Sen. Nick Frentz

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's legal definition of advance deposit wagering to include horse races conducted outside the state, expanding the scope of betting activities covered under current regulations. It establishes how source market fees collected from online betting providers must be distributed between racetracks, with 28 percent going to standardbred tracks and 72 percent to Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse tracks. The legislation also requires that at least 50 percent of these fees for out-of-state races be used for breeder awards and purses, while in-state race fees must be allocated primarily to purse accounts. Additionally, the bill specifies that racetracks with revoked or non-renewed licenses will not receive source market fees, which would instead be redirected to other licensed tracks.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce's authority to form energy research partnerships and compacts with other states, federal agencies, private entities, and nonprofit organizations. It also establishes new requirements for the commissioner to develop a comprehensive energy security plan that includes risk assessments, infrastructure analysis, and coordination with local governments and energy providers. Additionally, the legislation modifies several existing energy-related grant programs and creates a separate account for an electric school bus program. The bill aims to improve energy planning, security, and efficiency while increasing state flexibility in pursuing collaborative research initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a licensing requirement for independent verification organizations in Minnesota that assess artificial intelligence systems for safety and risk prevention. The legislation creates a new advisory council and authorizes the commissioner of commerce to develop rules and oversight procedures for these licensed entities. Organizations seeking a license must submit detailed plans outlining how they will evaluate AI models against best practices for preventing personal injury and property damage, including specific risk metrics and monitoring protocols. The bill defines key terms such as developers, deployers, and security vendors to clarify roles within the AI verification framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's local government correctional service retirement plan by lowering contribution rates and increasing postretirement benefit adjustments. It reduces employee contributions from 6.83% to 6% of salary and employer contributions from 10.25% to 9% of salary, with both changes taking effect on January 1, 2027. The legislation also raises the standard annual cost-of-living adjustment for retirees from 1% to 3%, with a maximum increase of 3% unless the plan's assets fall below certain thresholds, which would lower the maximum to 1.5%. These changes will affect current and future correctional service employees and retirees covered under the Public Employees Retirement Association plan.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes pilot projects in Minnesota to modernize state human services information technology systems, directly affecting counties, Tribes, and state agencies that administer public benefits. It creates a funding mechanism and an advisory group that includes representatives from county associations, social services administrators, and legislative leaders to oversee and approve specific technology upgrades. The pilot projects focus on improving system efficiency, reducing errors, preventing fraud, and implementing features like artificial intelligence tools, automated data verification, and simplified navigation for benefit recipients. By 2028, the bill requires a report detailing the funded projects, their outcomes, and recommendations for broader implementation of these modernization efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes and regulates sports betting in Minnesota by establishing a licensing system for operators and requiring the state commissioner to oversee mobile sports betting activities. It prohibits local governments from restricting sports betting and creates a framework for taxation, including modifications to existing gambling tax rates. The legislation also includes provisions for responsible gaming measures such as background checks for employees, restrictions on advertising targeting minors, and requirements to prevent problem gambling. Additionally, the bill provides for amateur sports grants and modifies laws related to pari-mutuel horse racing and charitable gambling.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows nursing homes, boarding care homes, and assisted living facilities in Minnesota to serve and display alcoholic beverages without needing a separate liquor license. Facilities must notify the state commissioner of health of their intent to serve alcohol and can only do so during events primarily for residents and their guests, with guests required to be accompanied by a resident throughout the service. The alcohol cannot be sold or provided for any payment, and facilities remain subject to all existing alcohol regulations and enforcement actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program in Minnesota to help school districts and transportation providers purchase propane-fueled school buses. It directly affects public school districts, private transportation companies, and communities with high poverty rates or rural locations. The program requires applicants to submit detailed plans showing how they will use the buses, particularly in areas serving students eligible for free or reduced-price meals, and gives priority funding to disadvantaged districts. The state Energy Department will manage the grants, provide technical support, and must aim to award at least 40 percent of available funds to prioritized school districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $9 million from the general fund to the commissioner of commerce for a grant to the Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System. The funds will support technology enabling a tracking system for tradable ammonia, hydrogen, and renewable energy certificates. Entities receiving the grant must report on spending annually from 2026-2030 and report on green ammonia certificate issuance from 2030-2035. The bill directly affects the tracking system operator, state commissioners, and entities using the certificate system. It creates a financial mechanism for monitoring renewable energy certification activity without altering consumer or business regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for companies that group together smaller energy resources like solar panels, batteries, and energy efficiency measures to sell electricity in wholesale markets. It gives the state energy commission authority to oversee these aggregators to ensure grid safety and prevent customers from paying twice for the same energy services. The legislation requires utilities to create fair terms for how aggregators operate within their service areas and sets up a process for resolving disputes between aggregators, utilities, and customers. Additionally, the bill allows the commission to charge fees to cover the administrative costs of implementing these new regulations.