Sen. Nick Frentz

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal process for updating the investment return assumption used to calculate joint and survivor annuities in Minnesota covered retirement plans. It sets a default investment return assumption of 6.5 percent unless a retirement plan's governing board proposes a different percentage, which requires approval from the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement or automatic approval after one year without commission action. The bill also requires the executive director of the commission to update official actuarial standards whenever an assumption change is approved or deemed approved. These changes will take effect on July 1, 2026, affecting retirement plan administrators and beneficiaries whose annuity calculations depend on investment return assumptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new regulatory framework for short-term rental platforms in Minnesota, requiring them to carry insurance that covers their damage reimbursement guarantees to homeowners. The law defines platforms like Airbnb and VRBO as "providers" and mandates they register with the state Commerce Department, pay an annual fee, and maintain insurance policies that step in if the platform fails to honor its damage protection promises. Key provisions require platforms to clearly disclose that their guarantees are not actual insurance, ensure trained staff handle damage claims fairly, and allow insurers to seek reimbursement from platforms after paying homeowners. The legislation establishes a new chapter in Minnesota statutes specifically governing these rental marketplace guarantees and their associated insurance requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota counties to create lists of high-quality agricultural land that should be protected from electric power facility development. Counties can designate parcels as agricultural priority land if they have high crop productivity ratings or are classified as prime farmland, then submit these lists to the state Public Utilities Commission. The Commission cannot issue permits for large power plants on listed land unless the county board explicitly approves an exception. Landowners receive advance notice before their property is added to a list and have the right to request removal of their parcel. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs $4 million from the Renewable Development Account to the Preweatherization Account for fiscal year 2027. The transfer is a one-time action that moves funds between two existing state energy accounts without creating new programs. This change affects how state energy funding is allocated, with the Preweatherization Account receiving additional resources for weatherization projects. The bill does not establish new requirements or change existing eligibility criteria for programs using these accounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $96.9 million in state bond funds to Minnesota State University, Mankato for campus improvements. It directs the university to demolish Armstrong Hall, build a new academic facility to replace it, and renovate other campus spaces to house current academic programs. The funds will be raised through a state bond sale authorized under Minnesota law. The bill directly affects MSU Mankato's campus infrastructure, students, and staff who use these facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how "salary" is defined for retirement systems in Minnesota, specifically excluding payments from the Minnesota Paid Leave family and medical benefit insurance account. It directly affects employees covered by the Minnesota State Retirement System, Public Employees Retirement Association, Teachers Retirement Association, and St. Paul Teachers' Retirement Fund Association. The key change adds a new exclusion to the definition of salary, ensuring that contributions made to the Minnesota Paid Leave insurance account are not counted as salary for retirement benefit calculations. This adjustment applies retroactively to January 1, 2026, and aligns with existing exclusions for other types of payments like sick leave, severance, and workers' compensation.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state of Minnesota to provide funding for the construction of a Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame facility in Inver Grove Heights. It allocates $20 million from the general fund to support building a museum, ice rink, performance hall, and event space for the nonprofit organization that operates the hall. Additionally, the bill allows for the issuance of up to $5 million in state bonds to fund public infrastructure improvements like roads, utilities, and grading needed to support the new facility. The legislation directly affects the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame Inc. and the city of Inver Grove Heights by providing financial resources for their planned development project.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state agencies and the supreme court to share certain data with the Legislative Budget Office when requested, including information that is not normally public. The data must be provided promptly to help the office review the accuracy of fiscal notes on legislation and prepare new fiscal notes. The bill restricts how this non-public data can be used, allowing it only for fiscal note review and prohibiting its use or sharing with legislators or other government entities. It also establishes that the Legislative Budget Office cannot be charged for receiving this data and includes penalties for staff who misuse the information.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the financing powers of Minnesota's Climate Innovation Financing Authority by allowing it to borrow money, sell loan-backed securities, and accept gifts or grants for its activities. The legislation also requires the authority to prioritize financing projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all regions of the state, with special attention to underserved communities. Key provisions include the ability to use credit enhancement tools like loan guarantees, co-invest in projects through debt or equity, and coordinate with federal and state programs to leverage private investment. The bill mandates that the authority develop eligibility standards, measure its impact on emissions and low-income communities, and recruit staff who reflect the communities it serves.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal pathway for individuals in Minnesota to sue when their civil rights are violated by officials acting under state or federal authority (e.g., police or government employees). It allows victims to seek damages, attorney fees, and other relief for deprivations of rights protected by the U.S. or Minnesota Constitutions, with a six-year statute of limitations. Additionally, it requires state/local law enforcement agencies to obtain written agreements from federal partners ensuring federal officers abide by constitutional standards and can be held liable under this new law. The provisions apply to all pending or future civil cases filed after the bill takes effect.