Sen. Aric Putnam

Maddy summarySF 1839 establishes a Minnesota grant program to help poultry producers prevent avian influenza spread from wild birds to domestic flocks. The bill provides funding for producers to install specific prevention measures like lasers, visual deterrents (air socks, decoys), and sound systems, with applicants required to cover 20% of costs (reducible by up to $2,000 for labor). Eligible recipients must document expenses, report annually on effectiveness, and allow monitoring by the Agriculture Commissioner. The program appropriates funds for fiscal years 2026-2027, directly affecting Minnesota poultry operations seeking to implement these prevention methods.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2.95 million for fiscal year 2026 and $2.95 million for fiscal year 2027 to fund Minnesota's existing county feedlot program. The funds, coming from the general fund, will be distributed as grants to delegated counties through the Pollution Control Agency. This funding supports counties in administering feedlot regulations under Minnesota Statutes section 116.0711, specifically for managing manure and waste from livestock operations. Unused funds from 2026 can carry over to 2027. The bill does not create new regulations or alter program requirements.

Maddy summarySF 2219 appropriates $1 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to establish the Fursad Fund Initiative, targeting small businesses in greater Minnesota (outside the seven-county metropolitan area) owned by historically underserved entrepreneurs, including immigrants, refugees, and communities of color. The initiative provides technical assistance (like business coaching and financial training), capacity building (to navigate regulations and expand networks), and access to capital through microloans and culturally aligned lending. Administered by CAIRO (Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization), it requires a 2027 legislative report tracking businesses served, job creation, revenue growth, and program effectiveness. The bill directly affects small businesses with fewer than 25 employees demonstrating financial need, excluding those in the metro area.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $155,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $155,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support preschool programs in St. Cloud. The funds are specifically designated for Independent School District No. 742's "Preschool 4 Success" program, operated in partnership with the Rotary Club of St. Cloud. Up to 3% of the total appropriation may be used for grant administration, and the funds are one-time only with expiration dates of June 30, 2027 (for 2026 funds) and June 30, 2028 (for 2027 funds). The bill directly affects preschool access for eligible children in St. Cloud through this targeted grant.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 from the general fund to study the viability of small nuclear reactors (SMRs) in Minnesota. The Pollution Control Agency must produce a report by January 15, 2026, covering environmental protections (water quality, waste management), infrastructure needs (grid integration, emergency response), economic impacts (costs, rate effects), and community benefit models. The report will inform potential future legislation but does not authorize SMR construction or operations. It directly affects state agencies conducting the study and future energy policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates dollar limits on tax credits for Minnesota agricultural landowners who sell or rent property to beginning farmers. Currently, credits are capped at $50,000 for land sales and $7,000 annually for cash rent; the bill removes these maximums. It directly affects agricultural property owners and beginning farmers by allowing credits to scale with transaction value without annual caps. The change applies to credits under Minnesota Statutes sections 41B.0391 and 290.06, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $100,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $110,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of agriculture for the Minnesota State Horticultural Society. The funds will support the Society in providing resources and training specifically for home gardeners, educators, community gardeners, and urban farmers across Minnesota. The training focuses on adapting to Minnesota's cold climate growing conditions. This is a direct funding allocation with no new regulations or requirements for recipients.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $35 million to convert the existing U.S. Highway 10 corridor in Sherburne County to a freeway, specifically for Phase 1 improvements including an interchange at 15th Avenue SE in St. Cloud. It authorizes the state to sell up to $35 million in bonds, with proceeds deposited into the trunk highway fund to cover design, engineering, land acquisition, and construction costs. The funds directly affect Sherburne County residents and travelers along this highway segment, with unspent amounts potentially funding Phase 2 upgrades later. The bill focuses solely on financing and project scope, with no additional policy changes or stakeholder impacts described.

Maddy summarySF 1450 requires manufactured home park owners to notify the Minnesota Attorney General 120 days before transferring ownership or control to a private equity company. The bill mandates that the private equity company submit detailed information - including ownership structure, financial capability, legal history, infrastructure plans, and rent history - to the Attorney General for review. It also requires the company to provide evidence they can operate the park responsibly, avoid excessive rent hikes (capped at Consumer Price Index increases), and maintain infrastructure. This law directly affects manufactured home park residents and owners, as well as private equity firms seeking to acquire such properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's livestock investment grant program to change how grant amounts are calculated. Instead of offering 10% of the first $500,000 in eligible costs, it now provides 50% of the first $20,000 plus 20% of the next $220,000 in qualifying expenditures. The program supports Minnesota livestock producers raising animals listed in the bill (including cattle, swine, poultry, and bison) who make eligible investments in farm facilities, pasture improvements, or equipment. To qualify, applicants must be Minnesota residents or tribal government representatives operating farms that meet specific registration and documentation requirements. The changes aim to adjust financial incentives for livestock operations under the existing grant framework.