Sen. Mark Johnson

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for criminal vehicular homicide in Minnesota, raising the maximum prison sentence from 25 to 30 years and the fine from $20,000 to $30,000 for repeat offenders convicted within 10 years of a prior driving offense. It requires all driver education programs to include instruction on these penalties and allocates $100,000 for public awareness campaigns about DUI dangers and related penalties. The changes apply to offenses committed on or after August 1, 2026. The bill directly affects drivers convicted of causing death through reckless or impaired driving, particularly those with prior violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million from state bonds to fund flood hazard mitigation for the Sand Hill River Watershed District. The funds will specifically replace capital pumping equipment used to manage water levels between two lakes in the watershed. The state will issue bonds to cover the cost, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. The project directly affects the Sand Hill River Watershed District, a local government entity managing flood control infrastructure in that region.

Maddy summarySF 958 amends Minnesota's definition of "all-terrain vehicle" (ATV) by increasing the maximum allowable dry weight from 2,000 to 3,000 pounds. This change directly affects ATV manufacturers, owners, and enforcement agencies by expanding the scope of vehicles classified as ATVs under state law. The bill also clarifies that ATVs exclude electric-assisted bicycles, golf carts, mini-trucks, dune buggies, go-carts, and vehicles designed for specific purposes like lawn care or mining. The amendment modifies Minnesota Statutes section 84.92, subdivision 8, to reflect this updated definition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes Rick Evans to honor his career in public service and announce his retirement. The document outlines his extensive background, including his roles in state politics, legal practice, and community leadership, such as leading a Boy Scout troop. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to create an official copy of the resolution and send it to Evans as a gesture of appreciation. This measure does not change any laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of his contributions to Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $34.5 million in state bonds to fund construction of a regional solid waste management system across nine northwest Minnesota counties (Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Polk, and Red Lake). It appropriates funds for new facilities - including a lined debris landfill in Hubbard County and 12 processing sites - and upgrades to existing infrastructure, including buildings, equipment, and site improvements. An additional $15.7 million from the general fund supports heavy equipment, containers, and hauling vehicles for these facilities. The bill directly affects the nine counties by enabling modern waste management infrastructure to handle construction debris and other solid waste.

Maddy summarySF 3373 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 to support using drones for delivering medical supplies to rural Minnesota communities. The funds will cover infrastructure for drone operations beyond visual line of sight, help obtain federal flight waivers, test delivery systems, and educate the public. This one-time funding requires collaboration between the Transportation Commissioner, Health Commissioner, and Board of Pharmacy to develop drone delivery programs in underserved rural areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $600,000 from state bond proceeds to fund preliminary engineering and construction work on East Grand Forks' south water tower. The funds will be provided as a grant to the city of East Grand Forks through the Public Facilities Authority. The state will issue up to $600,000 in bonds to cover this cost, following standard bond procedures. The project directly affects East Grand Forks' water infrastructure and the city's ability to improve its water tower system.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that adopts the temporary joint rules from the previous legislative session as the governing rules for the current 94th session. It directly affects the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate by establishing the procedural framework for their operations until permanent rules are adopted. The primary change updates the rules for conference committees, which resolve disagreements between the two chambers on legislation, by increasing the maximum number of members from five to six and mandating that all meetings be open to the public. Additionally, the resolution imposes specific limits on what these committees can do, such as prohibiting them from creating new government bodies or appropriating extra funds unless explicitly authorized by the bill's original text or by the leaders of both houses.