Sen. Mark Johnson

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support mental health initiatives in Minnesota's construction industry. The funds will be used by the commissioner of labor and industry for outreach, education, stigma reduction resources, worksite strategies, and grants to industry groups focused on preventing suicide and improving mental health. It directly affects construction workers in Minnesota by providing targeted support through these programs. The appropriations are one-time and must be spent by June 30, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2.7 million from the trunk highway fund for safety improvements on U.S. Highway 2 in Crookston. The funds cover planning, design, land acquisition, and construction work to enhance safety along the specified highway corridor. The one-time appropriation is available until the project is completed or abandoned, as permitted under Minnesota law. It directly affects the Minnesota Department of Transportation (which will manage the funds) and the residents and commuters using U.S. Highway 2 in Crookston.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $627,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to provide technical assistance grants to small rural communities in Minnesota. The funds will go to Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) to offer economic development support to communities unable to afford such services, with up to $270,000 also allocated for implementing specific economic development projects alongside the technical assistance. The grant program is a one-time funding measure targeting rural areas needing help with economic planning and development initiatives.

Maddy summarySF 2619 exempts specific paper products from Minnesota's extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for solid waste management. It adds two new categories to the list of exempt materials: (1) paper packaging for newspapers with news-related content, and (2) paper packaging for magazines with circulation under 95,000 that focus on news and current events. This means publishers of these products no longer need to comply with EPR requirements like waste management fees or recycling obligations for their packaging. The bill directly affects newspaper and small-circulation magazine publishers in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $950,000 from state bond proceeds to fund the design, construction, and equipment of two security kiosks inside the Minnesota Senate Building. The commissioner of administration will manage the project, coordinating with the secretary of the senate on design, locations, and construction timing. The funds come from bonds authorized under Minnesota law, requiring the commissioner of management and budget to issue the bonds up to $950,000. The bill directly affects Senate Building operations and security protocols, with no broader policy changes beyond this specific infrastructure project.

Maddy summarySF 2304, the Minnesota Elections Integrity Act, requires voters to present photo identification to register and to cast a ballot in person. It creates a free voter identification card program (with no fee for those needing it for voting) and mandates ID verification for individuals assisting with absentee ballots or providing help at polling places. The bill also establishes provisional ballots for voters who can't provide ID at the polls and increases criminal penalties for certain election violations. These changes apply to all Minnesota voters participating in elections, with the new ID card system and related provisions effective June 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1,000,000 from the state's art and cultural heritage fund to the City of Thief River Falls for historic preservation. The funds will repair two National Register-listed buildings: $750,000 for HVAC, roof, and energy-efficient window work at the Soo Line Depot, and $250,000 for similar upgrades at the Carnegie Library. All work must follow federal standards for historic properties and is a one-time allocation to complete these specific projects. The city directly receives and manages the funds for these designated historic sites.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for human trafficking offenses and prohibits employers from knowingly hiring individuals without legal U.S. work authorization. It makes using a fake ID to verify employment status a felony (up to 2 years in prison or $5,000 fine) and requires employers to terminate unauthorized employees. Employers violating these rules face fines up to $10,000 per violation and potential license suspensions for 14 days. State agencies must also report annual spending on assistance to people without legal status by December 15 each year. The bill directly affects employers, individuals seeking work verification, and state agencies providing services to non-citizens.

Maddy summarySF 2137 appropriates $75,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $75,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Turf Seed Council. The funds support research on improved turf and forage seed production, native plant breeding, and sustainable management practices like nutrient and pest control. The bill requires the Council to report on how the funds were used and their results by January 15, 2027, to relevant legislative committees. This bill directly affects the Minnesota Turf Seed Council and the commissioner of agriculture, who administers the grants. It is a funding measure with no new regulations or requirements beyond the specified research and reporting.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $300,000 per county (totaling $1.5 million) from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to five specific Minnesota counties - Rock, Jackson, Lac qui Parle, Roseau, and Red Lake - to participate in the statewide ARMER public safety radio system. Each county must provide a 50% nonstate match ($150,000) to receive the grant, which must be used exclusively for purchasing or upgrading portable, mobile, or related radio equipment compatible with the ARMER system. The funding is a one-time appropriation, not renewable, and directly affects these counties’ emergency communication capabilities. It does not change existing law but provides targeted financial support for equipment upgrades.