Sen. Glenn Gruenhagen

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of up to $4 million in state bonds to fund the design phase of the STREAMS regional wastewater treatment facility. The funds will be granted to the cities of Winthrop, New Auburn, and Lafayette to support planning and engineering work for the project. Once approved, the commissioner of management and budget will sell the bonds to generate the necessary capital for these grants. The legislation takes effect immediately upon final passage by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense for intentionally disrupting worship services at religious establishments in Minnesota. It applies to individuals who enter a clearly marked place of worship with the goal of interrupting a scheduled service and commit a crime there. A first-time violation is classified as a gross misdemeanor, while repeat offenders face felony charges punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of $10,000. The law defines a religious establishment as a building used for worship that is visibly identified by a sign or other clear means. These provisions will take effect on August 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota's Department of Human Services to temporarily stop medical assistance payments to healthcare providers when there is a credible allegation of kickback fraud under investigation. It requires the department to define kickbacks as a form of fraud in its rules and permits withholding funds without prior notice when fraud is suspected, though providers retain the right to appeal the decision. The legislation also mandates that payments be restored once investigations conclude without sufficient evidence of wrongdoing, while allowing forfeiture of funds if criminal convictions occur. These changes directly affect healthcare providers, managed care organizations, and individuals receiving medical assistance in Minnesota.

Maddy summarySF 1529 prohibits discrimination against individuals who refuse specific medical interventions (such as vaccines, pharmaceuticals, gene editing, or RNA/DNA-based products) for reasons of conscience or religious belief. It directly affects adults (18+ or emancipated minors) and bars businesses, employers, health care providers, government entities, and educational institutions from denying employment, services, access to commerce, or treating such individuals differently. The bill allows affected individuals to seek court-ordered relief or file civil lawsuits for damages, including triple damages or $200, plus attorney fees if they win. It also states this law overrides conflicting state laws unless specific exemptions exist.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals and other health care facilities in Minnesota to stop charging patients for medical costs related to infections acquired during their stay. It also bans providers from using open-ended agreements that ask patients to pay for services without first disclosing the specific price. Under the new rules, the facility where an infection occurs must cover all treatment expenses, including extended hospitalizations and follow-up care, regardless of the patient's insurance status. Additionally, the legislation establishes a framework for unique provider numbers to ensure clearer pricing and financial responsibility. These changes aim to protect patients from unexpected bills for complications caused by health care facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota local governments to publish official notices on their websites when no qualified newspaper exists in their area. It amends state statutes to redefine "public notice" and "publish" to include online publication, ensuring residents can access information like meeting agendas, election results, and legal summons digitally. The law specifically permits counties and other subdivisions to post notices on their official sites if a local newspaper is unavailable, while also allowing cities in the metro area to use newsletters or online posts instead of newspapers if no daily paper circulates there. Additionally, the bill lets local governments use their websites to share bid solicitations and requests for proposals, provided they also describe these opportunities in their official newspaper for the first six months of this new option.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's wetland replacement rules to establish a specific priority order for where developers must restore wetlands when construction impacts existing ones. It requires that replacement wetlands be sited first in the same minor watershed, then the same watershed, then the same wetland bank service area, and finally in other service areas, with limited exceptions for older public transportation projects. The legislation also defines what counts as a reasonable replacement opportunity, emphasizing natural conditions, long-term functionality, and minimal environmental disruption, while mandating collaboration among agencies to identify suitable sites. Additionally, the bill directs the state board to set replacement ratios and service area priorities to guide where wetland restoration should occur.

Maddy summarySF 1435 requires Minnesota's commissioner of commerce to study the potential costs, benefits, and impacts of advanced nuclear reactors in the state. The study must examine effects on greenhouse gas goals, electricity rates, grid reliability, environmental impacts, local jobs, economic development, and necessary changes to current state laws. The bill appropriates $150,000 from the general fund for this study, with a report due to legislative energy committees by January 31, 2026. This bill directly affects the commissioner's office and shapes future energy policy decisions, but does not authorize or fund nuclear projects itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's family law procedures to require courts to prioritize expedited hearings for temporary relief when a parent alleges they have been denied parenting time for 14 consecutive days or more. It also mandates priority hearings within 30 days when a party claims unreasonable denial of access to necessary financial resources during a divorce or separation. The legislation clarifies that courts must consider evidence of domestic abuse, substance abuse, or neglect as valid reasons for denying parenting time, while ensuring priority hearings occur within 30 days for cases involving extended denial of parenting access. If temporary parenting time is granted, the court may also order temporary child support upon request. These changes affect parents involved in family law cases in Minnesota who seek urgent temporary orders.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the City of Glencoe to impose a local sales and use tax of up to 0.5% if approved by voters in a special election. The tax revenue would be used to fund specific park improvements and trail network upgrades, including projects at Oak Leaf Park, Lincoln Park, Glenn Knoll Park, Railroad Depot Park, and the city trail system. The legislation also allows the city to issue up to $2.725 million in bonds to help finance these projects, with the tax revenue serving as a source of repayment. The tax would expire after 15 years or once the city determines sufficient funds have been collected to cover all project costs and bond-related expenses.