Sen. Jeff Howe

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how firefighters in Minnesota must earn the right to their full retirement pension by gradually shortening the number of years they need to work before becoming fully vested. It directly affects firefighters in both defined contribution and defined benefit retirement plans by updating the rules in their association bylaws. Currently, firefighters need 20 years of service to fully vest, but this bill phases that requirement down to 15 years by 2028 and then to 10 years by 2029. The changes also increase how quickly firefighters earn their pension rights each year they work, moving from 4 percent increments to 12 percent increments as the deadline approaches.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to stop the state of Minnesota from requiring local governments to implement new programs or rules without providing the money needed to pay for them. Under the plan, any state law or agency rule that forces local units to spend more on compliance would be unenforceable unless the legislature first appropriates full funding based on objective cost estimates. The amendment includes exceptions for criminal laws, federally mandated requirements, emergency measures passed by a two-thirds legislative vote, locally approved ordinances, and rules with a fiscal impact under one percent of a local budget. If voters approve this change at the 2026 general election, the new restrictions on unfunded mandates would take effect on January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota drivers' licenses and identification cards to show when a holder has a lifetime permit to hunt from a stationary vehicle. It applies specifically to individuals with permanent physical disabilities who qualify for this special hunting permit under existing state laws. The legislation requires the Department of Public Safety to receive electronic notifications from the Department of Natural Resources when such lifetime permits are issued, suspended, or revoked. Once notified, the department must add a specific graphic or written mark to the affected driver's license or ID card to indicate the permit status. These changes are designed to ensure that law enforcement and other officials can easily identify permit holders while the bill itself takes effect on June 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota laws regarding how independent contractors are classified within the building construction and improvement industry. It establishes a list of specific requirements that a worker must meet to be legally considered an independent contractor rather than an employee. These requirements include owning necessary equipment, serving multiple clients, maintaining proper tax and insurance records, and operating under a written contract that grants the contractor control over their work methods. If a worker fails to meet these criteria, the law states they will be treated as an employee of the company that hired them. The changes directly affect businesses and individuals involved in providing construction services in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new high school diploma in Minnesota specifically for veterans who did not complete high school before joining the military. It allows the state education commissioner to award a standard diploma to eligible veterans who served in the Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, or left high school to join active duty, provided they were honorably discharged and have a Minnesota connection (current resident, former student, or resident at time of death). The diploma is based on military service knowledge and experience, not traditional coursework. The Department of Education and Veterans Affairs will collaborate to assist veterans with applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's regulations on products containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals by adjusting submission deadlines and clarifying which items are exempt from bans. Manufacturers must begin submitting detailed product information to the state starting July 1, 2027, instead of the previously scheduled January 1, 2026, and the law explicitly allows grouping multiple similar products into a single submission. The legislation also defines specific categories, such as certain HVAC equipment and veterinary products, as having "currently unavoidable" uses for PFAS, meaning these items remain legal to sell even after broader restrictions take effect. Additionally, the bill sets a timeline where a total ban on most PFAS-containing products begins on January 1, 2032, unless the state commissioner determines an exception is necessary.

Maddy summaryThis bill cancels a specific funding allocation of $1,000,000 that was previously designated for veterans under the 2025 state budget. The funds, which were set to be transferred to the general fund by June 30, 2026, will no longer be moved. The legislation takes effect immediately upon final passage by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to create a tax subtraction for income earned by Minnesota residents who are 65 years of age or older. It would allow eligible senior taxpayers to exclude certain income from their taxable income when calculating their individual income tax liability. The provision applies to single taxpayers aged 65 or older and to married couples filing jointly if at least one spouse meets the age requirement. The bill would take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new program allowing Minnesota state employees to redirect their employer matching contributions from a deferred compensation plan into a Launch Account, which is designed to help save for a child's future financial needs. The program would require the commissioner of management and budget to set up the system by July 4, 2026, and must be available to all state employees on equal terms. Employees could either contribute their own salary to the account or direct their employer's matching funds that would normally go to their retirement plan into this child-focused savings vehicle. The bill defines specific rules for opening accounts, including priority order for who can open an account for a child, and requires the program to follow federal tax code requirements for similar savings accounts.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Stearns County Administrator Mike Williams as he retires after 40 years of public service. The bill formally congratulates him on his career achievements, which include leading a major broadband expansion project and managing the county through the pandemic. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to create an official copy of the resolution and send it to Mr. Williams to acknowledge his contributions. This measure is a ceremonial gesture rather than a policy change, as it does not alter any laws or regulations.