Sen. Rich Draheim

Maddy summaryThis bill expands who is ineligible for earned incentive release credit under Minnesota's Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act. It amends statutes to add individuals serving sentences for second-degree murder (Minn. Stat. 609.19), third-degree murder (609.195), first-degree manslaughter (609.20), or second-degree manslaughter (609.205) to the existing list of ineligible persons. The key mechanism adds these specific violent crime categories to Section 244.45, which defines ineligibility, while Section 244.46's applicability exemptions are updated to reflect the expansion. This directly affects incarcerated individuals convicted of these specific offenses who would otherwise qualify for the credit.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals Minnesota's 0.25% metropolitan region sales and use tax, which was collected on retail sales in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area (including Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, and other surrounding counties). The tax generated revenue distributed to state rent assistance (25%), city housing aid (25%), and county housing aid (50%) under Minnesota Statutes 297A.9925. The repeal removes this tax from state law, effective July 1, 2025, ending the collection of this specific revenue stream for those housing and assistance programs.

Maddy summarySF 440, the "Unilateral Emergency Powers Repeal Act," removes the Minnesota governor's authority to unilaterally declare emergencies or issue emergency orders with the force of law. Instead, it requires the legislature to formally declare and extend emergencies, shifting emergency decision-making power from the executive branch to lawmakers. The bill also explicitly protects citizens' rights during emergencies, prohibiting the governor from infringing on free speech, assembly, religious freedom, business operations, or travel. Key provisions repeal specific statutes (like 4.035 and 12.31) that previously granted the governor broad emergency powers under Minnesota law.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies a $4.9 million appropriation for the design and construction of a highway interchange at U.S. Highway 169 and Trunk Highway 282 in Jordan, Scott County. The funds, from the general fund, are allocated to Scott County for local road improvements, including bike/pedestrian accommodations, rail grade separation, and utility relocations. The one-time funding is available until June 30, 2027, and directly affects Scott County and Jordan residents by advancing infrastructure at this specific intersection.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Minnesota to issue free "Legion of Merit" special license plates to qualifying individuals. It directly affects recipients of the Legion of Merit military decoration who own eligible vehicles (passenger cars, pickup trucks, motorcycles, or RVs) for personal use. Key provisions include: the plates are issued at no cost, can be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same person without fee, and are exempt from certain registration fees. The plates must display "LEGION OF MERIT" and are effective for vehicles registered on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7 million from state bond proceeds to fund a new reverse osmosis water filtration plant in Blue Earth, Minnesota. The funds will be granted to the city of Blue Earth through the Public Facilities Authority to build the facility, directly benefiting Blue Earth residents by improving their drinking water infrastructure. The bill authorizes the state to sell up to $7 million in bonds under existing state law to cover this cost, with the funds flowing from the bond proceeds fund to the city. The project requires no additional local funding and becomes effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summarySF 355 requires Minnesota's commissioner of children, youth, and families to create a plan by January 15, 2026, to reduce paperwork in child protection cases. The plan must be developed with input from counties, tribal governments, and child welfare agencies, and include specific changes, implementation timing, and ongoing feedback procedures. It directly affects social workers, foster care providers, tribal governments, counties, and child placing agencies by aiming to simplify administrative tasks. The bill focuses on streamlining current processes without altering child protection standards or outcomes.

Maddy summarySF 404 appropriates $1.95 million from state bond proceeds to fund street improvements in Mapleton, specifically for designing and constructing infrastructure on Borchert Street SE and 8th Avenue SE. The bill authorizes the state to sell bonds up to this amount under Minnesota’s bonding laws to cover the project costs, including necessary land purchases for right-of-way. This funding directly supports the city of Mapleton’s public infrastructure work on these two streets. The bill does not create new policies or affect broader residents, focusing solely on financing a specific local street project.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Minnesota's sales tax exemption for precious metal bullion to include coins and other forms of currency that serve as legal tender. It directly affects buyers and sellers of gold/silver coins (like commemorative or circulating coins) and other metal-based currency, making their sales tax-exempt under the same rules as bullion bars. The key change amends Minnesota Statutes 297A.67 to add "coins and currency" to the exemption, while explicitly excluding jewelry, art, and scrap metal. The policy change takes effect for transactions after June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10,538,000 in state bond funds to the city of Fairmont for specific street reconstruction projects. It directly funds the rebuilding of Kot Street (from Charles Street to South Prairie Avenue) and an extension of Fairlakes Avenue to connect Woodland Avenue with Lake Avenue. The funds cover construction, right-of-way acquisition, public utilities, and associated infrastructure. The state will issue bonds up to the full amount to cover these costs, with the project effective upon final enactment.