Sen. Bill Weber

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $200 million from state bonds to fund the University of Minnesota's Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEAPR) program. The funds will be used by the University of Minnesota Board of Regents to preserve and replace campus infrastructure, such as buildings and equipment. The bill authorizes the state to sell bonds up to $200 million to cover this appropriation, as specified in Minnesota law. It directly affects the University of Minnesota's capital planning and infrastructure management.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases funding for Minnesota school districts' career and technical education (CTE) programs. It raises the revenue percentage from 35% to 50% of eligible program costs (like instructor salaries, supplies, and professional development) and sets an annual appropriation of $46.46 million starting in fiscal year 2026. The bill also guarantees districts won't receive less funding than the previous year for CTE programs. These changes directly affect school districts operating approved CTE programs by increasing their state funding and ensuring stable revenue. The policy changes take effect for fiscal year 2026 and later.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 1436) amends Minnesota Statutes section 216B.1691, specifically clarifying the definition of "electric utility" under the state's renewable energy standards. It modifies the definition to explicitly include investor-owned utilities and clarify which entities (like municipal power agencies or cooperatives) fall under this category for compliance purposes. The change directly affects electric utilities required to meet renewable energy targets, ensuring the definition aligns with existing standards. This is a technical adjustment to the statutory definition, not a change to the renewable energy requirements themselves. The bill focuses on administrative clarity for implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7,039,000 from state bond proceeds to fund water infrastructure improvements in the City of Ghent. It directly affects Ghent residents by financing the expansion and rehabilitation of sanitary ponds ($5,084,000) to address water quality and capacity issues, and construction of a new water tower with clean drinking water infrastructure ($1,955,000) to improve water pressure and meet regional requirements. The funds will be raised through the sale of state bonds, as authorized under Minnesota law. The project aims to resolve inflow/infiltration problems and capacity limits caused by population growth.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Minnesota to issue up to $20 million in state bonds to fund the University of Minnesota's FAARM program in Mower County. The funds will cover planning, design, land acquisition, and initial site preparation for new research facilities focused on agricultural innovation. The state appropriation covers approximately two-thirds of the project's initial phase costs, with the university responsible for the remaining portion. The bill directly affects the University of Minnesota (specifically the FAARM program) and Mower County residents through the development of new agricultural research infrastructure.

Maddy summarySF 1270 appropriates $12 million from state bond proceeds to fund the design, construction, and replacement of aging water distribution, storm sewer, and street infrastructure in the City of Tracy. The bill authorizes the state to sell bonds up to $12 million to provide this funding, following Minnesota's bond sale statutes. This direct funding targets Tracy's municipal infrastructure needs, specifically addressing failing systems and street reconstruction. The appropriation is intended for the city to complete these public works projects.

Maddy summarySF 1398 adds certain water and sewer districts to the legal definition of "municipality" in Minnesota law, specifically those formed under Chapter 116A. This change directly affects these districts by subjecting them to the same legal standards as cities and counties for tort liability (legal responsibility for damages). The bill amends Minnesota Statutes § 466.01 to include these districts in the definition and sets a maximum limit for their tort liability. The law takes effect August 1, 2025, applying to claims arising after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases annual state funding for soil and water conservation districts from $12 million to $20 million starting in 2025. It directly affects local conservation districts across Minnesota that manage programs for soil erosion control, water quality, and sustainable land use. The change modifies Minnesota Statutes § 477A.23, subdivision 6, to adjust the annual appropriation amount from the state general fund. The funding increase applies to payments for 2025 and future years, effective upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts certain health-related purchases from state sales tax. It creates two new tax exemptions: (1) for "health care materials" like single-use medical supplies prescribed by a physician (e.g., bandages, syringes), and (2) for other items purchased through private health plans that aren't already covered by existing exemptions. The exemption applies to sales and purchases made after June 30, 2025, directly affecting health plans (both public and private) and businesses selling these medical supplies. This change simplifies tax treatment for essential health products without altering coverage or costs for consumers.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a refundable sales tax exemption for construction materials used in renovating Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Contractors and subcontractors purchasing eligible materials between July 1, 2023, and January 1, 2028, will pay the standard sales tax upfront but receive a refund from the state. The exemption applies retroactively to purchases made after June 30, 2023, with refunds unavailable before July 1, 2025. The state will fund these refunds using general fund appropriations.