Sen. Bill Weber

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 3738) creates a Minnesota state income tax deduction for qualified tip income, aligning the state tax code with the federal Internal Revenue Code. It directly affects Minnesota taxpayers who earn tips, allowing them to deduct qualified tips on their state tax returns starting in 2025 (retroactively). The key provision adopts the federal deduction method for tips, as defined under Internal Revenue Code section 224, and applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024. The deduction becomes effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2028, but applies retroactively to 2025. This change simplifies tax filing for tipped workers by matching state and federal treatment of tip income.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the city of Marshall to issue a special on-sale liquor license to Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) for wine and malt liquor sales. The license specifically permits sales at the Schwan Regional Event Center and Recreation/Athletic Facility during events, following standard hours and days of sale under Minnesota law. It permits the license to cover non-contiguous campus spaces as long as all locations are within SMSU's campus boundaries. The bill modifies existing liquor licensing rules to enable this special authorization for SMSU's campus venues.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows surviving spouses in Minnesota to use their deceased spouse's unused federal estate tax exclusion amount when calculating Minnesota estate taxes. It requires personal representatives to elect this portability on the estate tax return (or file a return if not otherwise required), making the election irrevocable. The provision applies to estates of decedents dying after December 31, 2024, and directly affects surviving spouses who may reduce their estate tax liability by claiming this unused exclusion. The law amends Minnesota's estate tax statutes to align with federal portability rules.

Maddy summarySF 19 modifies environmental and energy regulations for data centers in Minnesota. It requires data centers planning to use over 100 million gallons of water annually to provide preapplication water use data (including volume estimates and sources) to state agencies. The bill also mandates that permitting inquiries for such data centers be referred to the Minnesota Business First Stop program and requires water conservation measures - like recycling and closed-loop systems - in new or modified water permits. These changes apply specifically to large data centers meeting the water use threshold and take effect upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota Statutes to redefine "agricultural land" for property tax classification purposes. It specifies that agricultural land must be at least 10 contiguous acres used for agriculture in the prior year, or land used for intensive livestock confinement (excluding land used solely for grazing). This change affects landowners seeking lower agricultural tax rates by clarifying eligibility criteria for property classification. The bill does not alter tax rates but adjusts which properties qualify for the agricultural classification under current law.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 425 increases the customer threshold for small natural gas utilities to qualify for exemption from Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulation, raising it from 650 to 2,500 customers total (including those outside municipal borders). This applies to utilities serving municipalities under a franchise, requiring them to maintain identical rates for all customers regardless of location. The bill also mandates that exempt utilities still follow PUC cold weather disconnection policies and submit rate changes 30 days in advance. Municipalities can later rescind exemptions, returning the utility to full PUC regulation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes May 9, 2025, as Family Child Care Provider Appreciation Day and designates the entire month of May as the Month of the Family Child Care Provider. The bill directly affects the approximately 10,600 licensed family child care providers across Minnesota who operate small businesses in their homes to care for children. Its primary mechanism is a ceremonial declaration that calls on Minnesotans to honor and thank these professionals for their contributions to the state's children and economy. Additionally, the resolution specifically acknowledges Kids-R-It Child Care Center and Preschool and its staff as dedicated examples of quality early childhood education.

Maddy summarySF 3409 creates a new type of disability parking certificate specifically for cancer patients in Minnesota. It allows individuals diagnosed with cancer who experience mobility issues due to their condition or treatment to qualify for parking permits. To qualify, applicants must submit a medical statement confirming a cancer diagnosis, related mobility impacts (like difficulty moving safely in parking areas), and that these issues will last at least 30 days. The certificate is valid for up to 12 months and grants the same parking privileges as standard disability permits, but only when the vehicle is being used to transport the person with the certificate. This directly affects cancer patients seeking temporary parking accommodations during treatment.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's sales tax exemption for construction materials used in large agricultural processing facilities. It expands the exemption to apply to facilities with expected capital investments exceeding $100 million, specifically for processing agricultural crops (excluding livestock, wood, or crop-growing land). The tax would be collected at the standard rate but then refunded per existing procedures. The change applies to sales and purchases made after June 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 3477 establishes a reimbursement program for owners of underground petroleum storage tank systems in Minnesota that have pressurized single-walled steel piping installed before the bill's effective date. The bill amends existing statutes to allow reimbursement from the petroleum tank release cleanup fund for replacing this specific piping type, which is considered a safety upgrade. It directly affects property owners and businesses operating such tank systems, covering costs for piping replacement but excluding tanks, dispensers, or other equipment. The program uses existing funds allocated for petroleum tank cleanup, with reimbursements limited to the specified piping replacement costs under new statutory provisions.