Sen. Andrew Lang

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $200,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $200,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the game and fish fund to expand the "Fishing in the Neighborhood" program. The funds will be used by the commissioner of natural resources to extend the program to counties and cities across Minnesota. The program aims to increase angling opportunities for children, raise public awareness about fishing, and promote environmental stewardship. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, directly affecting local communities and youth through expanded access to fishing initiatives.

Maddy summarySF 1783 prohibits websites, apps, software, or programs from allowing users to access, download, or use "nudification technology" that alters images or videos to reveal intimate body parts of identifiable individuals or creates realistic depictions of such parts. The bill directly affects platform owners and operators who host such technology, banning them from enabling this process. Key provisions include civil penalties of at least $500,000 per violation, plus triple damages for victims, and allow injured individuals to sue for mental anguish, attorney fees, and injunctions. The law takes effect August 1, 2025, applying to violations occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summarySF 1901 appropriates $1.525 million annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to support children's museums across Minnesota. The bill allocates specific annual amounts to 12 designated museums (including The Works in Bloomington and the Duluth Children's Museum) for interactive exhibits and outreach programs focused on arts and cultural heritage. Eligible museums must meet IRS criteria for children's museums. This funding directly supports these institutions' educational programming for children and families statewide.

Maddy summarySF 1891 modifies Minnesota's state lottery retailer contract rules. It adds new disqualifications for retailers, including those with recent felony convictions, tax delinquency ($500+), or family ties to lottery staff. The bill also expands grounds for contract cancellation, such as fraud, false information, or failing to maintain sales volume. These changes directly affect current and prospective lottery retailers operating in Minnesota. The bill strengthens oversight to protect lottery integrity and public confidence.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3,386,000 from state bonds to fund specific improvements at the Redwood Falls Municipal Airport. The funds will cover reconstruction of the aircraft parking ramp and parallel taxiway, mill and overlay of runways 12 and 30, and installation of a stormwater management system. The city of Redwood Falls will receive the grant to design, construct, and equip these airport infrastructure upgrades. The state will issue bonds to cover the costs under Minnesota's bond authority rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill would add a new special license plate design for Minnesota veterans who received the Army of Occupation Medal. It amends existing law to include this category under the state's veterans' plate program, requiring the commissioner of veterans affairs to design a corresponding emblem. Eligible veterans must already meet standard requirements (honorable discharge, vehicle ownership) and provide proof of receiving the Army of Occupation Medal. The plate would be issued alongside other existing veterans' plate designs like "WORLD WAR VET" or "KOREAN VET."

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's definition of "public waters" to clarify which water bodies require public access or management. It adds specific criteria, such as watercourses over two square miles and designated trout streams, while explicitly stating that public waters aren't determined by land ownership or historical navigability. The bill also eliminates a $1 million annual appropriation for updating the public waters inventory map (previously funded through 2032), removing the dedicated funding stream for this process. These changes directly affect landowners, local governments, and state agencies managing water resources, as they redefine which water bodies fall under public management rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2.5 million annually from the arts and cultural heritage fund for the Minnesota Humanities Center for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The funding supports statewide humanities programs, outreach partnerships, and specific initiatives including Minnesota culture, veterans' programming, educator professional development, and programming reflecting Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities. It directly affects the Minnesota Humanities Center and the organizations/individuals it serves through these funded activities. The bill is a straightforward funding measure with no new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 1716 modifies definitions related to tobacco products in Minnesota law. It updates the definition of "moist snuff" to specifically include finely cut, ground, or powdered smokeless tobacco containing nicotine intended for oral use. The bill also amends the definition of "tobacco products" to explicitly include nicotine solution products and moist snuff, while excluding FDA-approved tobacco cessation products sold solely for medical purposes. These changes affect how tobacco products are classified under state law, particularly for regulatory and tax purposes, and take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 1669 appropriates $350,000 annually (2026-2027) from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund to the commissioner of agriculture for grants to the Minnesota FFA. The funds will provide new and expanded access for FFA members participating in art- and history-related activities, including up to $125,000 yearly to document 100 years of FFA history through a book, videos, and events. Remaining funds support specific activities like FFA band/choir, talent competitions, floriculture, and fair landscape booths. The bill directly affects Minnesota FFA members and specifies concrete uses for the allocated funds.