Sen. Mark Johnson

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2 million from state bond proceeds to fund road improvements in the city of Hendrum, Minnesota. The funds will directly support the city by paving gravel streets, rehabilitating asphalt roads, and reconstructing damaged roads. The money will be provided through a state bond sale authorized under Minnesota law, with the commissioner of transportation administering the grant. The bill does not create new taxes or alter existing laws, focusing solely on funding specific local infrastructure repairs.

Maddy summarySF 3252 establishes Minnesota's process for selecting delegates to attend an Article V constitutional amendment convention. It requires delegates to be current or former Minnesota legislators who meet specific residency, citizenship, and background qualifications (e.g., no recent federal lobbying or employment). The bill mandates that the Senate majority leader, Senate minority leader, House Speaker, and House minority leader each appoint one delegate, with the fourth appointing authority needing unanimous agreement for a fifth delegate. Crucially, the commissioning resolution bindingly limits delegates from supporting changes to the one-state-one-vote rule or amendments altering core constitutional protections like the Bill of Rights and specific amendments (Thirteenth through Twenty-Sixth). This bill directly affects Minnesota's legislature and potential delegates by defining their selection, qualifications, and strict operational boundaries for the convention.

Maddy summarySF 3113 authorizes the state to issue up to $394.61 million in bonds for capital improvements at three specific St. Paul venues: the RiverCentre arena, RiverCentre complex, and Roy Wilkins Auditorium. The bill funds renovations, safety upgrades, accessibility features, HVAC/electrical system replacements, and other operational improvements at these venues. Proceeds from the bonds will be deposited into a dedicated state fund, with interest income used to cover debt service payments. The legislation directly affects these public event spaces and their operations, without specifying new policies or programs beyond the physical upgrades.

Maddy summarySF 3076 provides a refundable sales tax exemption for construction materials used in specific projects at Independent School District No. 561 (Goodridge, Minnesota). It covers renovations to the K-12 school building and new construction of a gymnasium, classrooms, career tech facilities, and security upgrades. Purchases made between January 2025 and December 2026 qualify for full tax refunds processed through the state's general fund, with refunds delayed until after June 30, 2025. This policy directly affects Goodridge School District by reducing costs for these capital projects.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate Bill SF 2754 increases annual funding for tax reductions in border city enterprise zones from $750,000 to $1.5 million, specifically for cities on Minnesota's western border. It expands available tax tools, including higher income tax credits for new jobs ($5,000 per employee), property tax credits for commercial facilities, and reimbursement for land acquisition to prevent business relocations. The bill allows cities to use these funds to offset taxes for businesses in designated zones, aiming to retain or attract commercial activity. Restrictions remain in place, prohibiting tax benefits for entertainment facilities, golf courses, financial institutions, and certain retail franchises.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates funds for compensation payments to Minnesota farmers and ranchers who suffer livestock losses or property damage from wolves or elk. Specifically, it allocates money for wolf-related livestock destruction (under Minn. Stat. § 3.737) and elk-related crop/fence damage (under Minn. Stat. § 3.7371) in fiscal years 2026-2027. The funding allows the Agriculture Commissioner to use up to $5,000 annually for university extension agent costs in valuing damaged livestock. If claims exceed expected levels, the Commissioner may shift funds between the wolf and elk programs to cover higher demand. The bill directly affects agricultural producers in areas with wolf and elk populations.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $125,000 for livestock compensation (under Minn. Stat. § 3.737) and $125,000 for crop damage compensation (under Minn. Stat. § 3.7371) to help farmers affected by wildlife. It directly supports agricultural producers who suffer losses from damaged livestock or crops, including reimbursement for fair market value assessments and costs to investigate claims. The funds cover up to $40,000 in grants for elk-damage prevention measures on stored crops and allow limited transfers between programs if claims are unusually high. This one-time funding is available until June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a refundable sales tax exemption for construction materials used in two specific East Grand Forks projects: the Civic Center Sports Complex and the VFW Memorial Arena. It exempts sales tax on materials purchased between December 1, 2025, and December 31, 2029, with the tax collected upfront and later refunded. The exemption applies to materials used in construction, reconstruction, or renovation of these venues, and the state appropriates funds from the general revenue to cover the refunds. This directly affects the City of East Grand Forks (for these projects) and businesses selling construction materials to them during the specified period.