Sen. Aric Putnam

Maddy summarySF 4025 appropriates $2.25 million from state bonds to fund infrastructure improvements in the City of St. Joseph, specifically expanding the wastewater collection system and related infrastructure for industrial lots to support economic development. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds up to $2.25 million to cover this appropriation, using funds from the bond proceeds fund. This funding will directly support St. Joseph's projects to design, construct, and equip new wastewater infrastructure. The bill affects the City of St. Joseph's ability to develop industrial areas and manage wastewater services.

Maddy summarySF 4026 establishes standards for Minnesota's Department of Veterans Affairs competitive grants. It requires nonprofit organizations applying for these grants to be Minnesota-based, operating for at least five years, in good standing with the Attorney General, and have a current IRS Form 990. The bill limits grant funds to services for Minnesota veterans, their immediate family members (spouses or children under 22), or families of veterans who died in service, prioritizing veterans with health disabilities. Grantees must submit annual reports on service metrics, and the department must develop a scoring system based on past veteran service outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's estate tax law to establish a portability provision for surviving spouses. It allows a personal representative to elect on an estate tax return that a surviving spouse can use the deceased spouse's unused estate tax exclusion amount (currently capped at $3 million for 2020+ estates). The election is automatic unless explicitly declined on the return, and it applies even to estates that wouldn't otherwise need to file a return. The changes take effect for decedents dying after June 30, 2025, directly affecting surviving spouses inheriting estates where the deceased spouse didn't use their full estate tax exclusion.

Maddy summarySF 1942 updates Minnesota's estate tax rules to match current federal exclusion amounts. It amends statutes to set a $3,000,000 exclusion threshold for estates of decedents dying in 2020 and later, aligning Minnesota's tax requirement with federal law. This means Minnesota estate tax returns are now required only when an estate exceeds $3 million (compared to lower thresholds previously). The bill directly affects estates valued above this threshold, particularly larger estates of decedents dying after 2024. It simplifies tax filing by ensuring Minnesota's rules follow federal changes without creating new tax rates or policies.

Maddy summarySF 3913 modifies conflict of interest rules for members of Minnesota's Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. It prohibits commission members from serving as project managers or receiving financial compensation from proposals they review, and bars them from voting on land purchases involving organizations where they have a direct financial interest. The bill also adjusts voting requirements for land acquisitions under section 116P.18 by removing an exception that previously required 11 commission members to approve purchases. These changes directly affect commission members, their financial relationships, and the review process for proposals funded by the trust fund. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $84 million from state bond proceeds to fund a new campus center at the University of Minnesota Saint Paul campus. The funds will cover predesign, construction, renovation, and related infrastructure work, including site preparation and utility upgrades. The University of Minnesota must cover the remaining one-third of project costs using its own resources. The state will issue bonds up to $84 million to provide this funding, as authorized under Minnesota law.

Maddy summarySF 3966 appropriates $100 million from state bond proceeds to fund the University of Minnesota's Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEAPR) program. The bill authorizes the state to sell up to $100 million in bonds to cover this funding, directly affecting the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, which will manage the infrastructure projects. Key provisions include using bond funds for preserving and replacing campus assets under Minnesota Statutes §135A.046, with the bond sale following state bond procedures. This is a funding mechanism for campus infrastructure upgrades, not a new policy affecting broader public programs.

Maddy summarySF 3912 appropriates $50,000 from the general fund for the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute to cover legal costs in fiscal year 2026. This is a one-time funding allocation, available until June 30, 2029. The bill directly affects the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute by providing specific financial support for legal expenses. It does not change existing programs or create new policies, only funding an existing need.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax subtraction for Minnesota taxpayers who receive certain AmeriCorps-related benefits. It specifically allows individuals to subtract from their state taxable income: (1) AmeriCorps volunteer stipends, (2) National Civilian Community Corps living allowances, (3) AmeriCorps Seniors stipends, and (4) National Service Educational Awards. The provision applies to benefits received through federally approved AmeriCorps programs under U.S. Code sections referenced in the bill. This change takes effect for tax returns filed in 2026 for income earned in 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for Minnesota's agriculture special license plates to include "farm trucks" in addition to existing vehicle types like passenger cars, one-ton pickup trucks, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles. It directly affects Minnesota farmers who operate farm trucks by allowing them to display these plates, which require a $20 annual contribution to the Minnesota agriculture account. The key change modifies statute 168.1285 to add "farm truck" to the list of qualifying vehicles under the plate issuance rules. All other requirements - such as registration fees, tax payments, and the $20 annual contribution - remain unchanged. The bill does not alter the plate design, fees, or funding mechanisms, only broadening the vehicle classes eligible for the special plates.