Sen. Carla Nelson

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two specific debt limits for Minnesota's state government. It requires the commissioner to calculate the maximum new debt the state can issue, ensuring debt payments stay under 3% of projected general fund revenue for all state debt, and under 0.6% for certain bond types like agency bonds. These limits apply to new borrowing starting July 2025 and must be included in annual debt forecasts. The bill directly affects how the state manages its borrowing authority for capital projects, preventing excessive debt accumulation relative to revenue.

Maddy summarySF 762 increases criminal penalties for introducing contraband into Minnesota correctional facilities. It raises the felony penalty for bringing prohibited items (like drugs or weapons) into jails or prisons beyond the current maximum two-year sentence. The law applies to anyone who introduces contraband without facility staff consent, including inmates and visitors. Dangerous weapons already carry a maximum five-year sentence under existing law, and this bill expands the scope of the penalty increase to cover additional contraband types. The change directly affects facility security and those who violate rules regarding prohibited items.

Maddy summarySF 737 establishes mandatory minimum fines for drivers who fail to stop for school buses. It directly affects drivers who violate Minnesota's school bus stop arm law, imposing fines of at least $500 for first offenses, $700 for repeat violations within ten years, and $950 for two or more prior violations. The bill also defines specific scenarios as gross misdemeanors - passing a bus on the right side (passenger door) or when children are outside on the street/sidewalk - with stricter penalties. The law would take effect on August 1, 2025, applying to violations occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summarySF 981 increases fiscal safeguards for Minnesota state grants to nonprofit organizations. It requires nonprofits to submit two years of IRS Form 990, limit officer compensation to the governor’s salary, and prohibit state employees or elected officials from serving on their governing boards. Nonprofits receiving over 50% of revenue from state funds must also provide certified financial audits and undergo background checks for board members. The bill mandates detailed reporting on fund usage, program outcomes, and annual legislative reports to track grant effectiveness. These requirements apply to all state grant recipients under Minnesota Statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces tax rates for charitable organizations operating gambling activities like raffles, paper bingo, and paddlewheels. It lowers the tax brackets for "combined net receipts" (gross gambling revenue minus certain expenses), such as reducing the top rate from 33.5% to 30% for receipts over $157,500. It also exempts sports-themed tipboards - where winning numbers are based on professional sports outcomes - from this tax. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3.2 million from state bond proceeds to fund road improvements on a one-mile section of 15th Avenue NE in Stewartville, Minnesota. The funds will be used by the city to pave the roadway, address drainage issues, and replace culverts and storm sewers at the intersection with 6th Street NE. The state will issue up to $3.2 million in bonds to cover this appropriation, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. The project directly affects Stewartville residents, businesses, and commuters using this specific road segment.

Maddy summarySF 940 would remove the cap on Minnesota taxpayers' ability to subtract Social Security benefits from their state income tax, allowing them to deduct the full amount of their benefits instead of being limited to specific dollar amounts (like $5,840 for joint filers). Currently, this deduction phases out for higher earners, but the bill eliminates the previous maximum limits while keeping the existing income-based phaseout thresholds. This change directly affects Minnesota residents who receive Social Security benefits and file state income tax returns. The bill takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summarySF 894 establishes "Donate Life" special license plates for Minnesota drivers. To obtain these plates, vehicle owners must pay an additional $10 annually to a special account supporting Donate Life's mission of promoting organ and tissue donation. The bill requires the commissioner to design plates featuring Donate Life branding and specifies that funds collected will cover administrative costs before supporting Donate Life's work. These plates are transferable between eligible vehicles owned by the same person for a $5 fee.

Maddy summarySF 941 proposes a constitutional amendment to change Minnesota's state Senate election cycle. If approved by voters in 2026, it would require that after each redistricting (reapportionment), senators from even-numbered districts serve two-year terms while those from odd-numbered districts serve two-year terms at the next election - creating staggered terms. This would replace the current system where all Senate seats are up for election simultaneously after reapportionment. The amendment directly affects Minnesota state senators and the timing of Senate elections. Voters will decide this change through a "Yes/No" question on the 2026 general election ballot.

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.