Sen. Gene Dornink

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates funds from Minnesota's Clean Water Fund to create a new southeast regional initiative focused on protecting groundwater and improving soil health. It directly affects soil and water conservation districts in 11 southeast counties (Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Winona), providing grants to support specific projects. Key provisions include funding for cover crop programs, alternative crops, and pasture enhancements to reduce fertilizer leaching into groundwater, immobilize excess nitrogen, and prevent soil erosion. The initiative allows conservation districts to make subgrants for projects aligned with the Olmsted County program.

Maddy summarySF 316 expands Minnesota's sales tax exemption for baby products by adding specific items to the existing list. The bill adds baby wipes, cribs and bassinets, crib/bassinet mattresses, changing tables/pads, strollers, car seats, and infant eating utensils to the exemption, which already covers items like breast pumps and baby bottles. This change directly affects parents and caregivers purchasing these essential baby products, as they will no longer pay state sales tax on these items. The exemption applies to sales and purchases made after June 30, 2025, and amends Minnesota Statutes section 297A.67, subdivision 9.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum number of shareholders, members, or partners allowed in agricultural entities (like family farm corporations, LLCs, or partnerships) that qualify for special homestead tax treatment from 12 to 20 people. It directly affects farm businesses structured as these entities that seek reduced property tax rates (class 1b or 2a) for properties where a qualifying owner resides and farms the land. The key provision amends Minnesota Statutes section 273.124 to raise this shareholder limit, allowing larger family-owned agricultural operations to maintain eligibility for the tax benefits. The change takes effect for homestead applications in 2025 and beyond.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $9.9 million in state bonds to fund water and sewer infrastructure improvements in Clarks Grove, directly benefiting the city's residents. It appropriates funds for designing, constructing, and equipping new infrastructure, including two lift stations, a new water treatment plant, and replacing aging sewer and water systems. The funds will be provided through state bond sales, managed by the commissioner of management and budget, following standard state bond procedures. The project requires prior commitment of sufficient funds before the appropriation becomes available.

Maddy summarySF 704, the Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Prevention Act, requires manufacturers and sellers of internet-enabled devices (like smartphones and computers) to include default filters that block websites known to facilitate human trafficking, prostitution, or display harmful content to minors. The law defines "obscene" material to include sites promoting trafficking, escort services, or depicting sadomasochistic abuse or revenge pornography without consent. It directly affects device manufacturers, retailers, and consumers by mandating these default blocking capabilities for personal devices sold in Minnesota. The bill also requires reports on implementation and establishes new rules under Minnesota Statutes chapter 609, focusing on preventing online exploitation without broadly restricting internet access.

Maddy summarySF 716 would reclassify drag performances as "adult entertainment" under Minnesota law. This bill defines a "drag performance" as one where performers use clothing/makeup to exaggerate gender identity for entertainment, intended to appeal to prurient interest. The law would subject venues hosting such performances to the same location restrictions as adult entertainment establishments, including prohibitions on operating near schools (2,800 feet), churches (2,800 feet), residential properties (500 feet), or within 1,500 feet of another adult entertainment venue. These changes directly affect businesses hosting drag performances by imposing new zoning and location requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 614) exempts all school supplies from Minnesota's sales tax starting July 1, 2025. It directly affects students, families, and schools by removing tax on common items like notebooks, pencils, calculators, binders, and book bags priced under $60. The law specifically defines "school supplies" to include listed items while excluding non-educational products like stationery, wrapping paper, and hiking backpacks. This policy change reduces out-of-pocket costs for purchasing essential classroom materials.

Maddy summarySF 691 prohibits Minnesota employers from knowingly hiring individuals without legal U.S. work authorization, directly affecting businesses operating in the state. The bill requires employers to terminate such employment immediately upon discovery and authorizes the Labor Commissioner to impose fines of $1,000-$10,000 per violation, suspend business licenses for up to 14 days, and investigate suspected violations. Employers using E-Verify for work authorization verification gain a rebuttable presumption they did not knowingly employ unauthorized individuals. This legislation creates enforceable standards for workplace compliance under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 181.

Maddy summarySF 715 authorizes Minnesota to establish a third-party testing program for driver's license knowledge, road, and skills exams. It allows deputy registrars to appoint private testers to administer these exams, setting maximum fees of $5 for knowledge tests and $30 for road/skills tests. The bill directly affects applicants seeking driver's licenses by expanding testing options beyond state-run locations, while maintaining existing content requirements for the exams (like traffic laws and vision tests).

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.95 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2027 (with a base amount for future years) to fund Minnesota's "farm to food shelf" program through Second Harvest Heartland. It directs funds specifically for: purchasing milk from Minnesota processors for food shelves ($850,000/year), compensating farmers for harvesting surplus produce to prevent waste, buying protein products (meat, dairy, legumes) from Minnesota sources, and purchasing produce from "The Good Acre" ($500,000/year). The program directly benefits Minnesota's five Feeding America food banks and charitable organizations distributing food, while requiring food to be sourced from local agricultural producers and processors. Second Harvest Heartland must submit quarterly reports detailing fund usage, food distribution, and commodity purchases to the Agriculture Commissioner and relevant legislative committees.