Maddy summarySF 997 amends Minnesota law to require that subscribers to community solar gardens must reside in the same county as the solar facility, removing the previous allowance for subscribers in contiguous counties. This change directly affects potential subscribers who currently live in neighboring counties but would no longer qualify under the new requirement. The bill modifies Minnesota Statutes section 216B.1641, specifically changing the residency rule from "same county or contiguous county" to "same county" for all community solar garden subscriptions. The policy change applies to all new and existing community solar programs under this statute, limiting participation to residents within the facility's immediate county. This is a straightforward geographic eligibility adjustment with no other changes to subscription size, ownership limits, or program structure.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $634,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $634,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to continue Minnesota's existing dairy development and business planning grant programs. It directly supports Minnesota dairy farmers by funding services like business planning grants under Minnesota Statutes §32D.30. The funding ensures ongoing access to technical assistance and financial support for dairy operations seeking to improve profitability and long-term planning. This is a continuation of current programs, not a new initiative, with no changes to eligibility or program structure.
Maddy summarySF 1056 requires all Minnesota school district advisory committees to comply with Chapter 13D (the state's open meeting law) and provide public notice of all regular and special meetings. This bill directly affects school district advisory committees, which are responsible for community input on curriculum, academic standards, and equity initiatives. The key provision mandates that these committees, including any subcommittees, must follow public meeting procedures and publicly announce meeting times and locations in advance. The bill does not change the committees' composition or duties, only their meeting transparency requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3,992,000 from state bonds to fund a new emergency services center in Paynesville, housing the city's fire and police departments. The funds will cover predesign, design, and construction costs for the facility. The state will issue bonds to raise the required funds, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. This bill directly affects the city of Paynesville by providing capital for a specific public safety infrastructure project.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 965) amends Minnesota Statutes section 97B.311, which governs deer hunting seasons. It modifies the dates for the deer firearms season, though the specific new dates are not detailed in the provided text. The bill directly affects hunters who participate in deer hunting during the firearms season, as it would change the legally permitted timeframe for taking deer with firearms. The amendment would update the current provision (which currently allows firearms hunting from the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November through December 15) but does not specify the exact new dates in the excerpt.
Maddy summarySF 888 amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16A.90, to create a program rewarding state employees who report fraud in the use of state or federal funds. It establishes a one-time bonus system where eligible employees can receive up to 10% of documented cost savings (capped at $50,000) for reporting fraud or suggesting efficiency improvements, paid from the savings' appropriation. Employees whose primary role involves finding savings are generally excluded, and the program requires biannual legislative reports detailing participation, awards, and cost savings by agency. This directly affects state employees who identify fraud or cost-saving opportunities in state operations.
Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate Bill SF 977 amends Minnesota law to eliminate replacement fees for motor vehicles displaying Purple Heart medal special license plates. The bill specifically removes a $5 fee required when replacing these plates due to loss, theft, or damage, extending an existing exemption currently limited to certain scenarios. This change directly affects Minnesota veterans who hold Purple Heart medal special plates, ensuring they pay no fee when replacing their plates. The provision modifies sections 168.12 and 168.123 of Minnesota Statutes to align with the existing fee exemption for Purple Heart plates under section 168.1245.
Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 889 changes age exemptions for game and fish licenses in Minnesota. It raises the age limit for license-free fishing and small game hunting from under 16 to under 18 years. The bill also updates fee structures for youth hunters, such as adding a $5 fee for 13- to 17-year-olds taking deer (instead of free access) and establishing new fee categories for different age groups. These changes directly affect Minnesotans under 18 who hunt or fish, altering when they require licenses or pay fees.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows firefighters who are also certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs), advanced EMTs, or paramedics to obtain special license plates for their personal vehicles. To qualify, applicants must provide certification from the Office of Emergency Medical Services, a letter from their fire chief confirming department membership, and pay applicable fees. The special plates can only be used while the owner maintains both qualifications, and must be removed if they lose either certification or fire department membership. Fees collected go to the state's driver and vehicle services account, and plates may be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same qualified individual. The policy applies to passenger cars, one-ton pickup trucks, and motorcycles owned by qualifying individuals.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota state agencies to cover the costs of investigating petroleum releases (like fuel spills) on land they own, rather than having those costs paid by other parties or state funds. It amends state law to explicitly state that state agencies, not responsible individuals or entities, are liable for these investigation expenses. The change applies retroactively to land purchased by state agencies on or after January 1, 2022. This directly affects state agencies managing properties with petroleum storage tanks.