Sen. Steve Drazkowski

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.25 million from the clean water fund for fiscal year 2026 to repair earthen dams and flood protection structures in Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona Counties. The funds must be distributed equally to these counties for cleaning out and reestablishing the dams, with no portion allowed for administrative costs. By October 1, 2026, each county must submit a report to legislative committees detailing how the grant was used. The bill focuses solely on funding and reporting requirements for specific infrastructure maintenance.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals Minnesota's existing "shotgun use area" boundary for deer hunting, which previously restricted firearm types in specific geographic zones. It replaces this with a provision allowing counties to adopt local rules limiting firearm and ammunition types for deer hunting, after holding public hearings. Each county rule would expire after one year and require renewal through another public process. This shifts regulation from statewide boundaries to flexible county-level decisions, directly affecting deer hunters in counties that choose to implement such rules.

Maddy summarySF 716 would reclassify drag performances as "adult entertainment" under Minnesota law. This bill defines a "drag performance" as one where performers use clothing/makeup to exaggerate gender identity for entertainment, intended to appeal to prurient interest. The law would subject venues hosting such performances to the same location restrictions as adult entertainment establishments, including prohibitions on operating near schools (2,800 feet), churches (2,800 feet), residential properties (500 feet), or within 1,500 feet of another adult entertainment venue. These changes directly affect businesses hosting drag performances by imposing new zoning and location requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 614) exempts all school supplies from Minnesota's sales tax starting July 1, 2025. It directly affects students, families, and schools by removing tax on common items like notebooks, pencils, calculators, binders, and book bags priced under $60. The law specifically defines "school supplies" to include listed items while excluding non-educational products like stationery, wrapping paper, and hiking backpacks. This policy change reduces out-of-pocket costs for purchasing essential classroom materials.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.2 million from the general fund for the resurfacing of Trunk Highway 74 in Winona County. It specifically funds work from north of Elba to Winona County State-Aid Highway 30, including design, engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and construction. The funding is a one-time allocation for fiscal year 2026, available until June 30, 2028, and allows the use of Otta seal, double Otta seal, or double chip seal for the project. The bill directly affects the maintenance and condition of this specific highway segment in Winona County.

Maddy summarySF 645 amends Minnesota law to restrict how public union representatives use time off work for union duties. It directly affects elected or appointed union officials (including those representing teachers in other school districts) who receive employer-approved time off. The key provision adds that this time off "must not be used to engage in any political activities." The bill modifies existing statute 179A.07, subdivision 6, to impose this specific limitation on the use of release time.

Maddy summarySF 587 amends Minnesota's tax code to allow individuals to subtract gratuities (tips) received from employees when calculating their taxable income. This change directly affects Minnesota residents who earn tips as part of their income, such as servers or bartenders. The bill adds a new provision (subdivision 36) to Minnesota Statutes section 290.0132, defining "gratuities" per existing law and specifying they are deductible. The policy takes effect for taxable years starting after December 31, 2024. This is a concrete tax code adjustment, not a procedural change.

Maddy summarySF 702 limits a motor vehicle operator's civil liability if a pedestrian is injured while illegally blocking a roadway. The bill states pedestrians obstructing roads (violating laws like Minn. Stat. § 609.74) cannot sue drivers for injuries resulting from the driver's use of force to retreat or escape, *only* if the driver reasonably believed they or passengers were in immediate danger of death or serious harm. This applies to causes of action accruing on or after August 1, 2025. The bill directly affects pedestrians who illegally block roadways and drivers involved in such incidents.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2.894 million in state bond funds to improve infrastructure related to the realignment of Trunk Highway 60 in Wabasha. It directly affects the city of Wabasha, Wabasha County, and residents using this corridor by funding planning, design, and construction of local roads, sidewalks, sewer systems, water mains, stormwater management, and street lighting. Key provisions include authorizing the sale of up to $2.894 million in state bonds and requiring the funds to be used for capital improvements that increase pedestrian safety and support workforce housing development. The bill focuses on tangible infrastructure upgrades rather than policy changes.

Maddy summarySF 690 prohibits state-funded services - including MinnesotaCare health coverage and the North Star Promise scholarship program - from being provided to undocumented noncitizens. The bill amends Minnesota statutes to define undocumented noncitizens as those residing in the U.S. without approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, excluding them from eligibility for these state programs. It explicitly states that undocumented individuals cannot receive any financial aid, grants, or services paid for with state tax revenue. The changes take effect immediately upon final enactment, with the North Star Promise scholarship ineligibility applying to awards beginning fall 2025. This directly affects undocumented noncitizens seeking healthcare or postsecondary education support through state programs.