Sen. John Jasinski

Maddy summarySF 4051 requires the state trunk highway fund to cover costs for relocating local government or tribal utility systems (like water, sewer, or storm sewer lines) when highway construction necessitates moving them. It directly affects local units of government and Minnesota Tribal governments that own these utility systems. The bill mandates that the commissioner determine the remaining service life of the utility and pay relocation costs from the trunk highway fund, rather than requiring the local entity to cover these expenses. This changes the funding source for these specific relocation costs during trunk highway projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new special license plate program called "Minnesota Main Streets" for vehicle owners in Minnesota who wish to support local community initiatives. To qualify, vehicle owners must pay standard registration fees and contribute at least $30 annually to a dedicated account, with the plate design featuring the phrase "Legendary Landmarks" to celebrate Minnesota's historic sites and commercial districts. The collected contributions will fund the Minnesota Main Streets program through the commissioner of public safety, while the plates can be transferred to another eligible vehicle owned by the same person for a $5 fee. The program will become effective on January 1, 2027, allowing qualifying vehicle owners to display these plates starting from that date.

Maddy summarySF 4010 defines key terms for autonomous vehicle regulations in Minnesota, adding new definitions to the state's vehicle code. It establishes terms like "automated driving system," "autonomous vehicle" (level 4/5 SAE systems), "dynamic driving task," and "first responder interaction plan" to clarify how these vehicles operate and how emergencies should be handled. This bill directly affects autonomous vehicle manufacturers, operators of on-demand autonomous networks, and first responders who will use these definitions in future regulations. It does not create new operational rules but sets the foundation for future safety and interaction protocols. The bill is procedural, focusing on terminology rather than immediate policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis legislation modifies the registration tax for passenger automobiles and hearses in Minnesota by lowering the tax rate based on a vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price. The bill reduces the initial tax percentage and adjusts how the tax is applied over the vehicle's life, decreasing annually until reaching a flat fee in the eleventh year. To offset the revenue loss from these reductions, the state commissioner must transfer funds from the general fund to the highway user tax distribution fund starting in fiscal year 2028. These changes apply to vehicle registrations beginning on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state agencies responsible for light rail projects to notify specific legislative committees if a project's cost increases by at least five percent or its completion date is delayed by six months or more. The notification must be sent within seven days of making such a determination and must explain the reasons behind the changes. This rule applies only to projects that have reached a specific stage where they have a cost estimate, a construction schedule, and federal approval for final design. The legislation aims to improve transparency by ensuring lawmakers are informed of significant shifts in project scope or timelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily suspends Minnesota's motor fuels tax for a specific period in 2026, ranging from late May to early September. During this time, drivers and fuel distributors will not pay the usual taxes on gasoline, diesel, and natural gas, effectively reducing the cost of fuel for consumers and businesses. To compensate for the lost tax revenue, the state will use general funds to transfer money to the Department of Transportation for highway maintenance and other related programs. Additionally, the bill provides a one-time appropriation to cover the administrative costs of implementing this tax pause.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires drivers to stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus displaying flashing red lights while children are boarding or exiting. It directly affects all drivers approaching school buses on Minnesota roads, mandating they remain stopped until the red lights cease flashing. The bill also adds a new provision warning drivers that amber lights indicate red lights will soon activate, requiring them to prepare to stop. These changes aim to improve safety for children near school bus stops. The bill is currently pending passage after committee approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's legislative auditor to perform a cost-benefit analysis comparing sustainable building standards to capital projects funded with state bond money. The analysis must evaluate four specific green building requirements: LEED ratings, ASHRAE standards, Energy Star requirements, and the International Green Construction Code. The auditor will submit findings to legislative committee leaders by January 15, 2027, and the bill provides one-time funding from the state's general fund to cover the study costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Minnesota reimburses certified community behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs) by establishing a provider-specific daily bundled rate system instead of previous payment methods. It directly affects not-for-profit CCBHCs that serve individuals with behavioral health needs and the state agencies responsible for administering medical assistance payments. The legislation requires the commissioner to calculate rates based on each clinic's actual costs and visit volume, rebases rates every two years, and includes a quality incentive payment program tied to performance metrics. Additionally, the bill mandates a 60-day appeals process for rate decisions and coordinates payments with managed care plans while phasing out older wrap payment structures.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $24.4 million in state bond funding for capital projects at Southwest Minnesota State University. The money will be used to renovate the Physical Education building, construct an indoor sports and recreation dome, and upgrade the gymnasium. The funds come from state bonds that the commissioner of management and budget will sell and issue according to existing state laws. This legislation directly affects the university's infrastructure and athletic facilities by providing specific construction and renovation budgets. The bill takes effect the day after it is officially passed by the legislature.