Sen. Aric Putnam

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates unspecified funds from the general fund to Minnesota's Board of Animal Health for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It provides funding to support the board's existing duties under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 35, which governs animal health oversight. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on funding allocation without changing laws or creating new policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases funding for Minnesota school districts' career and technical education (CTE) programs. It raises the revenue percentage from 35% to 50% of eligible program costs (like instructor salaries, supplies, and professional development) and sets an annual appropriation of $46.46 million starting in fiscal year 2026. The bill also guarantees districts won't receive less funding than the previous year for CTE programs. These changes directly affect school districts operating approved CTE programs by increasing their state funding and ensuring stable revenue. The policy changes take effect for fiscal year 2026 and later.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1 million annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund two specific programs supporting Minnesota manufacturers. The funds go to Enterprise Minnesota, Inc. to provide services like talent development, quality management, and growth strategies to small manufacturers employing 250 or fewer full-time equivalent workers. It also requires Enterprise Minnesota to submit annual reports detailing funds used, financial impacts on companies, and federal funds leveraged. The bill updates the program name in law from "small business growth acceleration program" to "Made in Minnesota program." This directly affects small manufacturing businesses across Minnesota through targeted support services.

Maddy summarySF 1316 prohibits Minnesota state legislators from receiving per diem payments during regular legislative sessions, which directly affects all elected members of the Minnesota Legislature. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 3.099, by adding a specific provision (subdivision 1(c)) stating members "are prohibited from receiving per diem payments during a regular session." It also clarifies that legislators may only receive certain specified compensation types, such as salary, insurance contributions, and retirement plan contributions, excluding per diem during regular sessions. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $375,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to fund shelter services for racially diverse youth in specific Minnesota regions. The funds will support three $125,000 annual grants to 180 Degrees shelters in Rochester, St. Cloud, and central Minnesota west of the Twin Cities. These grants require shelters to establish programs providing community outreach, mobile case management, family reunification, aftercare, and follow-up services specifically targeting racial disparities in youth shelter use. The initiative directly affects at-risk racially diverse youth in rural areas served by these regional shelters, aiming to improve outcomes through targeted support services.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts fiber optic cables and underground conduits purchased or leased by broadband providers for building infrastructure used to deliver internet services to end users. It directly affects broadband and internet service providers in Minnesota by removing sales and use taxes on these specific materials. The exemption applies to fiber and conduit used primarily in providing retail broadband services, as defined in the new tax code section. The provision takes effect for purchases made after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 1306 exempts sales tax on construction materials purchased for Benton County's new government center in Foley, Minnesota. Materials bought between April 1, 2025, and December 31, 2029, qualify for a refundable tax exemption, meaning the tax is collected first and then refunded through the state's standard process. The exemption applies retroactively to purchases made after March 31, 2025, but refunds won't be issued until after June 30, 2025. This directly affects Benton County (for the project) and suppliers selling materials for the center.

Maddy summarySF 1297 establishes Minnesota's "Keep it Clean" program to prevent water pollution from garbage and human waste left on frozen lakes during winter activities. It creates a dedicated funding account by adding a $10 surcharge to annual and three-year licenses for fish houses, dark houses, and shelters (both resident and nonresident). The program provides grants to local governments and nonprofits for specific cleanup initiatives, including installing waste disposal stations, increasing winter enforcement patrols, and running education campaigns. Funds for the program come from the surcharge receipts and a state appropriation for fiscal years 2026-2027.

Maddy summarySF 1182 would allow Minnesota cities to authorize "social districts" where people can consume alcohol purchased from nearby licensed venues, but not buy or sell it in those areas. The bill requires cities to define district boundaries, hours, and safety signs, and mandates that all consumed alcohol must be in non-glass containers (max 16 oz) with specific labeling. It directly affects cities that adopt the program, on-sale liquor license holders (like bars), and the public who can consume alcohol in designated zones. Cities must also report on the program's impact to legislators within two years, including community feedback and safety concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases annual state funding for soil and water conservation districts from $12 million to $20 million starting in 2025. It directly affects local conservation districts across Minnesota that manage programs for soil erosion control, water quality, and sustainable land use. The change modifies Minnesota Statutes § 477A.23, subdivision 6, to adjust the annual appropriation amount from the state general fund. The funding increase applies to payments for 2025 and future years, effective upon passage.