Sen. Jeff Howe

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from purchasing state land at public auctions or accepting land that third parties acquired at auction. It directly affects the DNR commissioner, who can no longer use auction purchases as a method for acquiring land for state use. The law specifically blocks both the DNR buying land at auction and taking ownership of land previously bought by others at auction. This is a procedural change to state land acquisition rules, with no new funding or programs created.

Maddy summarySF 871 prevents land protected by a conservation easement from being counted as "benefited property" under Minnesota's drainage laws. This means drainage districts cannot require landowners with conservation easements to pay for drainage projects or repairs on those lands, as such properties are excluded from benefit calculations. The bill directly affects landowners holding conservation easements and drainage districts managing drainage systems. It changes the current rule to ensure conservation lands - typically used for environmental protection rather than agriculture - are not included in cost-sharing for drainage improvements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 870) adds a new special license plate category for Minnesota veterans who received the Army Commendation Medal. It requires the state to issue license plates bearing the inscription "ARMY COMMENDATION VET" along with a facsimile of the medal. The provision directly affects veterans who were awarded this specific military decoration. The plates become available starting January 1, 2026, for those eligible under the new category. This is a procedural change creating a new plate option, not a policy shift.

Maddy summarySF 967 increases criminal penalties for crimes motivated by bias against a victim's political affiliation or beliefs. It amends Minnesota law to specifically include "political affiliation or beliefs" as a protected characteristic, expanding existing bias crime protections. For offenses like assault or property damage committed because of a victim's political views, penalties increase to up to 364 days in jail or a $3,000 fine for first offenses, and up to one year for repeat offenses. The bill applies to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2025, and affects anyone who targets others based on their political identity.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $21 million from state bonds to fund capital improvements on County State-Aid Highway 1 (Mayhew Lake Road) in Sauk Rapids, Benton County. The funds will cover designing, constructing, and reconstructing six roundabouts and other highway improvements between 14th Avenue and 35th Street. The state will issue bonds to cover the full cost, requiring no local matching funds from Benton County. This directly affects transportation infrastructure in the Sauk Rapids area.

Maddy summarySF 803 allows Minnesota counties and cities to require criminal background checks for specific job applicants. It applies directly to individuals seeking county or city employment involving access to residential or business property, and to applicants for cabaret or massage business licenses. The bill mandates that local governments conduct both state and national criminal history checks through the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, using applicant consent, fingerprints, and fees. Local governments must use the results to determine disqualification for these roles, with non-cooperation considered grounds for denial.

Maddy summarySF 596 amends Minnesota Statutes section 219.455 to clarify specific definitions related to railroad clearance requirements. It adds formal definitions for terms like "depot company," "terminal," "yard," and "yard track" within existing railroad regulations. This bill directly affects how Minnesota's railroad statutes are interpreted, particularly regarding infrastructure and operations. It does not create new requirements or impact specific carriers; it only refines the legal definitions used in current law. The bill is a technical clarification, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summarySF 755 increases the maximum number of shareholders, members, or partners allowed in entities owning agricultural homestead property from 12 to 18. This bill directly affects family farm corporations, joint farm ventures, limited liability companies, and partnerships that own farmland eligible for homestead tax classification. The key provision amends Minnesota Statutes section 273.124, subdivision 8, to update the ownership limit for these entities. The change applies to homestead applications starting in 2025, allowing larger family-owned farm businesses to maintain their tax classification.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $8.75 million from state bond proceeds to fund a specific road project in Benton County. It directs the state to issue bonds to pay for constructing a new roadway extension of CSAH 29 between CSAH 1 and CSAH 3 as part of the Beltline Corridor project near St. Cloud. The funds will be granted to Benton County for this infrastructure improvement. The bill authorizes the sale of up to $8.75 million in state bonds under existing bond laws to cover the project costs. This directly affects Benton County residents and commuters using the Beltline Corridor route.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Minnesota law enforcement agencies to use drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) under specific, defined circumstances. It permits drone use during emergencies involving risk of death or injury, to search for missing persons (including children or vulnerable adults), to locate individuals fleeing arrest, and to find escaped inmates from correctional facilities. The authorization is strictly limited to these scenarios and does not allow general surveillance. This directly affects the public during emergencies and missing persons cases, as well as incarcerated individuals in escape situations.