Sen. Nathan Wesenberg

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1,000,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to grant to Forgotten Heroes Ranges and Retreat, a nonprofit organization. The funds will be used to predesign, design, construct, furnish, and equip a new accessible shooting range and retreat facility specifically for disabled veterans and handicapped individuals. The appropriation is one-time and available until the project is completed or abandoned. It directly affects the nonprofit organization and its target beneficiaries through dedicated capital funding for accessibility-focused infrastructure.

Maddy summarySF 1193 modifies Minnesota's wolf depredation compensation program for livestock owners and updates the elk-related crop/fence damage program. It sets a $100 minimum claim value and $20,000 maximum per livestock claim for wolf-related losses, requires site inspections with photographs by approved agents (like county sheriff's officers or USDA agents), and mandates written findings based on physical evidence. The bill also updates the process for elk damage claims by defining "approved agents" and requiring specific evidence (like elk tracks or sightings) to verify damage. Additionally, it repeals outdated sections of the law and requires the commissioner to periodically update wolf depredation prevention practices for livestock farms.

Maddy summarySF 2624 would amend Minnesota law to permit anglers to use up to three fishing lines in the Mississippi River and St. Croix River, replacing the current two-line limit in those waterways. This change would directly affect recreational fishermen who fish in these rivers, allowing them to use an additional line without needing special permits. The amendment updates Minnesota Statutes section 97C.315 by adding a new exception for three lines in the specified rivers, while maintaining existing limits elsewhere. This is a straightforward policy adjustment to fishing regulations, not a broader environmental or conservation measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's state wildlife agency to establish an open moose hunting season in any year that an open elk hunting season is permitted. It directly affects moose and elk hunters, as well as the state's wildlife management agency, by linking the two seasons. The key provision amends statute 97B.515 to eliminate a prior rule that prohibited an elk season if no moose season existed. Instead, the agency must now allow moose hunting whenever elk hunting is permitted, based on population management rules. This change ensures moose seasons align with elk seasons rather than being restricted independently.

Maddy summarySF 608 prohibits municipalities from allowing new enterprise data centers (facilities over 800,000 sq ft for digital data storage/processing) in most zoning districts. It allows such data centers only as a conditional use within designated "industrial districts" where manufacturing facilities are permitted. This bill affects local governments in Minnesota, requiring them to adjust zoning rules by June 20, 2025, for new data center construction. The law directly impacts developers seeking to build large-scale data centers outside industrial zones. It does not apply to existing data centers or smaller facilities meeting the size threshold.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's requirements for becoming a certified public accountant (CPA). Before July 1, 2030, applicants need 150 college credits plus one year of relevant experience; after that date, they must have either a master's degree plus one year experience or a bachelor's degree plus two years experience. It also establishes reciprocity, allowing CPAs licensed in states with equivalent standards to practice in Minnesota without reapplying, provided they hold a valid license, have an accounting degree, and passed the CPA exam. The changes affect new CPAs seeking certification in Minnesota and out-of-state CPAs seeking to practice there. The current rules expire July 1, 2030, with a transition period in place until that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota local governments from using traffic cameras to enforce speed limits or red light violations. It repeals existing laws that allowed speed safety camera systems (under Minnesota Statutes 169.147) and red light camera systems, including specific provisions in statutes 169.011, 169.06, 169.14, and 171.12. The policy change directly affects cities, counties, and towns that currently operate or plan to use these camera systems for traffic enforcement. By canceling related funding and repealing all enabling statutes, the bill ends the legal framework for automated traffic camera enforcement statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an annual open season for hunting wolves in Minnesota, requiring the state wildlife commissioner to set specific dates for taking wolves with firearms, bows, or traps. The open season must begin on the same day as the deer hunting season and run between November 1 and January 31 each year. The commissioner must consult with the agriculture department and USDA, consider data on wolf-livestock conflicts, and maintain wolf populations between 1,251-1,400 wolves (unless federal authorities modify this). It directly affects hunters, wildlife managers, and livestock owners by creating standardized hunting rules for wolves after their federal delisting. The bill does not change current hunting methods but mandates specific seasonal timing and consultation processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies who qualifies as a "handler" for restricted pesticides in Minnesota. It defines a handler as someone meeting federal requirements (40 CFR §171.201) who mixes or loads restricted pesticides under a licensed applicator’s supervision. The bill modifies licensing rules to specify that handlers performing mixing/loading activities do not need their own license but must work under a licensed applicator’s direct oversight. It also maintains the existing prohibition on selling restricted pesticides online to unlicensed residents, requiring sellers to verify the buyer’s license status. The changes directly affect agricultural workers handling restricted pesticides and pesticide sellers.

Maddy summarySF 2572 makes it optional for Minnesota employers to provide earned sick and safe time benefits to eligible employees. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to clarify that employers are not required to offer these benefits but may choose to do so, redefining "employee" as someone for whom an employer elects to provide benefits and "employer" as one who chooses to participate. This change directly affects employers, particularly small businesses, by removing the current mandate to provide paid sick leave. The eligibility requirement of working at least 80 hours per year with an employer who opts in remains unchanged. The law would not alter benefits for employees covered under existing employer participation.