Sen. Nick Frentz

Maddy summarySF 1901 appropriates $1.525 million annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to support children's museums across Minnesota. The bill allocates specific annual amounts to 12 designated museums (including The Works in Bloomington and the Duluth Children's Museum) for interactive exhibits and outreach programs focused on arts and cultural heritage. Eligible museums must meet IRS criteria for children's museums. This funding directly supports these institutions' educational programming for children and families statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's intensive comprehensive law enforcement education and training program for peace officer candidates. It requires the commissioner to develop a standardized 8-month training curriculum by December 2026, which must cover licensing requirements and can build on existing programs. The bill designates at least two state college campuses (and allows private nonprofits or University of Minnesota campuses) to deliver this training. It appropriates $5 million from the general fund for this program through 2029. The changes directly affect individuals seeking peace officer licensure in Minnesota.

Maddy summarySF 2018 amends Minnesota's clean energy standard to include electricity generated from biodiesel fuel (B100) used in peaking facilities as a carbon-free energy technology. It allows electric utilities to count up to 400 annual hours of biodiesel-powered electricity toward their state-mandated carbon-free energy requirements (80% by 2030 for public utilities, 100% by 2040). This specifically applies to peaking facilities using pure biodiesel fuel (as defined in Minn. Stat. § 239.77) during their first 400 hours of annual operation. The bill directly affects electric utilities required to meet Minnesota's carbon-free energy targets under Minn. Stat. § 216B.1691. It expands the definition of qualifying carbon-free sources without altering the overall percentage targets.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue up to $14.153 million in bonds to fund a new water treatment facility in Eagle Lake. The funds will be granted to the city via the Public Facilities Authority to construct and equip the facility, specifically addressing water quality issues like high manganese levels in drinking water. The bill directs the state commissioner of management and budget to sell the bonds following Minnesota's bond laws and constitutional requirements. It directly affects Eagle Lake residents by providing funding for improved water infrastructure. The appropriation becomes effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million from state bonds to fund capital improvements for publicly owned transit systems in Greater Minnesota. It authorizes the state to sell up to $10 million in bonds, with the funds directed to the commissioner of transportation for projects like acquiring property, constructing facilities, and equipping transit systems under existing law. The funds would support capital projects for transit systems outside major urban areas. The bill creates a dedicated funding stream for infrastructure upgrades in rural and suburban transit networks.

Maddy summarySF 1182 would allow Minnesota cities to authorize "social districts" where people can consume alcohol purchased from nearby licensed venues, but not buy or sell it in those areas. The bill requires cities to define district boundaries, hours, and safety signs, and mandates that all consumed alcohol must be in non-glass containers (max 16 oz) with specific labeling. It directly affects cities that adopt the program, on-sale liquor license holders (like bars), and the public who can consume alcohol in designated zones. Cities must also report on the program's impact to legislators within two years, including community feedback and safety concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates specific funds from Minnesota's renewable development account for a grant to Recycling and Energy and Dem-Con HZI Bioenergy, LLC. The funds will support constructing an anaerobic digestor energy system in Louisville Township, which converts diverted food and organic waste into renewable natural gas and biochar. The project directly affects these two organizations as the grant recipients and the local community through waste processing. The key mechanism is state funding for a specific facility, not broader policy changes.

Maddy summarySF 1061 appropriates $5 million from the general fund to Explore Minnesota for a grant to Minnesota Sports and Events. This funding covers costs related to hosting the World Junior Hockey Championships in Minnesota during December 2025 and January 2026. The money must be spent by June 30, 2027. The bill directly affects Minnesota Sports and Events, which will manage the event costs using this state grant.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $200,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $200,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to provide grants through GreenSeam, a nonprofit organization, to support Minnesota agriculture-related businesses. The funding helps these businesses with retention, development, creation, talent attraction, and regional branding efforts. GreenSeam must report annually to the legislature by December 1 on new businesses supported, jobs created, educational partnerships, and promotional activities. The bill directly affects agricultural businesses in Minnesota and requires transparent reporting on outcomes.

Maddy summarySF 887 appropriates $15 million from state bond proceeds to fund rehabilitation of railroad tracks between Winthrop and Hanley Falls for the Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority. The funds cover track repairs, environmental work, bridge replacements, and federal matching requirements. The state would sell up to $15 million in bonds to finance this project, which is in addition to prior state appropriations for the same rail corridor. This bill directly affects the Rail Authority's ability to upgrade infrastructure on this specific segment of rail line.