Sen. Gene Dornink

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3,909,000 in state bond funds to the Pollution Control Agency for a grant to the city of Blooming Prairie. The funds will directly support cleanup work along Trunk Highway 218 within the city limits, specifically addressing soil and groundwater contamination. Key provisions include financing the design, construction, and equipment for remediation projects, as well as replacing damaged wastewater, drinking water, and other public utility infrastructure in the affected area. The state will issue bonds up to $3.9 million to cover these costs, with the project effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Labor and Industry to establish a standard cost-per-square-foot valuation for residential buildings. Municipalities would use this valuation to calculate building permit fees for new construction and additions to one- and two-family homes, townhouses, and accessory buildings. The bill directly affects local governments that set building permit fees, replacing their current methods with this standardized valuation. It amends Minnesota Statutes to add this specific requirement to the fee-setting process.

Maddy summarySF 1004 proposes a constitutional amendment that would limit Minnesota's state spending growth to match inflation plus population growth. If adopted, it would require the state to calculate annual spending limits using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index for Minneapolis-St. Paul and federal population estimates. The amendment excludes federal funds, tax refunds, and certain other spending categories from the calculation. It would require voter approval in the 2026 election and allows temporary exceptions with a 60% legislative vote. The bill directly affects how the state budgets for all programs except those specifically excluded.

Maddy summarySF 1005 authorizes the city of Austin to impose a new 0.5% local sales and use tax, subject to voter approval, to fund a law enforcement center. The tax revenue must cover collection costs and finance up to $25 million for the center's construction and operation, including associated bond costs. Bonds for the project can be issued without additional voter approval, and the tax expires after 14 years or once the $25 million goal is met. Any remaining funds after project completion must be deposited into Austin's general fund.

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 unspecified funds for Minnesota's existing Soil Health Financial Assistance Program, which provides financial support to farmers adopting soil health practices. It allocates money for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, limiting grants to $50,000 per recipient annually and allowing up to 6.5% of the total appropriation for program administration. Unspent funds from 2026 automatically carry over to 2027, and contracts signed by June 30, 2027, remain valid until June 30, 2029. The program directly benefits agricultural producers who implement soil health practices, with funding administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture under existing law (M.S. §17.134).

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate Bill SF 977 amends Minnesota law to eliminate replacement fees for motor vehicles displaying Purple Heart medal special license plates. The bill specifically removes a $5 fee required when replacing these plates due to loss, theft, or damage, extending an existing exemption currently limited to certain scenarios. This change directly affects Minnesota veterans who hold Purple Heart medal special plates, ensuring they pay no fee when replacing their plates. The provision modifies sections 168.12 and 168.123 of Minnesota Statutes to align with the existing fee exemption for Purple Heart plates under section 168.1245.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 889 changes age exemptions for game and fish licenses in Minnesota. It raises the age limit for license-free fishing and small game hunting from under 16 to under 18 years. The bill also updates fee structures for youth hunters, such as adding a $5 fee for 13- to 17-year-olds taking deer (instead of free access) and establishing new fee categories for different age groups. These changes directly affect Minnesotans under 18 who hunt or fish, altering when they require licenses or pay fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates funds from the general fund for grants to Minnesota retail gas stations that sell fuel for vehicles manufactured after 2000. The grants help upgrade equipment to dispense E25 biofuel, covering up to 65% of costs (max $200,000 per station), to meet state biofuel goals. Eligible stations must have no more than ten locations in Minnesota and replace non-certified equipment. The commissioner must report annually on funded projects, including geographic distribution, metrics on leveraged funding, and support for minority- or women-owned businesses. The program directly supports fuel retailers expanding biofuel access while tracking program impact.