Sen. Steve Green

Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 439 bill amends state law to allow handgun permit applicants to submit their applications electronically, in addition to existing options like in-person, mail, or fax. This change directly affects all individuals applying for a Minnesota permit to carry a handgun, streamlining the submission process without altering the required application content or documentation. The bill specifies that applicants must still provide the same materials: a completed form, proof of pistol training, and a government-issued photo ID copy. It also clarifies that sheriffs cannot request additional information beyond these specified requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota taxpayers to subtract certain out-of-pocket medical expenses and health insurance costs from their taxable income. It directly affects residents who pay for qualifying medical care (like services covered by Medicaid) or health insurance premiums, excluding amounts already reimbursed by insurance, employer plans, or used for other tax credits. The key provision defines "medical care" broadly to include services eligible for Medicaid matching and standard health insurance as defined by federal law. The change applies to tax returns filed for years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota's Commissioner of Human Services and Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families from terminating public assistance benefits based on an individual's or their dependents' vaccination status. It directly affects people receiving benefits like food assistance, cash aid, or childcare subsidies, as well as caregivers, parents, or guardians responsible for minors or vulnerable adults. The law adds specific statutory language (in sections 142A.03 and 256.01) making it illegal for these agencies to rescind benefits due to vaccination status. The policy change is a direct prohibition on using vaccination status as a grounds for benefit termination, without altering eligibility criteria or creating new programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily halts modifications to Minnesota's public waters inventory (a state list of water bodies like lakes and rivers) until July 1, 2027. It directly affects the commissioner of natural resources, who cannot update the inventory during this period. The bill requires the commissioner to submit a detailed report by January 15, 2027, outlining how future modifications should include local government input and public comment. The report must be developed with input from counties, cities, and other local stakeholders to improve the process. This is a temporary freeze focused on procedural reforms, not a permanent policy change.

Maddy summarySF 437 broadens Minnesota's natural disaster debt service equalization aid program to include school districts where at least 30% of property value is excluded from taxable property. Previously, this aid only covered districts affected by natural disasters causing $500,000+ in damages not covered by insurance or federal aid. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes sections 123B.535 and 127A.49 to add this new eligibility criterion, allowing districts to qualify based solely on property tax exclusion. This change ensures more school districts can access financial assistance for debt service costs on bonds used for repairs or replacements.

Maddy summarySF 438 modifies Minnesota's Personal Protection Act to create lifetime permits for carrying handguns, replacing current temporary permits. It reduces the application fee to a maximum of $100 (or actual processing cost, whichever is lower), with $10 going to the general fund. The bill requires applicants to provide proof of recent pistol safety training (via a certified instructor's certificate) and standardizes application forms to include only essential personal and documentation details. These changes directly affect all Minnesota residents applying for or renewing handgun carry permits and sheriffs processing these applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SF 352, removes the requirement for a permit to carry a firearm in most public places across Minnesota, recognizing the Second Amendment right to carry. It states that law-abiding residents (not prohibited by state or federal law) may carry firearms openly in vehicles, on their person, or in public spaces like parks and stores, excluding homes, businesses, gun shops, and hunting areas. The bill also creates an optional permit system for those who want one, requiring applicants to be 21+, have pistol safety training, and pass background checks. It directly affects Minnesotans seeking to carry firearms without a permit, while maintaining existing restrictions for prohibited individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota law to allow reduced wetland replacement ratios (below the standard 1:1 requirement) for developers needing to offset wetland impacts in areas where wetlands cover more than 80% of the land. Instead of directly restoring wetlands, developers may use approved alternative strategies like restoring riparian corridors, stabilizing waterways, restoring peatlands, or completing water quality projects from local plans. The law requires the state board to create rules for measuring the "public value" of these alternatives to ensure they equal the value of the impacted wetlands. It directly affects developers, landowners, and state agencies managing wetland mitigation in high-wetland regions.

Maddy summarySF 28 modifies Minnesota's rules for selling tax-forfeited land (land seized for unpaid taxes). It requires counties to transfer tax-forfeited land within state park boundaries directly to the commissioner of natural resources instead of selling it, ensuring these areas remain protected for parks. For nonconservation land with standing timber, the bill allows the commissioner to waive a 60-day notice requirement for parcels already approved for timber appraisal. These changes streamline sales processes while prioritizing state park preservation and timber management.

Maddy summarySF 27 prohibits organizations receiving funds from Minnesota's parks and trails, outdoor heritage, clean water, or arts and cultural heritage legacy funds from using those specific funds to cover standard overhead costs like rent, utilities, or building maintenance. Recipients may only use these funds for overhead if they document a direct, necessary increase in those costs resulting from administering the funded program. The bill requires that any overhead payment from these funds cannot exceed the documented increase amount. This applies to all recipients of these four specific legacy funds, ensuring funds are used primarily for the intended program activities rather than general operating expenses.