Sen. Jeff Howe

Maddy summarySF 2095 prohibits the Minnesota Division of Driver and Vehicle Services from listing specific surcharge details or fee differences (like the $1 surcharge or variations between in-person and online transactions) on vehicle registration renewal notices or related materials. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 168.33, subdivision 7, to require that such information not be advertised, promoted, or referenced on renewal notices, accompanying materials, or the agency's website - except when completing a transaction. This change directly affects vehicle owners receiving renewal notices, as they will no longer see these fee breakdowns. The provision takes effect October 1, 2025, for notices issued on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund two existing Minnesota programs: the Safe Routes to School Program (under Minn. Stat. § 174.40) and the Active Transportation Program (under Minn. Stat. § 174.38). The funds, directed to the Commissioner of Transportation, support projects that improve walking and biking infrastructure near schools and for community active transportation. It directly affects school districts, local communities, and transportation planners who implement these specific infrastructure improvements. This is a funding measure with no new policy requirements, solely providing budget authority for established programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota Statutes to ensure surviving spouses of veterans who died from military service can continue receiving state education benefits even if they remarry. It specifically updates the definition of "eligible spouse" in Section 197.791 to clarify that remarriage does not disqualify a surviving spouse from accessing these benefits. The policy directly affects surviving spouses who meet residency requirements and are enrolled in eligible Minnesota educational institutions. This change aligns with federal education benefits eligibility under Title 38, ensuring consistent access to state support regardless of marital status after the veteran's death.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's net metering rules for small-scale renewable energy systems. It directly affects residential and small business customers with solar panels or similar installations under 40 kilowatts (kW) capacity. Key changes include allowing these customers to choose compensation based on the utility's average retail energy rate (instead of avoided costs) for excess power sent back to the grid, and clarifying definitions like "aggregated meter" for multi-property systems. The bill ensures utilities can recover fixed costs through reasonable fees while maintaining non-discriminatory billing practices for small generators.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated "State Fire Marshal Account" within Minnesota's special revenue fund. It requires that money received by the State Fire Marshal Division - including gifts, grants, reimbursements, and appropriations - for fire safety program administration be deposited into this new account instead of the general fund. The account is then annually appropriated to the Commissioner of Public Safety to fund the division's fire safety programs under Minnesota Statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes roadside signage to help people locate public defibrillators during emergencies. It allows businesses or locations with registered outdoor defibrillators (under existing law) to request directional signs from road authorities, which must be placed 200-300 feet before intersections or 800-1,600 feet before interchanges. The requesting location pays all sign costs and must maintain the defibrillator’s registration and accessibility. The state transportation commissioner must also develop standardized signs using a universal defibrillator symbol by September 2025.

Maddy summarySF 1368 prohibits the Minnesota Department of Human Rights from creating or maintaining any database or collection of incidents involving protected speech, such as free speech, assembly, or petitioning activities guaranteed by the U.S. or Minnesota Constitutions. The bill explicitly bans the department from offering rewards for reporting such incidents and removes the ability to collect data on protected speech incidents that were previously allowed under existing law. This amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 363A.06, specifically targets the department's data collection practices without altering its core duties in investigating discrimination. The bill affects only the department's data management related to protected speech, leaving unchanged its responsibilities for addressing discrimination in housing, employment, or public accommodations.

Maddy summarySF 1845 adds "drilling machines" (equipment used to bore wells, including cable tools and rotary drills) to Minnesota's list of vehicles eligible for a $120 annual oversized vehicle permit. This bill directly affects haulers transporting well drilling equipment, allowing them to use a single annual permit instead of multiple short-term permits. The key provision amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.86, by adding drilling machines as a qualifying category under existing permit fees. This change streamlines transportation for well-drilling operations while maintaining the current fee structure for oversized vehicle permits.

Maddy summarySF 1077 creates a refundable sales and use tax exemption for materials and equipment purchased between January 2025 and January 2031 used in constructing or renovating the Stearns County Justice Center's jail, law enforcement center, and judicial center. It requires tax to be collected at standard rates but then refunded through the same process as other qualifying projects, with refunds beginning no earlier than July 1, 2025. The state treasury will fund these refunds using general fund appropriations. This bill directly affects Stearns County by reducing costs for its Justice Center construction project during the specified period.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's driver's license application requirements by expanding the list of acceptable documents to prove identity, date of birth, and name changes. It adds specific documents like REAL ID-compliant licenses, U.S. passports, certified birth certificates, immigration documents (e.g., I-551 cards), and court-ordered name change proofs (marriage certificates, divorce decrees). Applicants must now provide unaltered, legible documents from the approved list. The changes directly affect anyone applying for or renewing a Minnesota driver's license or ID card who relies on these alternative documents. The bill does not alter license revocation rules, which remain unchanged in section 171.17.