taxes, and the tax would apply to both residents and nonresidents who own property in the state. The legislation would take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and would be collected in addition to existing state taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires large employers in major Minnesota cities to offer pre-tax commuter benefits to their full-time staff. Specifically, companies located in first-class cities with at least 50 employees within one mile of public transit must allow workers to use pre-tax dollars for transit passes or other qualified transportation expenses like biking and carpooling. The law applies to employees who have worked for at least 120 days and ensures that these benefits do not override existing collective bargaining agreements. Additionally, the bill mandates that local transit authorities create a public map to help identify which employers are subject to these new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Greenhouse Gas Pollution Superfund in Minnesota to address climate change impacts. It establishes a program that requires fossil fuel companies responsible for over one billion metric tons of emissions between 1995 and 2026 to pay into a dedicated account. The collected funds will be used to finance climate change adaptation projects for state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as for disadvantaged communities. The bill defines specific terms like "responsible party" and "covered greenhouse gas emissions" to determine which companies must contribute and what types of projects can receive funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million in state bond proceeds to fund the expansion and renovation of St. David's Center at 1130 Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis. The funds will support early childhood education, children's mental health services, pediatric therapy, and family support programs aimed at improving educational and health outcomes for children and families in Hennepin County. The state will issue bonds up to $10 million to cover these costs, with the project required to use the funds for specific services outlined in the bill. The appropriation is available until the facility project is completed.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a previous requirement that reduced special education funding by $250 million starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The legislation directly affects the state's education finance system and the Department of Education by removing the mandate to cut special education aid appropriations. Under this bill, the commissioner of management and budget will no longer be required to assume the $250 million reduction when preparing state revenue forecasts, and the commissioner of education will not need to adjust the special education cross subsidy aid factor to make up any shortfall. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026, restoring the previous funding structure for special education aid.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Minnesota Business Recovery Loan Program to provide financial assistance to businesses that have suffered revenue losses exceeding 30% due to staffing shortages or disruptions caused by increased immigration enforcement activities. The program allocates $100 million in one-time funding, with $18 million designated for zero-interest loans to businesses in greater Minnesota and $82 million for zero-interest loans to businesses in the seven-county metropolitan area through nonprofit lenders. To qualify, businesses must be Minnesota-based, in good standing, and demonstrate that their revenue decline stems from immigration-related events between the bill's enactment and December 1, 2025. Loan amounts vary by business size and location, ranging from $25,000 to $200,000, and funds must be used exclusively for business operations within Minnesota rather than debt repayment or real estate investment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a task force to examine permanent school trust lands located within or near Tribal lands in Minnesota. The group will include representatives from Tribal nations, state agencies, and legislative leaders to study land exchange policies and identify barriers to transferring these lands. The task force must propose recommendations for land management and funding sources and submit a final report to the legislature by February 2027. State funding is appropriated to cover the administrative and technical support needed for the task force's operations.

Maddy summaryHF 3476 establishes Minnesota's Patient-Centered Care program, which directly affects medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees by changing how healthcare providers are paid. The bill requires the state to pay healthcare providers directly for services (instead of through managed care plans), authorizes contracting with administrative organizations for tasks like claims processing (without financial risk), and mandates care coordination services. Key provisions include fee-for-service payments to providers, flat payments for primary care coordination, and funding for community outreach to help vulnerable patients access care. This replaces existing managed care contracts and aims to improve health outcomes while increasing transparency for public health programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of up to $75 million in state bonds to fund capital improvements for bus rapid transit projects in Minnesota. The money will be distributed to the Metropolitan Council, which is responsible for acquiring property, designing routes, and constructing arterial bus rapid transit systems. The council must decide how to allocate these funds based on specific criteria such as project readiness, expected ridership, and alignment with existing transportation plans. Once the bonds are sold, the resulting revenue will be used to pay for construction costs, utility relocation, and the equipping of facilities for these transit projects.

Maddy summaryHF 309 amends Minnesota Statutes §84.523 to tighten mining restrictions in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) and Rainy River headwaters. The bill requires the commissioner of natural resources to determine that proposed mining (for taconite, sand, gravel, or granite) in the Rainy River headwaters would not harm the BWCA before any permits are issued. This modifies existing law by adding this specific assessment step, directly affecting mining operations seeking approval in these areas. The change maintains the general prohibition on mining without legislative approval but adds a new administrative requirement for the commissioner to evaluate environmental impacts. The bill focuses on protecting the BWCA's wilderness character through stricter permitting conditions.