Sen. Nathan Wesenberg

Maddy summaryThis bill allows landowners or occupants to kill elk causing property damage without a permit. It amends Minnesota law to specifically include elk under the existing provision for taking animals causing damage (previously covering animals like raccoons but not elk). Landowners may kill elk without a license, except using artificial lights during closed season or poison, and must notify a conservation officer within 24 hours of the kill. This directly affects Minnesotans with elk-related property damage on their land.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's commissioner of natural resources to remove Little Rock Creek in Morrison County from the official list of designated trout streams and prohibit future trout stocking in the creek. It directs the commissioner to amend specific state rules (Minnesota Rules, part 6264.0050) to reflect this change, using an expedited rulemaking process under state law. The policy change directly affects the management of Little Rock Creek by state natural resources agencies and ends the requirement for trout stocking in this specific waterway. The bill does not alter fishing regulations or access but formally changes the creek's classification and stocking status.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's wildlife commissioner to establish an annual open season for wolf hunting only after wolves are delisted under the federal Endangered Species Act. Before federal delisting, no open season would be permitted. After delisting, the commissioner must set seasons based on public input and align them with the state's wolf management plan. The commissioner must also annually consult with agriculture officials and the USDA about wolf conflicts with livestock and pets.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1 million from the state general fund to New Pathways, Inc., for the design, construction, and equipment of a regional shelter facility in Cambridge. The facility will provide comprehensive support services specifically for families with children experiencing homelessness in Cambridge and surrounding areas. The funds are available until the project is completed or abandoned, as outlined in Minnesota Statutes. The appropriation becomes effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summarySF 1191, the "Never Again Act," would replace the governor's authority to declare emergencies with a legislative process requiring the Minnesota Legislature to approve emergency declarations. It repeals the governor's power to issue emergency orders with "full force and effect of law" and explicitly protects citizens' rights - including free speech, religious exercise, assembly, travel, and business operations - from being infringed during emergencies. The bill amends multiple emergency management statutes to transfer declaration authority to the Legislature and requires legislative approval for emergency extensions. This directly affects the governor's emergency powers and all Minnesotans whose rights could be restricted under current emergency rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Minnesota Attorney General to reimburse Mille Lacs County $7.8 million for legal costs incurred before 2024 related to defending a specific lawsuit (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe v. County of Mille Lacs). The payment must be made by June 30, 2026, using funds appropriated from the state general fund for fiscal year 2026. The reimbursement covers litigation costs and appeals from the 2017 federal court case referenced in the bill. This is a one-time payment directly affecting Mille Lacs County and the Attorney General’s office.

Maddy summarySF 1231 would amend Minnesota's tax code to allow taxpayers to subtract the full amount of their Social Security benefits from their state taxable income, removing current income-based phaseout limits and maximum subtraction amounts. This change directly affects Minnesota residents who receive Social Security benefits (including retirement, survivor, or disability payments) and file state income tax returns. The bill eliminates previous caps (e.g., $5,840 for joint filers) and phaseout thresholds, making the subtraction "unlimited" for all qualifying benefit recipients. It becomes effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota bill (SF 1192) makes it a felony to perform castration or sterilization on any person under 18. It specifically prohibits physical/chemical castration (Section 1.10) and any surgery, procedure, or drug causing permanent infertility (Section 1.11). The law applies to anyone performing these acts on minors, imposing criminal penalties for violations. It takes effect on August 1, 2025, and directly affects minors under 18 and medical professionals or others who might conduct such procedures.

Maddy summarySF 1222 requires school districts and charter schools that mandate face coverings to allow parents to opt their children out without needing to provide a reason or evidence. Parents may notify school officials (such as the principal or school board) to request the opt-out, and schools cannot demand health or educational justification. The bill prohibits schools from disciplining or treating differently students whose parents have opted them out. This law becomes effective the day after it is enacted.

Maddy summarySF 1195 modifies Minnesota's individual income tax brackets to adjust for inflation. It sets new base tax brackets for married couples filing jointly ($38,770 at 5.35%), single filers ($26,520 at 5.35%), and heads of household ($32,650 at 5.35%), effective for 2025 tax years. The bill also requires annual inflation adjustments to these brackets starting in 2026, rounding amounts to the nearest $10 (with $5 amounts rounded up). This directly affects all Minnesota individual income taxpayers by preventing "bracket creep" as income rises with inflation. The changes apply to both standard tax calculations and the tax tables for low-income filers under section 290.06, subdivision 2c.