Sen. Steve Drazkowski

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals two key provisions related to pollinator conservation in Minnesota. It eliminates the statutory funding for the "Pollinator Account" (ending annual appropriations for habitat projects) and repeals the "Lawns to Legumes" grant program (which provided financial assistance for planting pollinator-friendly native vegetation in residential and community spaces). The law removes both the funding mechanism and the program, effective July 1, 2025. These changes directly affect the Board of Water and Soil Resources (which managed the programs) and communities or individuals previously eligible for the grants. The bill makes no new policy changes but removes existing funding and program structures.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the sale of unpasteurized milk and unpasteurized butter in Minnesota by creating new regulatory standards. It directly affects dairy farmers who wish to sell these products, requiring them to obtain an unpasteurized milk producer permit from the state. Key provisions include mandatory biannual inspections of farms, annual testing for brucellosis and tuberculosis in herds (with immediate sales suspension if positive), and adherence to production standards from the Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance - excluding pasteurization requirements. The bill also establishes fees for inspections and permits to fund state oversight.

Maddy summarySF 1230 requires most state multimember agencies (like commissions or task forces, excluding licensing boards) to automatically expire two years after their creation unless their original law specifies a different end date. The bill also mandates that the Legislative Coordinating Commission submit a detailed report by February 1, 2026, listing all such agencies, their enabling laws, expiration dates, recent meeting history, and duties. The report must identify any redundant or unnecessary groups. This policy change directly affects how state agencies operate by creating a built-in review process and limiting the lifespan of temporary bodies.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Minnesota's deer hunting rules by allowing straight-wall cartridge ammunition to be used statewide for taking deer, rather than only in the current "shotgun use area" defined by specific boundary lines. It directly affects deer hunters across Minnesota who use this type of ammunition. The key provision amends Minnesota Statutes section 97B.318 to remove the geographic restriction, making straight-wall cartridges legal everywhere in the state during the regular firearms deer season. This is a specific policy change to the existing hunting regulations, not a new rule.

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 summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue up to $250,000 in bonds to fund pedestrian and bike safety improvements in Mazeppa, Minnesota. The funds will support the predesign and design of a multiuse paved trail system and safe routes to school within Mazeppa, specifically to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, and other nonmotorized wheeled vehicles. The money comes from the state bond proceeds fund, and the commissioner of management and budget must sell the bonds per Minnesota law. The project directly affects Mazeppa residents and students by planning infrastructure for safer nonmotorized travel.

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 1004 proposes a constitutional amendment that would limit Minnesota's state spending growth to match inflation plus population growth. If adopted, it would require the state to calculate annual spending limits using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index for Minneapolis-St. Paul and federal population estimates. The amendment excludes federal funds, tax refunds, and certain other spending categories from the calculation. It would require voter approval in the 2026 election and allows temporary exceptions with a 60% legislative vote. The bill directly affects how the state budgets for all programs except those specifically excluded.

Maddy summarySF 1006 would exempt reported tip income from Minnesota's individual income tax. Specifically, it adds a new "tip income" subtraction to the tax code, meaning tips that workers already report to their employers (as required by federal law) won't be counted as taxable income. This directly affects tipped workers, such as servers and bartenders, who currently report tips to employers under federal rules. The exemption applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and does not change how tips are reported to employers or the IRS.

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.