Sen. Nathan Wesenberg

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota Statutes to exempt certain off-highway vehicles made for children (like mini ATVs or dirt bikes), their replacement parts, and associated protective gear from the definition of a "juvenile product" under Amara's Law. It directly affects manufacturers and sellers of these child-sized off-highway vehicles by removing them from regulatory requirements that apply to other juvenile products. The key mechanism adds a specific exclusion to the statute's definition of "juvenile product" (Section 116.943, subdivision 1(m)(3)), clarifying these items are not covered by the law's restrictions on PFAS in children's products. This change focuses on regulatory scope, not new requirements.

Maddy summarySF 797 prohibits public school libraries from containing pornographic material and bans sexually explicit content in libraries of public elementary schools. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes by adding a new section requiring school libraries to remove such materials. It directly affects all public school libraries statewide, with stricter rules applying specifically to elementary school libraries. The law focuses on defined material categories rather than broader book restrictions.

Maddy summarySF 741 authorizes hunters with a federal remote pilot certificate to use small drones to locate and recover deceased big game (like deer or elk) after a hunt, effective January 1, 2027. It directly affects hunters and wildlife managers by adding a tool for retrieving game, while prohibiting remote-controlled hunting (which remains banned under existing law). The bill requires the state natural resources commissioner to submit recommendations by January 2026 on licensing, insurance, equipment standards, property rights protections, and potential fees for drone use. This policy change focuses on improving game recovery efficiency without altering current hunting regulations.

Maddy summarySF 751 increases penalties for businesses violating Minnesota's antitrust laws. It raises civil penalties for violations from $50,000 to $150,000 per offense and for failing to comply with court orders from $100,000 to $300,000. Criminal penalties for willful violations also increase from $50,000 to $150,000, with potential prison time up to seven years. The bill directly affects businesses that engage in anti-competitive behavior, such as price-fixing or market division, by imposing higher financial and criminal consequences.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 808) allows property owners to restrict access to government-held easements if they suffer harm, such as by installing gates or fences. It requires owners to provide government entities with reasonable access (e.g., keys or codes) to maintain the easement's purpose. Government entities that refuse to permit this protection forfeit their easement rights. The bill directly affects property owners and local/state government entities managing easements on private land.

Maddy summarySF 754 (Penalty enhancement for assaulting a police officer) amends Minnesota law to increase penalties for assaulting peace officers. It makes it a felony (up to 3 years in prison or $6,000 fine) if an assault causes demonstrable bodily harm or involves throwing bodily fluids or feces at an officer. This directly affects individuals who commit these specific acts against police during lawful duties. The bill takes effect August 1, 2025, applying to crimes committed after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires government entities (like cities, counties, or state agencies) to provide actual notice to private property owners before using an easement on their land. Owners must be notified via mail, email, or phone, and failure to do so results in a $500 civil penalty per violation. Affected property owners can sue for actual damages, penalties, court costs, and attorney fees if the notice requirement is violated. The law applies to all existing easements held by government entities and aims to ensure property owners are informed before government access or use.

Maddy summarySF 632 requires Minnesota's wildlife commissioner to establish an annual open season for hunting wolves only after federal delisting under the Endangered Species Act. The bill mandates that the commissioner must provide public comment opportunities before setting seasons and consult with the commissioner of agriculture and USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service annually. This consultation must include reviewing data on wolf conflicts with livestock and pets. The season rules must align with the state's wolf management plan and address documented human-wolf conflicts. (Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.645, subdivision 9)

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals Minnesota's existing "shotgun use area" boundary for deer hunting, which previously restricted firearm types in specific geographic zones. It replaces this with a provision allowing counties to adopt local rules limiting firearm and ammunition types for deer hunting, after holding public hearings. Each county rule would expire after one year and require renewal through another public process. This shifts regulation from statewide boundaries to flexible county-level decisions, directly affecting deer hunters in counties that choose to implement such rules.

Maddy summarySF 716 would reclassify drag performances as "adult entertainment" under Minnesota law. This bill defines a "drag performance" as one where performers use clothing/makeup to exaggerate gender identity for entertainment, intended to appeal to prurient interest. The law would subject venues hosting such performances to the same location restrictions as adult entertainment establishments, including prohibitions on operating near schools (2,800 feet), churches (2,800 feet), residential properties (500 feet), or within 1,500 feet of another adult entertainment venue. These changes directly affect businesses hosting drag performances by imposing new zoning and location requirements.