Sen. Mark Johnson

Maddy summarySF 668 amends Minnesota Statutes to clarify which National Guard and reserve military compensation qualifies for a state income tax subtraction. It specifically defines "active service" for tax purposes, including state active duty during disasters or under federal programs, and adds North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin as qualifying neighboring states for certain service. This change directly affects Minnesota National Guard members, reserve military personnel, and those from qualifying neighboring states serving in active duty roles. The revised rules apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024. The bill makes the tax deduction rules more precise without altering the deduction amount itself.

Maddy summarySF 440, the "Unilateral Emergency Powers Repeal Act," removes the Minnesota governor's authority to unilaterally declare emergencies or issue emergency orders with the force of law. Instead, it requires the legislature to formally declare and extend emergencies, shifting emergency decision-making power from the executive branch to lawmakers. The bill also explicitly protects citizens' rights during emergencies, prohibiting the governor from infringing on free speech, assembly, religious freedom, business operations, or travel. Key provisions repeal specific statutes (like 4.035 and 12.31) that previously granted the governor broad emergency powers under Minnesota law.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 from state bond proceeds to fund the replacement of underground water storage tanks in the City of Kennedy. The funds will cover predesign, design, engineering, and construction work for the project, administered through the Public Facilities Authority. The state will issue up to $500,000 in bonds to provide this funding, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. This directly affects the City of Kennedy by enabling critical infrastructure upgrades to its water storage system. The bill authorizes the specific funding mechanism but does not alter existing water regulations or impose new requirements on residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Bail Abatement Nonprofit Exclusion (BANE) Act to prohibit nonprofit organizations from using their funds to pay bail on behalf of individuals arrested. Under the new law, nonprofits are barred from organizing or registering specifically to make payments to courts to satisfy bail conditions. The measure directly affects charitable groups and other nonprofit entities by restricting their ability to engage in bail-related financial activities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution outlines how the Minnesota Senate will operate during the break between the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions. It authorizes the Committee on Rules and Administration to assign study tasks to committees, fill vacancies in appointed groups, and manage staff hiring and compensation. The Secretary of the Senate is given specific duties to maintain records, handle contracts for building repairs and supplies, and oversee employee benefits while ensuring expenses for active members are reimbursed. Essentially, the bill provides the rules and funding mechanisms needed to keep Senate operations running smoothly when the legislature is not in regular session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the lives and public service of fourteen former Minnesota Senators who have passed away. It formally recognizes their specific contributions to the state and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies of the resolution to the relatives of these individuals. The document serves as a commemorative gesture rather than a law that changes policy or affects current operations.