Sen. Glenn Gruenhagen

Maddy summarySF 696 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Minnesota's legislative districts are drawn. It would require the Senate to be apportioned by county (one senator per county, increasing the Senate from 67 to 87 members) and the House of Representatives to be apportioned by population (with 134 districts of roughly equal population). The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election. If passed, the new district boundaries would be established following the next federal census, replacing the current system where Senate districts are not strictly county-based.

Maddy summarySF 1875 modifies Minnesota's trespass law to allow landowners to use purple paint marks instead of posted signs to prohibit outdoor recreation on their property. Landowners (both private and public) who wish to restrict access can now place vertical purple marks on trees or permanent objects meeting specific size (8 inches long, 1 inch wide) and placement (3-5 feet high, 100 feet apart on forest land) requirements. This change adds purple markings as a legally recognized alternative to traditional "no trespassing" signs under Minnesota Statutes section 97B.001. The bill does not create new restrictions but provides an additional, standardized method for landowners to communicate access rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $5 million from state bond proceeds to fund the construction of a community recreation facility for the Dassel-Cokato School District (ISD 466). It authorizes the state to issue bonds up to $5 million to cover the costs, following Minnesota's bond laws and constitution. The facility will include a walking track, field house, ice rink, gymnastics space, and community center, directly serving residents in the Dassel-Cokato area. The funding is specifically designated for building and equipping these recreational amenities.

Maddy summarySF 1874 prohibits government entities from closing or restricting operating hours at gun ranges during a state of emergency, unless such restrictions apply equally to all businesses. It directly affects gun range operators and patrons by preventing emergency-related shutdowns that would otherwise disrupt access to training facilities. The bill amends Minnesota law to add a specific provision (section 624.7192, subdivision c, paragraph 4) explicitly banning selective closures of gun ranges during emergencies. This change ensures gun ranges cannot be targeted for closure under emergency powers while requiring any business restrictions to apply uniformly across all commerce.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 1879) exempts cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence data centers from Minnesota's energy savings goals for commercial buildings. It amends Minnesota Statutes section 216B.2402, subdivision 3a, by defining "data mining facility" to specifically include facilities using electricity primarily for processing digital currency transactions (like cryptocurrency) and artificial intelligence operations. This change directly affects new or existing crypto and AI data centers in Minnesota, removing them from requirements that other commercial buildings must meet to reduce energy use. The policy change is a technical adjustment to the statute's definition, not a new program or funding measure.

Maddy summarySF 1771 would repeal Minnesota's Paid Leave Law, which was enacted in 2024. The bill specifically repeals all provisions of Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 268B.001 through 268B.30, that established the paid leave program. It also requires transferring any unspent funds from the family medical leave account to the state's general fund. This repeal would end the state's paid leave benefits program, affecting workers who would have been covered under the law and employers who contributed to the program. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits undocumented noncitizens from receiving state-funded financial aid in Minnesota. It specifically bars state tax revenue payments, grants, loans, or subsidies for higher education from being provided to noncitizens who are not lawfully present in the U.S. The policy applies to all state financial aid programs, including the North Star Promise scholarship, and takes effect for the fall 2025-2026 academic year. It directly affects undocumented noncitizen students seeking state financial assistance for college.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.995 million for fiscal year 2026 and $2.071 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Board on Aging. It adds four specific staff positions: one for federal compliance and technical assistance to area agencies on aging, one for Older Americans Act policy development, two for Senior LinkAge Line service demands, and 18 additional contact center staff for area agencies. These funds directly support the Board on Aging, seven area agencies on aging, and the Senior LinkAge Line program. The appropriation increases staffing capacity to meet growing service needs and ensure compliance with federal requirements.

Maddy summarySF 377 prohibits Minnesota public and private colleges and universities from giving preferential treatment in admissions based on a student's "legacy status" (family connection to an alumnus) or a family's relationship to donors. The bill directly affects all higher education institutions in Minnesota, including the University of Minnesota, by requiring them to stop considering these factors in admissions decisions. Key provisions define "legacy status" and explicitly ban any admissions advantage tied to familial alumni ties or donor connections. This policy change aims to make admissions processes more equitable by removing these specific preferences from consideration.

Maddy summarySF 1586, the Minnesota Elections Integrity Act, requires photo identification for both voter registration and voting in Minnesota. It creates a state-issued voter identification card (available without fee for those needing it for voting) and establishes provisional ballots for voters without ID. The bill also mandates ID verification for individuals assisting voters at polling places or acting as agents for absentee voters, while increasing criminal penalties for certain election-related violations. These provisions apply directly to all Minnesota voters participating in elections. The bill takes effect June 1, 2026.