Sen. Gary Dahms

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's real estate appraiser commissioner to use the Appraisal Foundation's Voluntary Disciplinary Sanction Matrix as the standard when imposing discipline on appraisers. It directly affects licensed real estate appraisers in Minnesota and the commissioner who enforces disciplinary actions. The key provision mandates that the commissioner follow this matrix by default, but allows case-by-case deviations only when specific mitigating circumstances are present. The bill establishes a standardized framework for disciplinary decisions without altering existing penalties or creating new requirements for appraisers.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies eligibility criteria for the Dairy Assistance, Investment, Relief Initiative (DAIRI) program in Minnesota, directly affecting dairy farmers who may qualify for financial assistance. The legislation adjusts funding allocations and program requirements within the existing agricultural support framework, specifically updating provisions related to the DAIRI program under Minnesota statutes. Key changes include revised eligibility standards and updated funding distribution mechanisms to ensure resources reach eligible dairy operations. The bill also maintains existing funding levels for related agricultural research and development programs while implementing these eligibility modifications.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board from charging a processing fee to applicants seeking a lifetime substitute teaching license in Minnesota. While other teaching license applicants must still pay a $57 fee, this specific exemption applies only to those applying for qualified short-call or long-call substitute positions. The legislation allows the board to continue requiring a separate background study fee for these applicants but removes the initial application charge. If passed, the change will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's liquor laws to allow 17-year-olds to serve or sell alcohol in establishments with an on-sale license (like restaurants or bars), while maintaining the current prohibition for those under 18 in off-sale venues (like liquor stores). It directly affects 17-year-old workers in on-sale establishments and the businesses employing them. The key change modifies the existing age restriction in statute 340A.412, subdivision 10, removing the blanket under-18 ban for on-sale settings. The amendment does not change rules for off-sale liquor sales or the requirement that servers be at least 17 for on-sale locations.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue up to $1.3 million in bonds to fund the restoration of the historic 1938 Swayback Bridge in Redwood Falls. The funds will be provided as a grant to the city specifically for designing and executing repairs to the bridge's granite and masonry exterior, including stone replacement and tuckpointing. The legislation exempts this specific project from certain state laws regarding public works contracts and bidding processes. Additionally, it directs the commissioner of management and budget to sell the bonds and transfer the proceeds to the commissioner of transportation for distribution.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to provide $3,386,000 in funding to the city of Redwood Falls for improvements at its municipal airport. The money will be used to rebuild the aircraft parking ramp and parallel taxiway, resurface the runways, and install a stormwater management system. To pay for this grant, the state will issue bonds up to the total amount of $3,386,000. The funding is exempt from certain state laws that typically govern how such grants are awarded. The legislation takes effect immediately upon final passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's requirements for businesses selling products labeled as "biodegradable" or "compostable." Starting January 1, 2026, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and sellers cannot label such products without certification from a specific type of entity. The certification must come from a nonprofit primarily focused on promoting biodegradable materials and technically capable of testing product compliance. This directly affects businesses selling labeled biodegradable/compostable products in Minnesota, requiring them to use approved certifiers starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota drivers' licenses and identification cards to show when a holder has a lifetime permit to hunt from a stationary vehicle. It applies specifically to individuals with permanent physical disabilities who qualify for this special hunting permit under existing state laws. The legislation requires the Department of Public Safety to receive electronic notifications from the Department of Natural Resources when such lifetime permits are issued, suspended, or revoked. Once notified, the department must add a specific graphic or written mark to the affected driver's license or ID card to indicate the permit status. These changes are designed to ensure that law enforcement and other officials can easily identify permit holders while the bill itself takes effect on June 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $5.5 million from the Clean Water Fund in fiscal year 2027 to support a demonstration project in Lyon County. The funds will be used to construct a treatment system at the Lyon County Regional Landfill that targets contaminants such as PFAS, chloride, and other pollutants in landfill leachate. The primary goal of the project is to protect groundwater from potential contamination. This is a one-time appropriation directed to the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency for distribution as a grant to the county.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $5.5 million from the state's environment and natural resources trust fund to support a one-time demonstration project in Lyon County. The funds will be used by the Pollution Control Agency to help the county construct a system that treats wastewater from the regional landfill, specifically targeting harmful substances like PFAS, chloride, and other contaminants. The primary goal of this project is to protect local groundwater from pollution. This legislation directly affects Lyon County and the state's environmental trust fund by authorizing a specific grant for this cleanup initiative.