Sen. Andrew Lang

Maddy summarySF 3322 appropriates $1 million from the general fund for a grant to the United Heroes League, a Hastings, Minnesota-based nonprofit. The grant must fund capital improvements at the organization's campus to directly benefit current service members, veterans, and their dependents. By January 15, 2027, the commissioner of veterans affairs must report to legislative committees on how the funds were used, including administrative costs. The United Heroes League must provide necessary information to support this reporting requirement.

Maddy summarySF 3323 amends Minnesota law to clarify rules for organizations operating lawful gambling (like nonprofits running raffles or bingo). It requires the gambling board to approve fund loss requests due to theft of cash, inventory, or prizes if the organization reports to police and files the request properly. The bill also prevents the board from denying requests solely based on an organization having filed two or more requests within 12 months, and prohibits requiring reimbursement from nongambling funds for theft-related losses. This directly affects gambling organizations seeking to recover losses from theft.

Maddy summaryThis bill funds wetland replacement for road projects in Minnesota. It appropriates $15 million from bond proceeds and $11.5 million from the general fund in fiscal year 2026, plus $7.5 million annually in 2026-2027, to the Board of Water and Soil Resources. The board will use these funds to acquire land, restore wetlands, or purchase credits to replace wetlands drained or filled during public road repairs, reconstruction, or rehabilitation under Minnesota law. The program requires fair market value for land purchases and allows agreements with federal agencies or local entities to meet wetland replacement requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates August 19 of each year as "Minnesota Aviation Day" and requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation honoring the day. It recognizes aviation pioneers, mechanics, industry leaders, and others who have shaped Minnesota's aviation history and future. The bill has no funding provisions or regulatory changes - it is purely ceremonial, creating an annual observance with no direct impact on specific groups or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts property owned and operated by congressionally chartered veterans service organizations from Minnesota's property tax classification rates. It establishes a specific tax exemption for qualifying property under existing law, removing the standard 1.25% classification rate applied to similar properties. The exemption requires the commissioner of veterans affairs to provide an annual list of eligible organizations to the commissioner of revenue by January 1. The change takes effect for property assessments beginning in 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's rules for driver's license and ID card photographs, allowing certain individuals to wear head coverings in their photos without compromising identification. It applies specifically to people who have lost hair due to illness or injury, or who require continuous medical head coverage (like bandages) for health reasons. Applicants must provide a physician's statement confirming the medical need, that removal of the covering is not permitted, and whether the condition is temporary or permanent. If the condition is temporary, a new photo is required at license renewal. The change ensures photo requirements remain accommodating for medical needs while maintaining clear facial identification.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7,092,000 from state bonds to fund Phase 2 of water infrastructure improvements in the city of Kandiyohi. It directly affects Kandiyohi residents by financing two new wells and a water treatment facility to meet drinking water safety standards. The funding covers predesign, construction, and equipment for these projects through state bond issuance authorized under Minnesota law. The money comes from the bond proceeds fund, with bonds sold up to the specified amount. This is a concrete infrastructure investment, not a procedural measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 3259) amends Minnesota law to restrict when motorcycles can split or filter between lanes of traffic. It prohibits motorcycles from operating between lanes of moving/stationary vehicles, riding abreast, or passing within the same lane - except under specific conditions: motorcycles may pass within the same lane only when traveling at or below 25 mph and no more than 15 mph over the surrounding traffic speed. The law directly affects motorcycle riders in Minnesota, clarifying safe lane-splitting rules on public roads. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and updates existing traffic regulations without creating new penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $4 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to design and construct the final segment of the Glacial Lakes Trail. The funds will be used by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to complete the trail segment between the city of New London and Sibley State Park, as established under Minnesota Statutes § 85.015. The appropriation is one-time and expires upon project completion or abandonment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 1158) allows state troopers, commercial vehicle inspectors, and Capitol security officers to purchase their surplus badges from the commissioner at fair market value when they leave or retire. It amends Minnesota law to permit the sale of badges that were issued during their employment, including those bearing pre-May 11, 2024 seals or retired personnel badges. Employees can buy these badges whether currently working or retired, with the price set by the commissioner based on fair market value. The bill does not provide badges for free but establishes a process for employees to repurchase their former equipment. This is a procedural change affecting specific state law enforcement roles.