Sen. Nathan Wesenberg

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 540) requires the state natural resources commissioner to study how bald eagles impact loon populations in Minnesota, specifically focusing on juvenile loons and overall population trends. The study must be completed and reported to relevant legislative committees by March 1, 2026. The bill directly affects state natural resources management by mandating this specific scientific assessment, with no immediate policy changes or funding impacts. It is a procedural study requirement, not a regulatory or funding bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows landowners or occupants to kill feral swine causing property damage on their own land without needing a permit, amending Minnesota Statutes 97A.56 and 97B.655. Landowners must report the feral swine kill to wildlife officials within 48 hours (unlike other animals, they are not required to surrender the animal). The law directly affects Minnesota property owners experiencing damage from feral swine, which are invasive and destructive to crops and landscapes. It clarifies existing provisions to specifically include feral swine under landowner self-defense rules for property damage.

Maddy summarySF 493 prohibits Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency from banning the purchase or use of motor vehicles powered by internal combustion engines (gasoline/diesel vehicles). This bill directly affects vehicle owners and dealers by preventing the agency from restricting these vehicles, and it limits the agency's regulatory authority over vehicle emissions standards. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 116.07, adding a specific prohibition that prevents the agency from adopting rules that would ban internal combustion engine vehicles. The key mechanism is a statutory amendment explicitly blocking such a ban, ensuring the agency cannot implement this type of restriction. This is a procedural change to agency authority, not a new environmental standard.

Maddy summarySF 388 removes burial fees for spouses and dependents of eligible veterans at Minnesota state veterans cemeteries. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 197.236, subdivision 9, to prohibit charging any fees for these groups' interment, replacing the previous fee schedule and waiver process. It appropriates funds from the general fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to cover these uncompensated burial costs. This directly affects spouses and dependent children of veterans meeting eligibility criteria under U.S. Code, title 38, section 101(2). The policy change eliminates a cost barrier for families of veterans, ensuring no burial fees apply to these specific groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Minnesota to issue free "Legion of Merit" special license plates to qualifying individuals. It directly affects recipients of the Legion of Merit military decoration who own eligible vehicles (passenger cars, pickup trucks, motorcycles, or RVs) for personal use. Key provisions include: the plates are issued at no cost, can be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same person without fee, and are exempt from certain registration fees. The plates must display "LEGION OF MERIT" and are effective for vehicles registered on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota's Commissioner of Human Services and Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families from terminating public assistance benefits based on an individual's or their dependents' vaccination status. It directly affects people receiving benefits like food assistance, cash aid, or childcare subsidies, as well as caregivers, parents, or guardians responsible for minors or vulnerable adults. The law adds specific statutory language (in sections 142A.03 and 256.01) making it illegal for these agencies to rescind benefits due to vaccination status. The policy change is a direct prohibition on using vaccination status as a grounds for benefit termination, without altering eligibility criteria or creating new programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows school staff with valid firearm permits to carry weapons on school property after completing annual training. It requires the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to provide free, annual active-shooter response training to teachers and employees at public K-12 schools, charter schools, and postsecondary institutions. The bill amends criminal penalties to clarify that permitted staff carrying firearms on school grounds will face only a misdemeanor charge (not a felony), while maintaining restrictions for others. It specifically applies to staff who already hold permits under Minnesota law, with no new permit eligibility created.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 356) increases the reemployment earnings limit for public safety officers (police, firefighters, paramedics) receiving disability benefits under Minnesota's public employee retirement plan. It amends Minnesota Statutes § 353.656, subdivision 4, raising the threshold at which disability benefits are reduced when recipients work part-time. Specifically, the limit is set at 150% of the base monthly salary for similar positions with their employer, meaning officers can earn more before benefits are adjusted. This change directly affects current disability benefit recipients who return to partial work, providing greater financial flexibility.

Maddy summarySF 354 would create a new special license plate for Minnesota veterans who received the National Defense Medal. This plate would be added to Minnesota's existing veterans' plate program, requiring applicants to provide proof of the medal. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 168.123 to include this new category, following the same application process as other veterans' plates (including fee payment and verification of service). It directly affects eligible Minnesota veterans who served with the National Defense Medal, without changing existing requirements for other veteran plate types.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SF 352, removes the requirement for a permit to carry a firearm in most public places across Minnesota, recognizing the Second Amendment right to carry. It states that law-abiding residents (not prohibited by state or federal law) may carry firearms openly in vehicles, on their person, or in public spaces like parks and stores, excluding homes, businesses, gun shops, and hunting areas. The bill also creates an optional permit system for those who want one, requiring applicants to be 21+, have pistol safety training, and pass background checks. It directly affects Minnesotans seeking to carry firearms without a permit, while maintaining existing restrictions for prohibited individuals.