Sen. Nathan Wesenberg

Maddy summarySF 2604 requires Minnesota's education commissioner to commission an independent cost-benefit analysis of the state's special education system. The analysis must identify Minnesota-specific special education requirements that exceed federal standards and evaluate both their educational benefits and associated costs. The resulting report, due to legislative education committees by February 2026, will help lawmakers assess potential trade-offs between student outcomes and cost efficiencies. This bill directly affects Minnesota's K-12 special education system and the legislative process for education funding and policy decisions. It does not change existing laws but mandates a review to inform future budget and policy choices.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a geographic restriction on deer hunting in Minnesota. It repeals the existing "shotgun use area" (which required hunters to use shotguns only in specific zones during the regular firearms season) and replaces it with a statewide rule allowing all legal firearms during that season. The change directly affects deer hunters across Minnesota who previously had to follow zone-specific firearm rules. The key provision removes the detailed boundary description for the shotgun zone, making all legal firearms permitted statewide during the regular deer hunting season.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates Minnesota's designated "shotgun zone" for deer hunting. It amends state law to allow all legal firearms statewide during the regular firearms deer season, replacing the previous system that restricted certain areas to shotguns only. The bill repeals the existing statute (97B.318) that defined the shotgun use area and all legal firearms use area. It also requires the commissioner of natural resources to report by December 1, 2028, on the impact of this change on deer hunting and populations. This directly affects deer hunters across Minnesota by removing geographic firearm restrictions during the regular season.

Maddy summaryThis bill reenacts a prior law prohibiting weather modification within Minnesota's boundaries and the airspace above it. It directly affects any person, organization, or government entity attempting to intentionally alter weather (such as through cloud seeding or chemical dispersal) within the state. The law makes such actions a misdemeanor, with each day of violation treated as a separate offense. The policy aims to protect public safety, health, and environmental welfare by preventing unauthorized weather modification activities.

Maddy summarySF 2445 exempts pens containing lead from Minnesota's general ban on manufacturing or selling lead-containing products, effective until January 1, 2028. The bill requires pen manufacturers benefiting from this exemption to submit six-month reports to the Pollution Control Agency detailing compliance barriers, progress toward meeting the ban, and updated timelines. This directly affects pen manufacturers using lead in their products, providing a temporary exception while mandating transparency about their compliance efforts. The exemption specifically applies to pens, not other lead-containing items covered by the broader statute.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $50,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the commissioner of natural resources. The funds will be granted to Forgotten Heroes Ranges and Retreat to promote shooting sports specifically for persons with disabilities and host a dedicated shooting day event. The legislation directly supports organizations providing accessible recreational opportunities for people with disabilities in Minnesota. It does not change existing laws but provides targeted funding for a specific program.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's PFAS and lead/cadmium prohibitions by delaying certain deadlines. It exempts electronic/internal components (like circuit boards in devices) from PFAS bans until January 1, 2032, and delays restrictions on lead in products (such as pens and circuit boards with lead solder) until January 1, 2028. Airport operators using PFAS-containing firefighting foam in hangars are exempt until 2028, requiring annual reports to state agencies on their transition plans. Manufacturers of exempt products must submit semi-annual compliance reports detailing barriers and timelines. The changes apply specifically to electronics, certain pens, and airport firefighting foam operations.

Maddy summarySF 2446 delays the ban on lead solder in key fobs with internal circuit boards until January 1, 2028, instead of the original enforcement date. This directly affects manufacturers of such key fobs, allowing them to continue using lead solder in internal circuit boards during the delay period. The bill requires these manufacturers to submit six-month reports to the Pollution Control Agency detailing barriers to compliance, progress made, and an updated timeline for meeting the lead limit. The delay applies only to key fobs with lead solder in internal circuit boards, while other products must still comply with the existing lead (0.009%) and cadmium (0.0075%) limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill revokes specific rule changes to Minnesota's teaching standards that were previously published in the State Register (volume 47, page 988). It directly affects educators and school districts in Minnesota by reinstating the prior teaching standards of effective practice. The key mechanism is a simple declaration that the amendments to Minnesota Rules, part 8710.2000, are void and do not take effect. The bill makes no new policy provisions, only reversing a prior administrative rule change. It is effective the day after final enactment.

Maddy summarySF 2409 exempts electronic and internal components of products from Minnesota's PFAS prohibitions until January 1, 2032. This bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 116.943, subdivision 8, specifically adding that exemption under subsection (c). It directly affects manufacturers of electronics (like phones, computers, and appliances) who use PFAS in internal parts, giving them additional time to find alternatives. The key provision extends the compliance deadline for these components beyond the general PFAS ban timeline, while other product categories remain subject to existing restrictions.