Sen. Nathan Wesenberg

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 1221) modifies Minnesota law to allow lawful firearm carry and possession at the State Fairgrounds. It amends statutes so that the State Agricultural Society (which operates the fairgrounds) cannot prohibit firearms in fairgrounds bylaws, as long as the prohibition aligns with Section 624.714. The key mechanism requires any private establishment (like the fairgrounds) to follow strict posting rules - using a specific sign at every entrance - to legally restrict firearms; otherwise, firearm possession remains permitted. The law applies specifically to the State Fairgrounds and takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 1194 creates a Minnesota income tax credit for residents with children in K-12 non-public schools meeting specific criteria. It provides a credit equal to a set "credit allowance" multiplied by the number of qualifying children, defined as those meeting IRS requirements and receiving instruction from eligible private or religious schools in Minnesota. The credit applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024. This directly affects Minnesota families enrolled in qualifying non-public K-12 schools, offering a tax reduction based on the number of eligible children. The bill does not change public school funding or eligibility for public school students.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $634,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $634,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to continue Minnesota's existing dairy development and business planning grant programs. It directly supports Minnesota dairy farmers by funding services like business planning grants under Minnesota Statutes §32D.30. The funding ensures ongoing access to technical assistance and financial support for dairy operations seeking to improve profitability and long-term planning. This is a continuation of current programs, not a new initiative, with no changes to eligibility or program structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 846) removes the requirement for a permit to carry a firearm in most public places in Minnesota, allowing eligible residents to carry openly or concealed without a license. It directly affects all Minnesotans who are not prohibited from owning firearms under state or federal law, including those who may previously have needed a permit for public carry. The bill adds an optional permit system (for those who choose it) requiring training, being 21+ years old, passing background checks, and meeting specific eligibility criteria. Key exceptions include not applying to private property like homes or businesses, gun shops, hunting areas, or public places where the carry is already prohibited by law.

Maddy summarySF 868 amends Minnesota law to allow state broadband grants to fund fixed wireless broadband projects, which were not explicitly covered under previous rules. It also updates broadband mapping requirements to require that maps include fixed wireless coverage, ensuring a more accurate public view of broadband availability across the state. This change directly affects broadband providers using fixed wireless technology and communities in underserved areas defined by the bill (where households lack 100/20 Mbps service). The bill clarifies existing programs without creating new funding, focusing on expanding eligibility for grants and improving data transparency for infrastructure planning.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a refundable sales tax exemption for certain construction materials used in Benton County's new government center in Foley. It directly affects Benton County (for its government center project) and contractors/vendors selling those materials between April 2025 and December 2029. The bill requires sales tax to be collected upfront on eligible materials but then refunded to the county through the standard process used for similar projects. The exemption applies retroactively to purchases made after March 31, 2025, and expires on December 31, 2029.

Maddy summarySF 956 prohibits Minnesota conservation officers from conducting searches or seizures without a warrant or court order, except in emergencies or with the person's consent. It requires officers to provide a written receipt to anyone from whom property is seized. The bill affects conservation officers enforcing natural resource laws (such as hunting and fishing regulations) and the public they interact with during enforcement. The law amends multiple Minnesota statutes to implement these requirements for property seizures.

Maddy summarySF 861 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to provide equal grants of approximately $5,263 to each of Minnesota's 95 county agricultural societies. The funds must be used for projects enhancing arts access, education, and the preservation of Minnesota's agricultural, historical, and cultural heritage through county fairs. This appropriation is in addition to existing funding under Minnesota Statutes, section 38.02, and the commissioner of agriculture must develop grant criteria with input from interested parties. The bill directly affects all 95 county fairs by providing supplemental funding for heritage-related programming.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 840) modifies Minnesota's water permit rules for the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer. It requires new permits for drinking water use from this aquifer to include a demonstration that no other water sources are feasible, a water conservation plan using modern technology, and compliance with other water laws. For non-drinking water use (like industrial processes), permits are only allowed outside metropolitan counties and must meet the same three requirements. The bill directly affects water users, developers, and municipalities seeking new permits from this specific aquifer. It creates concrete new conditions for obtaining permits but does not change existing water rights.

Maddy summarySF 764 establishes the "Defend the Guard Act" to restrict Minnesota National Guard deployments. It prohibits sending the Guard or its members into "active duty combat" without either a formal U.S. Congressional declaration of war or specific congressional action under the Constitution (Article I, Section 8, Clause 15) to call the Guard for specific purposes like repelling invasion or suppressing insurrection. The bill requires the governor to take all necessary actions to comply with this restriction. It does not affect other deployments, such as those under Title 32 of the U.S. Code for domestic civil support missions. This directly affects Minnesota National Guard members and the state's authority to deploy them for combat operations.