Sen. Gary Dahms

Maddy summarySF 872 amends Minnesota Statutes to establish clear rules for auto dealers' participation in auto shows. The bill specifically authorizes dealers to participate in certain auto shows and defines which events they may attend, removing ambiguity about permitted venues. It adds a new provision to sections 80E.12 and 168.27 of the statutes, directly affecting auto dealers by clarifying their eligibility to showcase vehicles at designated events. This change provides administrative clarity for dealers and event organizers without altering broader dealer-manufacturer relationship rules. The bill does not impose new financial requirements or restrict dealer operations beyond auto show participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15 million from the state general fund for fiscal year 2025 to repair railroad track between Winthrop and Hanley Falls. The funds will cover track rehabilitation, environmental work, bridge replacement, and federal matching requirements for the Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority. This one-time funding is in addition to previous state appropriations for the same project. It directly supports the rail authority's efforts to upgrade infrastructure on this specific corridor.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a refundable sales tax exemption for construction materials used at Redwood Valley Elementary School in Redwood Falls, Minnesota (Independent School District No. 2897). It covers materials purchased between March 11, 2024, and September 9, 2026, for construction, renovation, or expansion projects at that specific school. The school district pays the sales tax upfront but receives a full refund from the state treasury, effectively eliminating the tax burden for these purchases. The exemption applies to materials used in the school's physical improvements during the specified timeframe.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.3 million from state bond proceeds to fund the restoration of Redwood Falls' historic 1938 WPA Swayback Bridge (Bridge No. 89859). The funds will support the city of Redwood Falls in designing and constructing the restoration, specifically for preserving the bridge's granite and masonry exterior through repairs like stone replacement and tuckpointing. The state will issue up to $1.3 million in bonds to cover this cost, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. The project directly affects Redwood Falls' infrastructure and historical preservation efforts.

Maddy summarySF 946 appropriates $190,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $190,000 for fiscal year 2027. The funds are designated for grants to Area II Minnesota River Basin Projects through the Board of Water and Soil Resources, specifically for floodplain management activities. This bill directly provides funding to local projects focused on managing flood risks in the specified river basin area. It does not create new regulations or alter existing laws, but rather allocates existing state funds for a defined purpose.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $14,018,000 from state bond proceeds to fund the design, construction, renovation, and equipment for the Center for Rural Health and Wellness at Southwest Minnesota State University. It authorizes the state to sell bonds up to this amount to cover the costs, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. The funds directly support campus infrastructure improvements at Southwest Minnesota State University. The project specifically targets the new health center facility, with the bill effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Commerce Commissioner to apply for a federal waiver to continue the state's "premium security plan" (a health insurance program) after 2027, with an application due by December 31, 2026. It also authorizes a one-time transfer of $413 million from the state's general fund to the premium security plan account in fiscal year 2026. The plan provides health coverage to eligible Minnesotans, and this funding ensures continued operation and access to federal support. The bill directly affects participants in Minnesota's premium security plan and the state's budget management.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $1.5 million in state bonds to fund flood hazard mitigation projects in Area II of the Minnesota River Basin. It requires that for every $3 in state funds provided, $1 must be committed from nonstate sources (e.g., local governments or private partners) before state money is released. The funds will be administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources to support capital improvements aimed at preventing or reducing flood damage in the specified basin area. This is a funding mechanism, not a new policy, focused on concrete flood risk reduction efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $5.143 million in state bonds to fund specific capital improvements at Marshall's MERIT Center (Minnesota Emergency Response and Industrial Training Center). The funds will cover designing, constructing, and equipping a 50-yard and 300-yard firearms range, firearms support buildings, and a live burn training structure. The appropriation comes from the state bond proceeds fund, with bonds issued under existing Minnesota statutes. The city of Marshall directly benefits as the recipient of the grant for these facility upgrades.

Maddy summarySF 837 provides a refundable sales and use tax exemption for construction materials used in specific school projects in two Minnesota districts. It directly affects Canby Independent School District (projects include a new gymnasium, career tech space, and HVAC upgrades) and Tracy Area Independent School District (projects include new elementary/high school facilities and playgrounds). The bill requires schools to pay the tax upfront but then receive a full refund from the state general fund, covering purchases made between late 2022 and 2026. This policy reduces upfront costs for school districts by eliminating the tax burden on eligible construction materials. The exemption applies retroactively to qualifying purchases made after specific dates.