Sen. Aric Putnam

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $200,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $200,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to provide grants through GreenSeam, a nonprofit organization, to support Minnesota agriculture-related businesses. The funding helps these businesses with retention, development, creation, talent attraction, and regional branding efforts. GreenSeam must report annually to the legislature by December 1 on new businesses supported, jobs created, educational partnerships, and promotional activities. The bill directly affects agricultural businesses in Minnesota and requires transparent reporting on outcomes.

Maddy summarySF 310 amends Minnesota's earned sick and safe time law by updating the definition of "employee." It specifically excludes certain farm workers: those employed by a family farm or farm corporation with five or fewer total employees, or those working 28 days or less per year for the farm. This change directly affects farm laborers under these conditions, removing their eligibility for the state's earned sick time benefits. The bill modifies Minnesota Statutes section 181.9445, subdivision 5, to clarify these exclusions. The law remains neutral, focusing on the policy change to the eligibility criteria.

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 summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to provide a one-time grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities. The funds will support job-seeking skills training, connections to job training/education, and career exploration mentorship for disadvantaged youth aged 12-21. The program specifically serves youth in Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters across the Twin Cities, central Minnesota, and southern Minnesota. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, directing existing state resources to an established youth mentoring organization.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates funds from the general fund for grants to Minnesota retail gas stations that sell fuel for vehicles manufactured after 2000. The grants help upgrade equipment to dispense E25 biofuel, covering up to 65% of costs (max $200,000 per station), to meet state biofuel goals. Eligible stations must have no more than ten locations in Minnesota and replace non-certified equipment. The commissioner must report annually on funded projects, including geographic distribution, metrics on leveraged funding, and support for minority- or women-owned businesses. The program directly supports fuel retailers expanding biofuel access while tracking program impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a property tax exemption for agricultural lands used as riparian buffers (vegetated areas along waterways that protect water quality) on designated class 2a and 2b farmland. Landowners must apply through county assessors and maintain compliance with buffer requirements to qualify. Local governments lose tax revenue from the exemption but will receive annual reimbursements from the state, paid in two installments each year starting in 2026. The reimbursement amount equals the actual tax revenue lost due to the exemption.

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 summaryThis bill appropriates $250,000 from the general fund for a one-time grant to Equaspace, a nonprofit organization. The funds will provide workspace and wrap-around services - including IT support, HR assistance, accounting, fundraising, and executive director support - to small and startup nonprofit organizations. The grant is administered by the commissioner of employment and economic development. This appropriation directly supports small nonprofits by helping them access essential operational resources. The funding is specific to fiscal year 2026 and does not create ongoing state obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum number of shareholders, members, or partners allowed in agricultural entities (like family farm corporations, LLCs, or partnerships) that qualify for special homestead tax treatment from 12 to 20 people. It directly affects farm businesses structured as these entities that seek reduced property tax rates (class 1b or 2a) for properties where a qualifying owner resides and farms the land. The key provision amends Minnesota Statutes section 273.124 to raise this shareholder limit, allowing larger family-owned agricultural operations to maintain eligibility for the tax benefits. The change takes effect for homestead applications in 2025 and beyond.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases annual state funding for Minnesota's soil and water conservation districts. It amends state law to appropriate $16 million each year from the general fund starting in 2026 (up from $12 million in 2025), replacing previous funding levels. The funding directly supports local conservation districts that help landowners manage soil erosion, water quality, and sustainable land use practices. The change takes effect for payments made in 2026 and subsequent years.