Sen. Aric Putnam

Maddy summarySF 375 modifies rules for local sales taxes in Minnesota. It requires local governments to first obtain legislative approval before seeking voter approval for new sales taxes. The bill restricts these taxes to specific capital projects (like infrastructure) that provide clear regional benefits beyond the local area, and prohibits using tax revenue for general local services. It also mandates that tax revenues be dedicated solely to approved projects, with automatic termination once funding is complete. This affects cities and counties seeking to fund projects through local sales taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a process for Minnesota to select delegates to a potential constitutional convention called under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It requires the Senate majority leader, Senate minority leader, House speaker, and House minority leader to each appoint one delegate, with the four appointing authorities needing to unanimously choose a fifth delegate. If they cannot agree on the fifth delegate, Minnesota would send only four delegates. The bill also outlines procedures for appointing alternates and sets a 30-day deadline before the convention date for all appointments.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide grants to the Minnesota Agricultural Education and Leadership Council. The funds will support the Council's existing programs under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 41D. The bill directly affects the Council and the agricultural education initiatives it administers across Minnesota. It does not create new programs but provides dedicated funding for current activities. The appropriation is a straightforward budget allocation with no new policy provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's sales tax exemption rules for land clearing equipment and services. It removes the tax exemption for short-term equipment (less than 12 months' useful life) used in landscaping, gardening, and lawn care services. It also clarifies that land clearing services for remodeling, improving, or expanding existing structures are no longer exempt from sales tax. These changes apply to sales and purchases after June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases presumptive sentence lengths by 25% for certain criminal sexual conduct offenses under Minnesota Statutes (sections 609.342-609.3458) committed on or after August 1, 2025. It directly affects individuals convicted of these specific crimes, excluding cases where the offender held a position of authority over the victim (e.g., a supervisor or teacher). The Sentencing Guidelines Commission must implement this change in the 2025 sentencing grid, applying the longer sentences to new convictions after the effective date. The increase applies to all listed offenses except those involving authority figures, as specified in the bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides supplemental funding for various state agencies, including those responsible for agriculture, commerce, energy, utilities, and environmental protection. It adjusts budget allocations for the Department of Agriculture and establishes new programs and rules related to broadband access, renewable energy development, and energy infrastructure permitting. The legislation also includes technical updates to existing laws and appropriates specific sums for these initiatives to ensure they have the necessary financial resources to operate.

Maddy summarySF 4225 is an omnibus bill that allocates state funds to various agencies for capital projects, such as building, renovating, or repairing public facilities. The legislation requires that workers on these projects be paid at least the prevailing wage rate and mandates that grant recipients demonstrate a plan to sustain the funded programs after state money is spent. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to replace the statue of Henry Mower Rice in the U.S. Capitol and makes numerous technical updates to existing state laws regarding natural resources and employee compensation.