Sen. John Jasinski

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $6,442,000 in state bonds to fund specific campus improvements at South Central College's North Mankato location. The funds will directly support the design, renovation, and equipment of classroom and lab spaces for six academic programs: agribusiness, architectural drafting, civil engineering technology, dental assisting, emergency medical services, and geographic information systems. The money comes from bond proceeds, requiring the commissioner of management and budget to sell state bonds up to this amount. These upgrades will benefit students enrolled in these programs by providing modern facilities for their training. The bill does not change existing college operations but allocates dedicated funding for targeted infrastructure.

Maddy summarySF 1393 creates an exemption for data centers in Minnesota's energy regulations. It adds a specific exemption (subdivision 12) to section 216B.243, stating that "a combination of emergency backup generators at a single site with a combined capacity of 50,000 kilowatts or more" is exempt from certain regulatory requirements. This directly affects data center operators installing large-scale backup power systems. The key mechanism is modifying existing statutes to explicitly exempt these large backup generator combinations from standard review processes for power generation projects. The bill does not mandate new requirements but clarifies regulatory treatment for significant data center backup infrastructure.

Maddy summarySF 3373 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 to support using drones for delivering medical supplies to rural Minnesota communities. The funds will cover infrastructure for drone operations beyond visual line of sight, help obtain federal flight waivers, test delivery systems, and educate the public. This one-time funding requires collaboration between the Transportation Commissioner, Health Commissioner, and Board of Pharmacy to develop drone delivery programs in underserved rural areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $215,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $215,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Historical Society. The funds will be used as grants to support the Minnesota Agricultural Interpretive Center - Farmamerica. The bill does not change policies or create new programs, but provides specific annual funding for this existing center. It directly affects the center's operations through these designated grants.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $120,000 from the general fund for a one-time grant to Waseca Area Caregiver Services, to be used in fiscal year 2026. The funds are available until June 30, 2027, and directly support the organization's caregiver services in Waseca. The bill does not change existing laws or create new programs - it solely provides state funding for this specific service provider.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $150,000 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund for the city of Little Falls to support the "Dreams Take Flight" celebration. The event commemorates 100 years since Charles Lindbergh (a Minnesota native) completed the first solo transatlantic flight. The funds will directly support the city's planning and execution of this historical aviation-themed celebration. The bill contains no policy changes - only a specific funding allocation for a commemorative event.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's rules for driver's license and ID card photographs, allowing certain individuals to wear head coverings in their photos without compromising identification. It applies specifically to people who have lost hair due to illness or injury, or who require continuous medical head coverage (like bandages) for health reasons. Applicants must provide a physician's statement confirming the medical need, that removal of the covering is not permitted, and whether the condition is temporary or permanent. If the condition is temporary, a new photo is required at license renewal. The change ensures photo requirements remain accommodating for medical needs while maintaining clear facial identification.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the statewide tax levy for commercial-industrial properties from $716,990,000 to $684,990,000 annually, effective for property taxes payable in 2026 and beyond. It directly affects commercial and industrial property owners across Minnesota by lowering their state tax burden. The change modifies Minnesota Statutes section 275.025, specifically adjusting the fixed levy amount without altering local tax rates or government levy calculations. The reduction amounts to approximately $32 million per year in state tax revenue for these properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 1158) allows state troopers, commercial vehicle inspectors, and Capitol security officers to purchase their surplus badges from the commissioner at fair market value when they leave or retire. It amends Minnesota law to permit the sale of badges that were issued during their employment, including those bearing pre-May 11, 2024 seals or retired personnel badges. Employees can buy these badges whether currently working or retired, with the price set by the commissioner based on fair market value. The bill does not provide badges for free but establishes a process for employees to repurchase their former equipment. This is a procedural change affecting specific state law enforcement roles.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 3233 establishes a 13-member task force to evaluate road funding alternatives as electric vehicle adoption grows. The task force, including state agency representatives and EV industry experts, will analyze options like mileage-based fees, increased surcharges on electric vehicles, and taxes on charging station usage. It must assess current funding mechanisms, study other states' approaches, and estimate costs for implementing alternatives by March 2026. The bill directly affects Minnesota's transportation funding system as traditional gas tax revenue declines with more electric vehicles. The task force will submit recommendations to lawmakers for potential legislative action.