Sen. Gene Dornink

Maddy summarySF 690 prohibits state-funded services - including MinnesotaCare health coverage and the North Star Promise scholarship program - from being provided to undocumented noncitizens. The bill amends Minnesota statutes to define undocumented noncitizens as those residing in the U.S. without approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, excluding them from eligibility for these state programs. It explicitly states that undocumented individuals cannot receive any financial aid, grants, or services paid for with state tax revenue. The changes take effect immediately upon final enactment, with the North Star Promise scholarship ineligibility applying to awards beginning fall 2025. This directly affects undocumented noncitizens seeking healthcare or postsecondary education support through state programs.

Maddy summarySF 685 requires Minnesota legislature standing committees to obtain at least two-thirds approval from members before a committee chair can lay a bill over for potential inclusion in a major finance or policy omnibus bill. If the two-thirds threshold isn't met, the committee must either refer the bill to another committee, send it to the full legislature, table it, or the chair must halt further action. Bills that are tabled or receive no further action due to the failed vote cannot later be added to an omnibus bill without a specific committee amendment containing only that bill's policy items. The bill mandates both the House and Senate adopt procedural rules to implement these changes.

Maddy summarySF 501 expands Minnesota's education tax credit to cover additional expenses for families with children enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) programs. It specifically adds eligible costs including transportation for CTE program participation, required student organization fees, and program-specific equipment (like tools or uniforms). The bill also clarifies that transportation expenses must be for non-profit providers adhering to civil rights laws. This change applies to tax returns filed for 2025 and later, directly benefiting Minnesota families using the credit for CTE program costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a sales tax exemption for nonprofit conservation clubs that provide shooting instruction and facilities. Specifically, it exempts from sales tax purchases made by organizations that are IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofits and focus on teaching handgun or rifle shooting. The exemption applies to all qualifying clubs meeting these criteria, effective after June 30, 2025. It directly affects these conservation clubs by removing sales tax on their qualifying purchases. The change modifies Minnesota's tax code to create this new exemption category.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public employers in Minnesota to provide new student employees with written notice on or before their first day of work that joining a union is not required for employment. It directly affects student employees working for public institutions (like state universities or school districts), specifically clarifying that union membership cannot be a condition of their job. The key provision amends Minnesota law to mandate this notification, ensuring students understand their right to choose union membership. The bill does not change existing union representation rules but focuses on informing student workers of their rights upfront.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue $37 million in bonds to fund upgrades to Albert Lea's wastewater treatment facility. The funds will be provided to the city of Albert Lea through the Public Facilities Authority for design, construction, demolition, equipment, and infrastructure improvements. The project aims to modernize the facility's systems, including buildings and equipment, to better serve Albert Lea residents.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota Senate resolution (SF 566) asks Congress to call a constitutional convention to propose amendments addressing three specific issues: limiting federal spending (fiscal restraints), reducing federal power over states, and imposing term limits on federal officials and members of Congress. It does not create new laws but formally requests Congress to convene a convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The resolution is a continuing application, meaning Minnesota will maintain this request until two-thirds of states support similar proposals. It directly affects Minnesota's relationship with federal governance by formally advocating for constitutional changes through the state legislature's petition.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $18.12 million in state bond proceeds to fund the construction, renovation, and equipment for the Minnesota BioImaging Center at the Hormel Institute. The funds will be granted to the Austin Port Authority to support the University of Minnesota-Mayo Clinic collaboration focused on biomedical and cancer research. The bill authorizes the state to sell bonds up to $18.12 million under existing bond procedures to cover these costs. The project directly affects researchers at the Hormel Institute and the broader biomedical research community in Minnesota.

Maddy summarySF 358 appropriates $9,924,000 from state bond proceeds to fund design, renovation, and equipment for student services space at Riverland Community College's Austin campus. The bill authorizes the state to sell bonds up to this amount, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. This funding directly supports Riverland Community College students and staff by improving campus facilities. The project is limited to the Austin campus and requires no new tax revenue, as it uses existing bond authorization.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2 million from state bonds to fund clean water infrastructure in Manchester, Minnesota. It authorizes the city to build a new water distribution system, treatment plant, well, and related improvements through a grant from the Public Facilities Authority. The state will issue up to $2 million in bonds to cover these costs, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. The funding becomes effective upon final enactment.