Sen. Andrew Lang

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts electrical, electronic, and mechanical parts (like motors) used in upholstered furniture and textile furnishings from Minnesota's PFAS chemical restrictions until January 1, 2032. It directly affects furniture manufacturers and suppliers who incorporate these components into their products. The exemption modifies Minnesota Statutes section 116.943, subdivision 8(c), allowing continued use of PFAS-containing parts in these specific components during a transition period. This change does not apply to medical devices, used products, or products subject to federal regulation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota law to make it a crime for someone to approach or remain within 25 feet of a firefighter, emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, or certain healthcare providers who are providing emergency care, after being verbally warned not to do so and with the intent to interfere. It directly affects first responders and healthcare providers working in emergency situations, as well as individuals who violate this restriction. The key provision requires that the person must know the responder's status, have received a warning, and intend to impede their duties. The law becomes effective August 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 821 is a technical amendment to Minnesota's renewable energy law that clarifies which hydroelectric projects qualify under the state's renewable energy standard. The bill updates the definition to specify that hydroelectric capacity qualifies if it is under 100 megawatts or 100 megawatts or more (if operational by February 8, 2023). This change ensures electric utilities generating qualifying hydroelectric power can count it toward renewable energy requirements. The bill directly affects utilities operating hydroelectric facilities meeting these specific capacity and operational criteria. It does not alter the 100-megawatt threshold or the February 2023 operational date, merely restating existing eligibility rules for clarity.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Minnesota's fishing regulations for largemouth and smallmouth bass by establishing a continuous open season, meaning anglers can fish for these species year-round without seasonal restrictions. It directly affects recreational anglers in Minnesota who target these bass species, replacing the current seasonal limit (Memorial Day weekend through February). The key mechanism is amending Minnesota Statutes section 97C.395 to move largemouth and smallmouth bass into the list of fish species already covered under a continuous open season. This aligns bass fishing rules with other commonly fished species like sunfish and perch. The change eliminates the need for seasonal closures for these specific bass types.

Maddy summarySF 3024 appropriates $100,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $100,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of veterans affairs for a grant to the YMCA of the North. The funds support three specific veteran and military family programs: Military and Veteran Family Retreats, Military Child BOLD and GOLD Outdoor Leadership Program, and Military and Veteran Service Program Discounts. This bill directly affects the YMCA of the North and the veterans, military families, and military children participating in these funded programs.

Maddy summarySF 1496 amends Minnesota law to make it a misdemeanor to falsely impersonate an active/reserve military member, veteran, or public official with the intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefits, or for political gain. The bill directly affects individuals who impersonate these roles to secure personal advantages or political influence. Key provisions criminalize such impersonation under specific intent criteria, adding to existing penalties for similar offenses. This change updates Minnesota Statutes section 609.475 to explicitly include "political gain" as a prohibited motive.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $10,000 income tax subtraction for Minnesota taxpayers who volunteer as fire or rescue workers, increasing to $20,000 for married couples filing jointly where both spouses qualify. It directly affects volunteer firefighters (per §299N.03), ambulance personnel, emergency medical responders, and search/rescue team members who complete at least 40 hours of qualified work annually without working full-time (1,600+ hours). The subtraction reduces taxable income, not the tax bill itself, and applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024. This policy change specifically targets volunteer emergency service workers to offset their out-of-pocket costs.

Maddy summarySF 3028 establishes special license plates for snowmobile owners in Minnesota. To obtain these plates, applicants must be registered owners of qualifying vehicles (like passenger cars or motorcycles), pay standard fees plus additional annual contributions to a snowmobile trails account, and meet other registration requirements. The funds collected under this bill are specifically appropriated to the Department of Natural Resources for developing, maintaining, and grooming snowmobile trails. This bill takes effect January 1, 2026, for new plates issued on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 247 modifies Minnesota's rules for nonoxygenated gasoline sales. It allows retail gas stations within five miles of a motor sports racing facility to store this gasoline in up to two tanks (instead of one), while requiring all stations selling it to post clear signage stating its permitted uses (collector vehicles, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, or small engines). The gasoline must be unleaded premium grade, and stations must report annual sales to the state director every two years. This directly affects gas stations near racing facilities and users of specialty vehicles requiring nonoxygenated fuel.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a pension offset stipend for Minnesota military service members called into state active duty. It requires the adjutant general to pay eligible service members a stipend equal to 5% of their basic pay during state service, compensating for pension inequities compared to similar federal service. The stipend applies specifically to members ordered into state active service under Governor authority, not to federal deployments. This change modifies Minnesota Statutes section 192.49, adding a new provision (subd. 2a) to address gaps in pension benefits for state-ordered service. It does not alter base pay rates ($130/day minimum or federal equivalent) but adds this targeted compensation.