Sen. Steve Green

Maddy summarySF 1189 modifies Minnesota's child care licensing rules by adding new exemptions for certain providers that no longer need state licensing. It specifically exempts nonprofit youth programs (grades K-12) with written parental consent and safety policies, family child care providers serving up to 10 children with strict age limits, and accredited nonpublic school programs requiring background checks. The bill also clarifies documentation requirements for some exempt programs, such as verifying accreditation standards. These changes directly affect child care providers who previously needed licenses but now qualify for exemptions under specific conditions. The policy aims to reduce regulatory burden for certain low-risk care settings while maintaining safety safeguards.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota bill (SF 1192) makes it a felony to perform castration or sterilization on any person under 18. It specifically prohibits physical/chemical castration (Section 1.10) and any surgery, procedure, or drug causing permanent infertility (Section 1.11). The law applies to anyone performing these acts on minors, imposing criminal penalties for violations. It takes effect on August 1, 2025, and directly affects minors under 18 and medical professionals or others who might conduct such procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires clear labeling for food products made from cell-cultured animal tissue or insect protein. It mandates that manufacturers label such products with "cell-cultured," "lab-grown," or an approved equivalent term in prominent type near the product name, and restaurants must identify these items on menus. Insect protein products must display "insect protein" on labels and list both common and scientific insect names in ingredients. The law directly affects food producers, grocery stores, and restaurants selling these products in Minnesota. It aims to ensure consumers can easily identify these novel food items without using technical jargon.

Maddy summarySF 1169 requires state agencies to reduce their funding for any unfilled positions that remain vacant for 180 days or more after being posted. This applies to most state agency roles (excluding law enforcement and public safety positions) and reduces the general fund and nongeneral fund appropriations by the amount saved from unfilled salary and benefits. The reduced funding must be reflected in agency budgets for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The bill also mandates that the commissioner of management and budget report these reductions to legislative finance committees.

Maddy summarySF 1020 establishes a standardized 7- to 10-day filing period (excluding holidays) for candidates seeking to fill legislative vacancies through special elections in Minnesota. This bill directly affects voters and candidates in special elections for state legislative seats, applying to all vacancy scenarios covered under current law. The key change is replacing flexible filing period language with a fixed minimum and maximum window, ensuring consistency regardless of when the vacancy occurs or whether the legislature is in session. The policy takes effect for vacancies occurring on or after the bill's final enactment date.

Maddy summarySF 1021 would repeal Minnesota's current authorization for absentee ballot drop boxes. The bill amends statute 203B.08 to remove the option for voters to deposit ballots in drop boxes and repeals statute 203B.082, which established security requirements for those drop boxes (like 24-hour recording and weatherproofing). This change directly affects voters who use drop boxes and election officials who manage them, eliminating a method for returning absentee ballots. The bill makes no new provisions for ballot return; it simply removes the existing drop box authorization.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota conservation officers to coordinate with local sheriff's offices for investigations and enforcement. It mandates that conservation officers work under sheriff supervision in their county, follow sheriff-assigned schedules (with exceptions for multi-county areas), and be accompanied by a sheriff or deputy during most enforcement actions - except for immediate threats, federal law requirements, or specific violations occurring in their presence. The law affects conservation officers (who enforce natural resource laws) and sheriff's offices, altering how they collaborate on enforcement. Key changes include formalizing sheriff oversight of officer schedules and requiring deputy accompaniment during investigations. Exceptions allow officers to act alone in urgent situations or when responding to violations they witness firsthand.

Maddy summarySF 610 requires Minnesota state agencies to obtain legislative approval before new rules take effect. After an agency publishes a notice of adopting a rule in the State Register, the rule cannot become effective until the legislature passes a law specifically approving it. The bill also updates notice requirements to clearly show how adopted rules differ from proposed versions, ensuring public transparency. This change applies to all new rules published in the State Register on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $6 million from state bond proceeds to fund new law enforcement and government facilities in Lake of the Woods County. The funds will cover designing, constructing, furnishing, and equipping facilities to improve public safety, accessibility, service delivery, and energy efficiency - including expanded mental health and emergency operations spaces. The state will sell up to $6 million in bonds to cover this cost, following standard bond issuance procedures under Minnesota law. The project directly affects Lake of the Woods County residents by upgrading local public safety infrastructure.

Maddy summarySF 956 prohibits Minnesota conservation officers from conducting searches or seizures without a warrant or court order, except in emergencies or with the person's consent. It requires officers to provide a written receipt to anyone from whom property is seized. The bill affects conservation officers enforcing natural resource laws (such as hunting and fishing regulations) and the public they interact with during enforcement. The law amends multiple Minnesota statutes to implement these requirements for property seizures.