Sen. Steve Drazkowski

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's homestead tax exemption program by changing documentation requirements for applicants. It requires property owners to provide Social Security numbers or individual taxpayer identification numbers (ITINs) for all occupants and spouses, but explicitly prohibits accepting ITINs issued to undocumented noncitizens or those not lawfully present in the U.S. Incomplete applications - such as those missing spouse details - will result in partial homestead treatment (where part of the property loses the exemption), rather than full exemption. The changes apply to homestead applications filed in 2026 and affect residential property owners seeking tax classification under Minnesota's homestead program.

Maddy summarySF 3301 gradually phases out Minnesota's individual income tax and corporate franchise tax over four years. Starting in 2026, taxpayers pay 80% of their calculated tax bill, reducing to 60% in 2027, 40% in 2028, and 20% in 2029. This directly affects individuals and businesses subject to Minnesota's income and corporate taxes. The bill also repeals specific tax statutes and requires the revisor of statutes to identify additional changes needed for full repeal by 2026.

Maddy summarySF 3309 delays the implementation dates for provisions of Minnesota's African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act. It changes the effective date for multiple sections from January 1, 2027, to January 1, 2029, giving state agencies and counties more time to comply. The bill directly affects the Minnesota Department of Human Services (which must implement data disaggregation and compliance systems) and local counties administering child welfare services. Key provisions include delaying the start of data disaggregation requirements (from 2027 to 2029) and extending the phase-in program for Hennepin and Ramsey Counties (from 2027 to 2029). This is a technical adjustment to implementation timelines, not a change to the underlying policy requirements.

Maddy summarySF 3303 creates an education empowerment account program for Minnesota students in pre-K through 12th grade. It provides state funds - based on the statewide average per-pupil spending - to parents for approved education expenses like tuition, textbooks, instructional materials, educational therapies, transportation, and technology. Parents must use the funds only for these specific purposes, and any remaining balance after high school graduation can be applied to postsecondary tuition. The program requires annual reporting and closes accounts if a student returns to a public school, returning unused funds to the state general fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $45.7 million from the clean water fund to the City of Hastings for a one-time project to build and equip an Eastern Water Treatment Plant. The plant will remove PFAS and nitrate contaminants from Hastings' drinking water and connect to the Minnesota Veterans Home. Funds are available until June 30, 2029, and cover predesign, design, construction, and equipment for the facility. The bill directly affects Hastings residents and the Veterans Home by addressing specific water quality concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 3308) clarifies that inmates in Minnesota county jails are eligible for state-funded medical assistance (not federal) and MinnesotaCare. It amends statutes to explicitly state that county jail inmates meet eligibility requirements for these programs, removing previous barriers. Key provisions require counties to cover medical services for inmates at state-set rates, allow counties to seek reimbursement from inmates who can pay, and permit counties to help inmates apply for these benefits. The bill directly affects county jail inmates and county correctional facilities, ensuring they can access state health coverage during incarceration.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's health insurance plans serving medical assistance recipients to meet specific performance targets before receiving 5% of their monthly payments. It directly affects managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans that provide health services through Minnesota's medical assistance program. Key provisions include setting measurable targets for cost containment, service quality, and data accuracy, with withheld funds returned no earlier than July 1 of the following year if targets are met. The bill also mandates that plans verify coverage for recipients and report rate increases to the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Department of Transportation to adopt specific safety message standards for changeable highway signs by July 1, 2025. It mandates that messages must be clear, simple, and avoid slang, hashtags, or cultural references that could confuse drivers, while focusing on minimizing distraction. The bill directly affects the Department of Transportation (which must implement these rules) and all road users who encounter these signs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota's Commissioner of Public Safety from requiring towing services to carry a minimum amount of "on-hook towing insurance" for vehicles valued under $400,000. It directly affects towing companies operating in Minnesota by removing a specific insurance requirement previously set by the Commissioner. The law amends Minnesota Statutes to prevent the Commissioner or Minnesota State Patrol from adopting rules mandating these insurance amounts, effective retroactively from August 1, 2023. This change applies to all towing services and removes a regulatory requirement for lower-value towed vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's rules around "recess detention" (excluding students from scheduled recess as punishment). It prohibits schools from withholding recess except in limited cases: when a student causes serious harm, with parental consent, or for students with special education plans where an IEP team approves it. Schools must notify parents within 24 hours of using recess detention, collect annual data on its use (including student demographics), and cannot withhold recess for incomplete schoolwork unless academic support occurs during that time. The bill directly affects all Minnesota public school districts and charter schools.