Sen. Andrew Lang

Maddy summaryThis bill increases property tax relief for Minnesota veterans with service-connected disabilities. It raises the market value exclusion from $150,000 to $200,000 for veterans with a 70% or higher disability rating, and from $300,000 to $400,000 for veterans with a total (100%) and permanent disability. The change directly affects qualifying veterans, their surviving spouses (if the veteran dies before applying), and primary family caregivers who live in the veteran's home. The key provision modifies Minnesota Statutes section 273.13 to provide higher tax savings on the primary home's value.

Maddy summarySF 645 amends Minnesota law to restrict how public union representatives use time off work for union duties. It directly affects elected or appointed union officials (including those representing teachers in other school districts) who receive employer-approved time off. The key provision adds that this time off "must not be used to engage in any political activities." The bill modifies existing statute 179A.07, subdivision 6, to impose this specific limitation on the use of release time.

Maddy summarySF 635 establishes a claims process to compensate Minnesota businesses that lost contracts or investments when a biomass energy plant closed early. Businesses must have had a valid contract with the plant as of May 1, 2017, operate in Minnesota, and show either decreased operating income or loss of property value due to the closure. The Office of Administrative Hearings will handle claims, requiring businesses to provide financial records and evidence of lost revenue or property value, while deducting any insurance payments received. Compensation for income losses is capped at twice the calculated loss amount, and claims must account for property salvage value. This process applies specifically to businesses affected by the early termination of power agreements with the identified biomass plant.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.6 million from the state general fund to Glacial Ridge Curling, a Willmar-based nonprofit organization, to build and equip a new curling facility. The one-time funding covers predesign, construction, and equipment for the facility in Willmar. It requires prior commitments of sufficient project funding per state statutes before disbursement. The bill directly affects the Willmar community and Glacial Ridge Curling, specifically funding the physical facility construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota law to allow retail gasoline stations to store nonoxygenated gasoline (gasoline without oxygen additives like ethanol) in up to two storage tanks, rather than just one. It specifically applies to stations selling this fuel for collector vehicles, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, or small engines. The change permits two tanks only if the station is located within five miles of a motor sports racing facility. Stations must still post required notices and register annual sales with the state.

Maddy summarySF 189 extends Minnesota's existing vehicle tax and fee exemptions for veterans with total service-connected disability to eligible surviving spouses of veterans (known as "Gold Star spouses"). The bill defines a Gold Star spouse as the surviving spouse of a veteran who died while serving honorably in active duty and includes them in the list of individuals exempt from registration taxes, license plate fees, title fees, driver's license fees, and motor vehicle sales taxes. These exemptions apply to up to two vehicles registered by the spouse and take effect for registration periods starting on or after January 1, 2026. The bill does not cover personalized plate fees or special plate donations, which remain subject to standard fees.

Maddy summarySF 579 appropriates $2.1 million from state bond proceeds to fund infrastructure improvements in Spicer, Minnesota. The grant will support designing and building public infrastructure - including a new lift station, sewer, water, and roadway projects - in Spicer's County Road 8 area (southeast portion of the city). The state would issue bonds up to $2.1 million to cover this appropriation, as authorized under Minnesota Statutes governing bond sales. This directly affects the city of Spicer and its residents by funding specific local infrastructure upgrades.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific segment of Trunk Highway 23 in Kandiyohi County - from its intersection with U.S. Highway 71 north of Willmar to Lake Avenue South in Spicer - as the "Joshua Schmidt Memorial Highway." It requires the Minnesota Department of Transportation commissioner to mark the highway with appropriate signs, honoring Joshua Schmidt. The bill is purely commemorative and does not alter transportation laws, funding, or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows lawful firearm carry and possession at Minnesota State Fairgrounds by amending rules to prevent the State Agricultural Society from banning firearms through bylaws. It requires any "reasonable request" to prohibit firearms (e.g., posting specific signs at entrances) to meet strict visibility standards: 187 square inches, 1.5-inch black lettering, and placement 4-6 feet high. The bill explicitly excludes private residences, security guards acting in their role, and peace officers from these restrictions. It takes effect August 1, 2025, directly affecting fairgoers, vendors, and the State Fairgrounds management.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program to support Minnesota-based fertilizer manufacturers. The commissioner of agriculture will award grants to companies operating in Minnesota to help them produce and handle fertilizer, with priority given to those supplying agricultural producers for crop years starting in 2026. The program is funded with specific appropriations from the general fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It directly affects fertilizer manufacturers in Minnesota by providing financial support to expand local production capacity. The goal is to increase the supply of fertilizer made within the state for use by farmers.