Sen. John Jasinski

Maddy summarySF 294 modifies Minnesota's driver's license road skills examination process. It requires the driver's license department to provide real-time online appointment availability showing next available dates/times at each location, with options to search by address. The bill also increases cancellation fees: $50 for same-day cancellations (up from $20) and keeps $20 for cancellations between 24-72 hours. These changes apply to individuals scheduling road skills exams for driver's license applicants, effective August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million in bond proceeds to fund Minnesota's Safe Routes to School grant program, which helps communities improve walking and biking infrastructure around schools. The funds will be distributed by the commissioner of transportation to support projects like safer crosswalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian pathways near schools. It directly affects students, families, and school districts by making it easier and safer for children to travel to school on foot or by bike. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $10 million in bonds to finance these grants under existing law (Minnesota Statutes § 174.40).

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7.2 million for fiscal year 2025, and $2.9 million each for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to hire additional Minnesota State Patrol troopers. The funds are specifically for staff and equipment costs related to these new troopers, under the commissioner of public safety. The bill explicitly prohibits using these funds for permanent Capitol security troopers or nonsworn officers. It becomes effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summarySF 290 modifies data requirements for Minnesota applicants seeking noncompliant driver's licenses or identification cards (typically used by individuals without standard proof of legal presence). It requires the state to collect specific, non-identifiable data about foreign documents submitted (country of origin, document type, and whether the document was previously used), but prohibits sharing any applicant-identifiable information. The bill strictly limits sharing "immigration status data" only for jury service accuracy, victim outreach, processing specific federal forms, or when required by court orders. It explicitly bans sharing such data with federal immigration enforcement agencies, except under a valid warrant or court order.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to sell up to $100 million in bonds to fund Minnesota's Corridors of Commerce program, which supports transportation infrastructure projects. The funds would be appropriated to the Commissioner of Transportation for use under Minnesota Statutes § 161.088. The bill specifies that bond proceeds must be used solely for the designated program and follows state bond sale procedures outlined in Minnesota law. It directly affects state transportation funding and projects managed under the Corridors of Commerce program.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota law regarding blackout special license plates. It requires applicants for these plates to contribute $30 annually to the driver and vehicle services operating account instead of an unspecified fund. The change directly affects vehicle owners who purchase blackout special license plates for passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, or recreational vehicles. The key provision specifies that these $30 contributions must be deposited into the highway user tax distribution fund, effective July 1, 2025. The bill does not alter plate eligibility or fees, only the destination of the annual contribution.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota law to change driver's license suspension requirements for serious vehicle-related offenses. It requires automatic license suspension for drivers who violate specific criminal vehicular operation or homicide laws (such as driving under the influence causing injury or death), or who are formally charged with those offenses. The bill also creates a system where time served under a suspension counts toward any future license revocation period if the driver is later convicted. These changes apply to certifications made on or after August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7.2 million for fiscal year 2025, $2.9 million for 2026, and $2.9 million for 2027 from the trunk highway fund to hire additional Minnesota State Patrol troopers. The funds cover staff salaries and equipment costs for these new troopers. It directly affects the Minnesota State Patrol by providing dedicated funding for expanding their personnel. This is a funding measure with no policy changes, solely supporting increased staffing levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $9 million from state bond proceeds to fund hangar construction at Minnesota airports. The funds will be deposited into a dedicated revolving account managed by the commissioner of transportation, as authorized under Minnesota law. The state will issue bonds up to $9 million to cover this appropriation, following standard bond issuance procedures for capital projects. This is a funding mechanism for infrastructure, not a policy change affecting specific groups or services.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $25 million from state bond sales to fund Minnesota's Small Cities Assistance Program, which helps small municipalities with infrastructure projects. The funds will be administered by the commissioner of transportation under existing law (Minnesota Statutes §162.145). The state will sell up to $25 million in bonds to cover this appropriation, following standard bond procedures. The program directly supports small cities for road, bridge, and other local infrastructure improvements.