Sen. Jeff Howe

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 3259) amends Minnesota law to restrict when motorcycles can split or filter between lanes of traffic. It prohibits motorcycles from operating between lanes of moving/stationary vehicles, riding abreast, or passing within the same lane - except under specific conditions: motorcycles may pass within the same lane only when traveling at or below 25 mph and no more than 15 mph over the surrounding traffic speed. The law directly affects motorcycle riders in Minnesota, clarifying safe lane-splitting rules on public roads. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and updates existing traffic regulations without creating new penalties.

Maddy summarySF 3269 eliminates the authority to collect tolls on most Minnesota highways, except for existing toll facilities and specific lanes added after 2007. It changes the fee structure for dynamic shoulder lanes and high-occupancy vehicle lanes to prohibit charging single-occupant vehicles, making these lanes free for drivers traveling alone. The bill also reallocates user fee revenue from toll collections and appropriates funds for transportation projects, with all changes effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 3262 allows private security industry license applicants and employees to have their expunged conviction records accessed during background checks without a court order. It amends Minnesota Statutes to specifically permit this access for evaluations under sections 326.3381 (licensing standards) and 326.336 (background check requirements). This affects individuals with expunged convictions seeking work in the private security sector, as employers can now review these records for licensing decisions. The bill does not change expungement eligibility but clarifies that such records may be accessed for this specific industry background check process. It applies to expungement orders issued before or after January 1, 2015.

Maddy summarySF 3261 proposes a constitutional amendment to change who appoints a lieutenant governor when the position becomes vacant. Currently, Minnesota law requires the Senate's presiding officer to make this appointment; the bill would allow the governor to appoint a replacement instead. If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, this change would take effect, altering the process for filling lieutenant governor vacancies. The amendment specifically targets Article V, Section 5 of the Minnesota Constitution, without affecting the lieutenant governor's duties or compensation. This is a procedural change requiring voter approval, not a substantive policy shift.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $4 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to design and construct the final segment of the Glacial Lakes Trail. The funds will be used by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to complete the trail segment between the city of New London and Sibley State Park, as established under Minnesota Statutes § 85.015. The appropriation is one-time and expires upon project completion or abandonment.

Maddy summaryHF 1255 allows certain public safety employees in Minnesota to purchase their surplus badges at fair market value. The bill specifically applies to current or retired state troopers, commercial vehicle inspectors, and Capitol security officers. It amends Minnesota Statutes to permit the commissioner to sell badges bearing pre-May 11, 2024 seals (or retired personnel badges) directly to the employee who originally used them. The sale price must reflect the badge's fair market value as determined by the commissioner. This is a procedural change affecting badge ownership for these specific state employees.

Maddy summarySF 2062 amends Minnesota Statutes section 13.43 to narrow the definition of "public official" for disclosure purposes. It removes general managerial and department head positions in cities/counties over certain population thresholds from the list of roles where complaint data automatically becomes public. Instead, it specifies that only certain defined roles - like school business managers, HR directors, and specific administrative staff - qualify as "public officials" under this rule. This change means complaint data for most city/county managers and department heads will no longer automatically be disclosed, unless disciplinary action occurs or a settlement releases legal claims. The bill affects how public records related to employee complaints are handled for specific government employees in local government and school districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 1158) allows state troopers, commercial vehicle inspectors, and Capitol security officers to purchase their surplus badges from the commissioner at fair market value when they leave or retire. It amends Minnesota law to permit the sale of badges that were issued during their employment, including those bearing pre-May 11, 2024 seals or retired personnel badges. Employees can buy these badges whether currently working or retired, with the price set by the commissioner based on fair market value. The bill does not provide badges for free but establishes a process for employees to repurchase their former equipment. This is a procedural change affecting specific state law enforcement roles.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 3233 establishes a 13-member task force to evaluate road funding alternatives as electric vehicle adoption grows. The task force, including state agency representatives and EV industry experts, will analyze options like mileage-based fees, increased surcharges on electric vehicles, and taxes on charging station usage. It must assess current funding mechanisms, study other states' approaches, and estimate costs for implementing alternatives by March 2026. The bill directly affects Minnesota's transportation funding system as traditional gas tax revenue declines with more electric vehicles. The task force will submit recommendations to lawmakers for potential legislative action.

Maddy summarySF 1427 clarifies how Minnesota's Hometown Heroes Assistance Program funds must be used to support firefighters. It specifies that grant money awarded to the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative must cover: (1) critical illness payments for firefighters diagnosed after August 1, 2021; (2) up to five annual psychotherapy sessions addressing emotional trauma; (3) coordination of additional therapy as needed; and (4) annual training on occupational health risks like cancer and heart disease. The bill directly affects all Minnesota firefighters eligible for the program. It amends Minnesota Statutes section 299A.477 to define these specific program requirements.