Sen. Rich Draheim

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 1088 clarifies and expands self-defense laws regarding use of force in defense of home and person. The bill eliminates the requirement to retreat when using force outside one's home, expands the definition of "dwelling" to include occupied vehicles and their immediate surroundings (like porches or attached structures), and creates a legal presumption that a person entering a dwelling by stealth or force reasonably fears imminent harm. It specifically codifies that individuals may use deadly force to prevent a forcible felony in their home or vehicle, or when facing an imminent threat of serious injury or death. These changes directly affect residents defending their homes or vehicles against intruders.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $200,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $200,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the state general fund to provide grants through GreenSeam, a nonprofit organization, to support Minnesota agriculture-related businesses. The funding helps these businesses with retention, development, creation, talent attraction, and regional branding efforts. GreenSeam must report annually to the legislature by December 1 on new businesses supported, jobs created, educational partnerships, and promotional activities. The bill directly affects agricultural businesses in Minnesota and requires transparent reporting on outcomes.

Maddy summarySF 310 amends Minnesota's earned sick and safe time law by updating the definition of "employee." It specifically excludes certain farm workers: those employed by a family farm or farm corporation with five or fewer total employees, or those working 28 days or less per year for the farm. This change directly affects farm laborers under these conditions, removing their eligibility for the state's earned sick time benefits. The bill modifies Minnesota Statutes section 181.9445, subdivision 5, to clarify these exclusions. The law remains neutral, focusing on the policy change to the eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $22.9 million for fiscal year 2026 and $12.9 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. The funds support two housing programs: the economic development and housing challenge program (Minnesota Statutes §462A.33) and low/moderate-income housing programs (§462A.07, subd. 14). Crucially, $1.2 million annually must be dedicated exclusively to housing projects for American Indians, with unused funds available for other eligible housing activities under the same statutes. The bill directly affects housing agencies and communities receiving these funds, particularly American Indian housing providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $250,000 from the general fund for a one-time grant to Equaspace, a nonprofit organization. The funds will provide workspace and wrap-around services - including IT support, HR assistance, accounting, fundraising, and executive director support - to small and startup nonprofit organizations. The grant is administered by the commissioner of employment and economic development. This appropriation directly supports small nonprofits by helping them access essential operational resources. The funding is specific to fiscal year 2026 and does not create ongoing state obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $4,021,000 in state bond funds to the city of New Ulm for specific infrastructure improvements. It directly affects New Ulm residents by funding the design, construction, and equipment for a gravity sewer flow system, replacement of a water main, removal of a lift station, and replacement of surface amenities. The funds will come from state bonds sold under Minnesota law, with the money provided as a grant to the city through the Public Facilities Authority. The project aims to upgrade the city's water and sewer infrastructure systems.

Maddy summarySenate Bill SF 765 clarifies definitions for Minnesota's regional sales tax system by amending statutes to specify that "metropolitan area" includes Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties. It defines key terms like "Metropolitan Council" and "metropolitan sales tax" to ensure consistent application of the tax. The bill sets a 0.25% sales tax rate on retail purchases made within these counties or destined for them, effective after June 30, 2025. This directly affects businesses and consumers in those seven counties who pay the regional sales tax.

Maddy summarySF 827 appropriates $10 million from state bonds to fund water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in Lewisville. The funds will support repairing sewer systems, stormwater management, and water tower refurbishment, along with associated road and sidewalk reconstruction. The city of Lewisville will receive a grant through the Public Facilities Authority to design and implement these projects. The bond issuance follows Minnesota's standard capital project procedures to finance the work.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.8 million from state bond proceeds to fund specific improvements at Mankato's Riverfront Park. It directly affects the city of Mankato by authorizing grants for designing, constructing, and equipping the Vetter Stone Amphitheater and replacing the park's boat launch. The state would sell bonds up to $1.8 million under standard bonding procedures to cover these costs. The funds are restricted to these two physical projects within the park, with no broader policy changes beyond the park enhancements. The bill requires no additional local funding or voter approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 808) allows property owners to restrict access to government-held easements if they suffer harm, such as by installing gates or fences. It requires owners to provide government entities with reasonable access (e.g., keys or codes) to maintain the easement's purpose. Government entities that refuse to permit this protection forfeit their easement rights. The bill directly affects property owners and local/state government entities managing easements on private land.