Sen. Nick Frentz

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the existing local sales tax for the City of St. Peter, increasing the authorized revenue amount and adjusting how the funds can be used. It allows the city to raise up to 0.5% in sales tax to finance specific projects, including a new fire station and park improvements, while also permitting the use of tax revenue to cover debt payments on bonds. The legislation raises the total bond limit from $9.121 million to $11.85 million and extends the potential duration of the tax from 40 years or until project completion to cover the increased costs. Additionally, the bill removes the requirement for a separate voter election to approve the issuance of these bonds.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires sellers of emotional support dogs in Minnesota to provide written notice to buyers that the dog is not a service animal and does not have the special training required for service dogs. The notice must be printed in bold 12-point type and included on the purchase receipt or a separate document. Violations of this requirement are classified as misdemeanors, with repeat offenses carrying harsher penalties. The attorney general is authorized to enforce these provisions, and the law takes effect on August 1, 2026.

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 authorizes the issuance of up to $9,160,000 in state bonds to fund improvements at South Central College's North Mankato campus. The funds will be used to design, construct, renovate, and equip classroom and laboratory spaces specifically for the dental assisting program, as well as to replace the campus boiler system. The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees will oversee the project, while the commissioner of management and budget is responsible for selling and issuing the bonds. The legislation takes effect immediately upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's certificate of need requirement for energy projects by adding new exemptions. It directly affects energy developers and utilities by removing approval requirements for specific projects, including energy storage systems, transmission lines connecting wind/solar facilities to the grid, and certain transmission line upgrades. Key provisions exempt projects like repowering wind/solar systems without increasing capacity, upgrading existing lines to 115 kilovolts using existing rights-of-way, and connecting renewable energy systems to transmission networks. The changes streamline approvals for smaller-scale renewable energy infrastructure and transmission modifications.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Minnesota Secure Choice retirement program by updating definitions and operational requirements for employers and employees. It expands the program's annual reporting requirements to include details on financial performance, program expenses, participation statistics, and potential impacts on social safety net programs. The legislation clarifies which workers are excluded from automatic enrollment, such as those under 18, federal employees, and temporary workers hired for less than 180 days, while allowing some temporary workers to opt into the program. Additionally, the bill establishes specific enrollment windows for new employees and defines a 30-day waiting period for program participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes technical and clarifying changes to Minnesota statutes governing the Public Utilities Commission, primarily affecting utilities, telecommunications carriers, and other regulated entities. Key provisions include updating how complaints and hearings are filed, requiring electronic document submissions, and clarifying the commission's authority to notify interested parties in contested cases. The bill also defines the commission's membership requirements, mandates audio or video recording of proceedings, and removes outdated references to former regulatory bodies. These changes aim to modernize administrative procedures without altering the commission's core regulatory powers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded supplemental energy assistance program in Minnesota to help low-income households with heating costs. It directly affects Minnesota residents with household incomes below 60% of the state median income, providing grants for primary heat, crisis situations, emergency heating repairs, or outreach support. Key mechanisms include appropriating one-time state funds for FY2026 (available until 2031), requiring priority for expanding assistance to new households over increasing existing grants, and mandating annual reports on program outcomes by county and demographic factors. The program supplements existing federal LIHEAP benefits for households that did not receive full federal crisis grants or were not served by federal programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's Strengthen Minnesota Homes program to better support homeowners in improving their properties against weather damage. It allows grant funds to be used alongside repairs from wind or hail damage, requires projects to be completed within six months, and mandates that certified properties receive insurance premium discounts or rate reductions. The legislation also establishes eligibility criteria that prioritize homeowners with household incomes at or below 115 percent of the area median income. Additionally, it appropriates $35 million in fiscal year 2026 to fund grants and administer the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to appropriate $1,265,000 from bond proceeds to fund the design, construction, and equipment of an air traffic control tower at the Mankato Regional Airport. The legislation directs the commissioner of transportation to provide this grant to the city of Mankato for the project. To finance the appropriation, the commissioner of management and budget is authorized to sell and issue state bonds up to $1,265,000 in accordance with existing state statutes. The bill becomes effective the day after final enactment and is currently in the early stages of the legislative process.