Sen. Andrew Lang

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2.2 million in state bond proceeds to fund water infrastructure improvements in the Middle Fork Crow River Watershed, specifically addressing hydrogen sulfide contamination in the city of New London's water supply. The funds will be provided to the Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District through the Public Facilities Authority for designing, constructing, and equipping water infrastructure and public utilities. The bill authorizes the sale of up to $2.2 million in state bonds under Minnesota's bond laws to finance these capital improvements. The project directly affects the watershed district and residents relying on New London's municipal water system.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts veterans with a total service-connected disability from specific vehicle-related fees in Minnesota, including registration taxes, license plate fees, title fees, driver's license fees, and motor vehicle sales taxes. It applies to passenger cars, pickup trucks, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles registered by qualifying veterans, allowing them to claim exemptions for up to two vehicles. The exemption covers all standard fees under Minnesota law but excludes personalized plate fees and required donations for special plates. The changes take effect January 1, 2026, applying to taxes payable for registration periods starting on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state grant program to help ambulance services train and staff emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Licensed ambulance services that maintained at least 50% EMT staffing in the prior year can apply for grants covering tuition for EMT training programs, certification exam fees, background checks, and wage costs during training (capped at $26/hour). The program allocates $750,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $750,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund. Grants must be used solely for these specified training and staffing costs, with applicants required to detail planned hires and training hours.

Maddy summarySF 2619 exempts specific paper products from Minnesota's extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for solid waste management. It adds two new categories to the list of exempt materials: (1) paper packaging for newspapers with news-related content, and (2) paper packaging for magazines with circulation under 95,000 that focus on news and current events. This means publishers of these products no longer need to comply with EPR requirements like waste management fees or recycling obligations for their packaging. The bill directly affects newspaper and small-circulation magazine publishers in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 2652) requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Veterans Affairs to submit an annual report starting January 15, 2026, detailing grants issued to organizations serving veterans. The report must include specific data for each grant recipient, such as grant purpose, amount, previous grants, other funding sources, numbers of veterans and family members served, program completion rates, and charitable giving ratios. It also mandates reporting if services were provided to veterans outside Minnesota, including the states served and reasons for non-Minnesota service. The reports are submitted to the legislative committees overseeing veterans affairs policy and finance, increasing transparency around how state grant funds are used.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $50,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the commissioner of natural resources. The funds will be granted to Forgotten Heroes Ranges and Retreat to promote shooting sports specifically for persons with disabilities and host a dedicated shooting day event. The legislation directly supports organizations providing accessible recreational opportunities for people with disabilities in Minnesota. It does not change existing laws but provides targeted funding for a specific program.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides state funding to support ambulance services in rural or low-population areas. It authorizes $15 million annually (2026-2027) to pay eligible ambulance providers with 30 or fewer emergency calls per square mile. Aid is calculated in three parts: 20% equally distributed, 40% based on service area size (capped at 1,200 square miles), and 40% based on a tiered point system for emergency responses. Recipients must spend funds within two years on licensed ambulance services within their primary service area and submit annual usage reports.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts how service providers can charge veterans for help with benefits appeals or applications. It prohibits upfront fees, guarantees of success, and compensation exceeding five times the monthly benefit increase. Service providers must get written agreements detailing fees (only paid if benefits increase), avoid using international call centers, and conduct background checks on staff handling veterans' medical/financial data. The bill directly affects veterans seeking assistance with federal or state benefits and the private companies or individuals offering those services. It aims to prevent exploitative practices while clarifying allowable compensation structures.

Maddy summarySF 2382 allows conservation officers in Minnesota to have certified sporting group dogs accompany them during patrols under specific conditions. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 84.0286, requiring dogs to be AKC sporting breeds, fully vaccinated, healthy, and non-aggressive, with officers personally certifying these conditions and assuming liability. Officers must take responsibility for any damage or injury caused by the dog, and the state, commissioner, or department is not liable. This directly affects conservation officers seeking to use trained dogs during patrols. The bill focuses on safety protocols and liability for dog-assisted patrols.

Maddy summarySF 679 appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to fund mental health services and outdoor recreational activities for current and former law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel. The funds will be provided as a grant to Hometown Hero Outdoors, a Stillwater-based nonprofit organization. The bill directs the nonprofit to use these funds to promote positive mental health, longevity, and quality of life through outdoor activities and mental health service interactions. This legislation directly supports first responders by providing access to structured wellness programs through a designated nonprofit.